Eric B. and Rakim Songs: The Complete Guide to Hip-Hop’s Most Revolutionary Catalog

Eric B. and Rakim didn’t just make songs — they rewrote the rules of what hip-hop could be. Across four studio albums between 1987 and 1992, this Long Island DJ and Wyandanch MC built a catalog that fundamentally changed how rappers write, flow, and think about their craft. From “Eric B. Is President” to “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” every Eric B. and Rakim song represents a masterclass in lyricism and production that still echoes through hip-hop today.

Before Rakim, most MCs rhymed at the end of each line with simple, predictable patterns. After Rakim, that approach sounded amateur. He introduced internal rhyme schemes, multisyllabic patterns, and a smooth, unhurried delivery that treated the beat like a jazz instrument rather than a metronome. Eric B., meanwhile, was layering James Brown breaks with jazz samples in ways that gave Rakim’s words room to breathe.

This is the complete guide to their songs — every album, the essential tracks, and why this catalog matters nearly four decades later.

Quick Facts: Eric B. & Rakim

Detail	Info
Active Years	1986–1993
Members	Eric Barrier (DJ/producer), William Michael Griffin Jr. (MC)
Hometown	Long Island, New York
Studio Albums	4 (1987–1992)
Labels	4th & B’way / Island / MCA
Key Innovation	Internal rhymes, multisyllabic flow, jazz-influenced sampling
RIAA Certifications	Paid in Full (Platinum), Follow the Leader (Gold)
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame	Inducted 2023

How Eric B. & Rakim Changed Hip-Hop Forever

To understand why Eric B. and Rakim songs hit so differently, you need to understand what hip-hop sounded like before them. In 1986, the dominant style was high-energy, crowd-rocking party rap — think Run-DMC’s call-and-response, LL Cool J’s braggadocio, or the Beastie Boys’ chaotic energy. Rappers shouted. They rhymed in simple couplets. The end of one line rhymed with the end of the next, and that was about it.

Then “Eric B. Is President” dropped in 1986, and the game changed overnight.

Rakim didn’t shout. He spoke in a calm, measured tone that somehow hit harder than any yelling ever could. His lyrics weren’t just rhyming — they were architected. He placed rhymes in the middle of lines, at the beginning, nested inside each other. He used multisyllabic patterns that nobody had attempted before. Where other MCs were building with blocks, Rakim was engineering with precision instruments.

As Touré wrote, Rakim “started putting dots on paper to map out where his rhymes would fall” — literally diagramming his verses like a jazz musician charting a solo. He studied saxophone legend John Coltrane, and it showed. His flow had the same unhurried confidence, the same sense that every note was exactly where it needed to be.

Eric B.’s production was the perfect complement. Where other producers were stacking hard drums and aggressive samples, Eric B. drew from jazz and funk — looping James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” on “Eric B. Is President,” flipping Bobby Byrd on “I Know You Got Soul,” and mining deep-cut soul records that gave their music a warmth and sophistication that stood apart from the rest of hip-hop.

Together, they created four albums that serve as a blueprint every serious MC has studied.

Paid in Full (1987): The Songs That Started a Revolution

Paid in Full wasn’t just a debut — it was a detonation. Released on July 7, 1987, the album hit #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and was eventually certified Platinum by the RIAA. But the chart numbers don’t capture what this album actually did. It reset every MC’s expectations of themselves.

“Eric B. Is President” (1986 Single / Album Track)

The one that started it all. Built on a loop of “Funky Drummer” by James Brown and Fonda Rae’s “Over Like a Fat Rat,” this track introduced the world to Rakim’s voice — and immediately made every other rapper sound like they were trying too hard. The opening bars (“I came in the door, I said it before / I never let the mic magnetize me no more”) announced a new standard. No hype man needed. No shouting. Just absolute command.

“I Ain’t No Joke”

If “Eric B. Is President” was the introduction, “I Ain’t No Joke” was the statement of dominance. Over a haunting loop of Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit,” Rakim essentially warned every MC in the game that the bar had been raised permanently. The line “I hold the microphone like a grudge” became one of the most quoted bars in hip-hop history. This was Rakim at his most aggressive — not in volume, but in precision. Every word felt like it was placed with surgical intent.

