Paid in Full
Eric B. & Rakim · 1987
45 min · 10 tracks · East Coast hip-hop
Groundbreaking beats intertwine with intricate lyricism, defining the East Coast hip-hop sound of the late '80s.
Why this album works
'Paid in Full' is regarded as a seminal work in hip-hop, influencing countless artists and earning a spot on numerous greatest albums lists. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and has been cited for its innovative use of sampling and lyrical depth.
- Best for
- dynamic lyrical exploration steady rhythmic flow engaging storytelling elements
- Context
- When 'Paid in Full' was released on July 7, 1987, Eric B. & Rakim were emerging as pivotal figures in hip-hop. This debut album followed their earlier singles and set the stage for their influential partnership, showcasing Rakim's complex lyricism and Eric B.'s innovative production techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nas· Kool Keith· Kool G Rap
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Ain’t No Joke Standout 3:55
- 2 Eric B. Is on the Cut 3:52
- 3 My Melody 6:48
- 4 I Know You Got Soul Standout 4:50
- 5 Move the Crowd 3:50
- 6 Paid in Full Standout 3:54
- 7 As the Rhyme Goes On 4:03
- 8 Chinese Arithmetic 4:10
- 9 Eric B. Is President 6:20
- 10 Extended Beat 3:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.