Follow the Leader
Eric B. & Rakim · 1988
48 min · 11 tracks · East Coast hip-hop
Dynamic beats and intricate wordplay intertwine, showcasing a seamless blend of lyricism and production innovation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Follow the Leader — The title track encapsulates Rakim's complex rhyme schemes and Eric B.'s masterful production, setting the tone for the entire album with its confident declaration of artistic leadership.
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Microphone Fiend — This track highlights Rakim's unparalleled flow and lyrical prowess, exploring themes of obsession with music while featuring an infectious beat that became a hallmark of their style.
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Lyrics of Fury — Demonstrating Rakim's lyrical dexterity, this track showcases his ability to weave intricate wordplay into vivid storytelling, affirming his status as one of hip-hop's finest lyricists.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This album showcases innovative production and lyricism, solidifying its place in hip-hop history.
What we noticed
- The first track features a dynamic beat that sets a confident tone, while the following tracks maintain a consistent energy with intricate wordplay.
- Several tracks incorporate varied sampling techniques, blending jazz and funk elements into the hip-hop production.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with rhythmic peaks
- intricate lyricism for detail seekers
- engaging flow for focused listening
- dynamic beats that inspire movement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone catchy singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Follow the Leader' was released in 1988, Eric B. & Rakim had already established themselves as pioneers in East Coast hip-hop with their debut album, 'Paid in Full'. This sophomore effort came at a crucial point in their career, solidifying their influence on the genre after achieving commercial success and acclaim for their innovative style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- A Tribe Called Quest· Nas· Gang Starr
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Follow the Leader 5:36
- 2 Microphone Fiend 5:17
- 3 Lyrics of Fury 4:15
- 4 Eric B. Never Scared 5:21
- 5 Just a Beat 2:07
- 6 Put Your Hands Together 5:15
- 7 To the Listeners 4:32
- 8 No Competition 3:52
- 9 The R 3:55
- 10 Musical Massacre 4:29
- 11 Beats for the Listeners 4:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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