“I Know You Got Soul”

A massive crossover hit that sampled Bobby Byrd’s song of the same name, this track proved Eric B. & Rakim could make records that moved dancefloors while still maintaining lyrical complexity. It peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 — impressive for a hip-hop record in 1987 — and became a global hit, reaching #13 in the UK. The Coldcut remix helped push the track internationally and introduced the duo to a whole new audience.

“Paid in Full”

The title track became one of the most iconic hip-hop songs ever recorded. The Coldcut “Seven Minutes of Madness” remix, which sampled Israeli singer Ofra Haza, became a UK #15 hit and introduced sampling techniques that would influence electronic music for decades. But the original version is the real gem — Rakim’s opening line (“Thinkin’ of a master plan / ‘Cuz ain’t nuthin’ but sweat inside my hand”) captures the everyday hustle with a poet’s economy.

“Move the Crowd”

This track showcased Rakim’s ability to write about the art of MCing itself without it feeling self-indulgent. Where other rappers boasted about being the best, Rakim explained how he was the best — breaking down his own technique while demonstrating it in real time. The title became a hip-hop catchphrase and the concept of “moving the crowd” as a measure of MC skill persists to this day.

Other Paid in Full Tracks Worth Knowing

• “My Melody” — A showcase of Eric B.’s turntable skills alongside Rakim’s flow. The line “Turn up the bass and let me see your face” captures the duo’s live energy.
• “As the Rhyme Goes On” — Demonstrates Rakim’s storytelling chops with a more narrative approach.
• “Chinese Arithmetic” — One of the album’s more experimental beats, with Eric B. pulling from unexpected sources.

Follow the Leader (1988): Raising the Bar Even Higher

With their debut having rearranged the entire landscape, Eric B. & Rakim could have simply repeated the formula. Instead, they evolved. Follow the Leader saw Eric B. moving toward more layered, jazz-inflected production while Rakim pushed his lyrical complexity into territory nobody else could reach. Released on July 25, 1988, it peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold.

“Follow the Leader”

The album’s title track is Rakim at his most cinematically ambitious. Over a pulsing, almost ominous Eric B. beat driven by a Bob James sample, Rakim takes the listener on a journey through his lyrical world. The song’s concept — “follow me” as I show you what hip-hop can be — was a bold statement that he backed up completely. The music video, filmed in an eerie, fog-filled setting, matched the song’s otherworldly energy.

“Microphone Fiend”

Arguably the most famous Eric B. & Rakim song and one of hip-hop’s greatest records, period. Built on a sample of “Soul Makossa” by Manu Dibango (the same record Michael Jackson sampled for “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'”), the track features Rakim comparing his need to rap to an addiction. The metaphor was fresh, the execution was flawless, and the song’s energy is still unmatched. “I was a fiend before I became a teen” — that opening line sets up the entire concept with one bar.

“Lyrics of Fury”

If you want to understand why rappers call Rakim the God MC, study this track. It’s essentially a lyrical exercise — Rakim flexing his technical abilities at full power over a stripped-down beat. The internal rhyme schemes here are dense enough to diagram on a chalkboard. This is the song that aspiring MCs have dissected, studied, and attempted to replicate for nearly four decades.

“The R”

A jazzy, reflective track that showed a different side of the duo. Where much of their catalog was about lyrical dominance, “The R” had a more introspective quality. It demonstrated that Rakim could shift moods and modes without losing his identity.

For fans who want to honor this era, our Eric B. and Rakim Follow The Leader Hoodie captures the essence of the album that proved the debut was no fluke — an era when Rakim showed the world that following his lead was the only option.

Other Follow the Leader Tracks Worth Knowing

• “Musical Massacre” — Eric B. showcases production skills that were increasingly ambitious.
• “Put Your Hands Together” — A crowd-rocker that proved they hadn’t abandoned the party while elevating the art.
• “To the Listeners” — Rakim directly addressing his audience, breaking down his philosophy.

Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em (1990): The Underappreciated Masterpiece

Ask casual hip-hop fans about Eric B. & Rakim and they’ll mention Paid in Full and maybe Follow the Leader. Ask serious heads — the ones who study the craft — and they’ll tell you Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em is the one. Released on June 19, 1990, on MCA Records, this album didn’t have the commercial impact of its predecessors (peaking at #22 on the Billboard 200), but it’s widely regarded as their most musically sophisticated work. The album’s production story adds to its mystique — original producer Paul C was murdered during the recording sessions in 1989, and Large Professor stepped in to help complete the project, bringing a jazz-heavy sensibility that pushed the duo’s sound into new territory.

“Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em”

The title track is Rakim at his most technically proficient. The rhyme schemes are so layered that new patterns reveal themselves on each listen. Eric B.’s production is darker, moodier — heavy on jazz samples with a sense of atmosphere that was ahead of its time. This is the track that Nas has cited as a direct influence on Illmatic.

“In the Ghetto”

A rare moment of social commentary from the duo. While Rakim was known primarily for lyrical exhibitions rather than message records, “In the Ghetto” showed he could paint vivid pictures of street life without falling into clichés. The track was released as a single and received significant radio play, proving the duo could tackle substance without sacrificing style.

“Mahogany”

Named after the Diana Ross film and built on a lush, jazzy loop, “Mahogany” is one of the most beautiful Eric B. & Rakim records. It’s a love song — something nobody expected from the God MC — and it works because Rakim brings the same precision to romance that he brings to battle bars. The track was released as a single and peaked at #7 on the Hot Rap Singles chart.

“No Omega”

The title means “no end” (Omega being the last letter of the Greek alphabet), and the track is essentially Rakim declaring that his reign will never finish. It’s one of his most quotable songs, with the kind of concentrated bars that other MCs would spread across an entire album.

Other Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em Tracks Worth Knowing

• “Step Back” — A return to the braggadocio roots with more refined production.
• “Set ‘Em Straight” — Rakim dismantling unnamed opponents with surgical precision.
• “Keep ‘Em Eager to Listen” — An aptly named deep cut that rewards close attention.
• “Run for Cover” — One of the album’s more energetic moments, with Eric B. driving the tempo.

Don’t Sweat the Technique (1992): The Final Chapter

The duo’s fourth and final studio album arrived on June 23, 1992, and while it entered a hip-hop landscape that had shifted dramatically — Dr. Dre’s The Chronic was months away, Nas was in the studio working on Illmatic — it proved that Eric B. & Rakim still had moves nobody else could make. The album peaked at #22 on the Billboard 200.

“Don’t Sweat the Technique”

A perfect closer for the duo’s catalog. The title track is Rakim at his most effortless — delivering complex rhyme patterns with a smoothness that makes it sound easy. It’s a meditation on his own mastery, and unlike most self-congratulatory rap records, it backs up every boast in real time. The beat has a bouncy, almost playful quality that contrasts beautifully with the lyrical density.

“Casualties of War”

Released as a single during the Gulf War era, this track found Rakim engaging with global politics — a departure from his usual subject matter. It showed growth and a willingness to use his platform for more than lyrical exhibitions.

“What’s on Your Mind”

The album’s lead single, built on a smooth groove that showcased the duo’s continued evolution. It charted on both the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Hot Rap Singles charts, proving they could still generate commercial interest.

“Know the Ledge”

Technically from the Juice soundtrack (the 1992 Tupac film), this track is often associated with the Don’t Sweat the Technique era. It’s one of their hardest records — a street-level track with a menacing loop and Rakim delivering some of his most vivid imagery. The title itself is a play on “knowledge,” fitting for an MC who always valued substance over flash.

Other Don’t Sweat the Technique Tracks Worth Knowing

• “Teach the Children” — A conscious record that showed Rakim’s maturation.
• “Pass the Hand Grenade” — One of their most aggressive productions.
• “Relax with Pep” — A smoother, more laid-back vibe.
• “What’s Going On” — Not a Marvin Gaye cover, but a Rakim original addressing societal issues.

The 10 Essential Eric B. & Rakim Songs, Ranked

If you’re new to Eric B. & Rakim or building a playlist, these are the 10 tracks you absolutely need to know, ranked by cultural impact and artistic achievement:

1. “Paid in Full” (1987) — The foundation. The Coldcut remix conquered the world, but the original remains the definitive statement of golden era hip-hop.
2. “Microphone Fiend” (1988) — The perfect fusion of concept, execution, and energy. The “Soul Makossa” sample is unforgettable.
3. “I Ain’t No Joke” (1987) — Rakim’s declaration of war on mediocrity. “I hold the microphone like a grudge” is one of rap’s most iconic lines.
4. “Eric B. Is President” (1986) — The opening salvo. The track that made the hip-hop world stop and pay attention to a new standard.
5. “Follow the Leader” (1988) — Cinematic, ambitious, and technically brilliant. The track that proved the debut was no fluke.
6. “I Know You Got Soul” (1987) — The crossover hit that moved dancefloors globally without compromising an ounce of lyrical integrity.
7. “Don’t Sweat the Technique” (1992) — Pure craftsmanship. Rakim making the impossibly complex sound effortless.
8. “Lyrics of Fury” (1988) — The technical showcase. If you want to study Rakim’s internal rhyme patterns, start here.
9. “Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em” (1990) — The deep cut that serious heads know is one of their best. Dark, moody, and endlessly layered.
10. “Know the Ledge” (1992) — The Juice soundtrack standout that proved they could go hard without sacrificing intelligence.

Honorable mentions: “Mahogany,” “In the Ghetto,” “My Melody,” “Move the Crowd,” “No Omega.”

FAQ: Eric B. and Rakim Songs

How many songs did Eric B. and Rakim make together?

Eric B. and Rakim released four studio albums containing a total of 41 original tracks, plus additional singles and soundtrack contributions. Their official discography spans from 1986’s “Eric B. Is President” single to the 1992 Don’t Sweat the Technique album.

What is Eric B. and Rakim’s most famous song?

“Paid in Full” is generally considered their most famous song, largely due to the Coldcut “Seven Minutes of Madness” remix that became an international hit. However, “Microphone Fiend” and “I Know You Got Soul” are equally well-known among hip-hop fans. Among serious hip-hop heads, “I Ain’t No Joke” is often cited as their definitive track.

What was Eric B. and Rakim’s first song?

“Eric B. Is President” was their first single, released in 1986 on Zakia Records before they signed with 4th & B’way Records. It was backed by “My Melody” on the B-side.

Why did Eric B. and Rakim break up?

Eric B. and Rakim split in 1993 due to business disputes, not personal conflicts. As Rakim explained in a 2018 NPR interview: “Me and [Eric B.] didn’t have a problem. We had a business problem.” The issues centered around management decisions and label negotiations. They reunited for a series of live performances in 2017.

What did Rakim do after Eric B. and Rakim?

Rakim launched a solo career, releasing The 18th Letter in 1997 (his solo debut, which went Gold), The Master in 1999, and The Seventh Seal in 2009. He continued touring and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

What samples did Eric B. use in their songs?

Eric B. was known for his masterful sampling, pulling from James Brown (“Funky Drummer” on “Eric B. Is President”), Bobby Byrd (“I Know You Got Soul”), Mtume (“Juicy Fruit” on “I Ain’t No Joke”), Manu Dibango (“Soul Makossa” on “Microphone Fiend”), and numerous jazz and funk records. His sample choices helped define the sonic identity of golden era hip-hop.

Is Rakim the greatest rapper of all time?

While “greatest of all time” lists are inherently subjective, Rakim consistently appears in the top 5 of virtually every credible ranking. His innovations — internal rhymes, multisyllabic patterns, and a smooth conversational flow — directly influenced nearly every MC who came after him, from Nas and Jay-Z to Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. Many artists and critics call him the “God MC” for good reason.

Were Eric B. and Rakim inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?

Yes. Eric B. & Rakim were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, recognizing their transformative impact on hip-hop and popular music as a whole.