Description
Eric B. & Rakim – Paid In Full – Double Vinyl Record
Paid in Full, released on July 7, 1987, is the debut album from Eric B. & Rakim, and it stands as one of the most important and influential hip-hop records ever made. At a time when rap was still finding its voice, often relying on party anthems and simple rhyme structures, Rakim completely rewrote the rulebook. His approach to lyricism was revolutionary — calm, calculated, and filled with complex internal rhymes, intricate wordplay, and philosophical depth. He didn’t shout to get your attention; his measured, almost jazz-like flow demanded that you lean in and listen. Meanwhile, Eric B.’s production, built on a foundation of funk, soul, and reggae samples, provided the perfect backdrop. His beats were minimal but heavy and hypnotic, with breakbeats and loops that showcased both his DJ prowess and his sharp ear for grooves. Together, they elevated hip-hop into something more sophisticated — part poetry, part street reportage, and part musical innovation.
Lyrically, the album’s themes revolved around self-mastery, hustling, street wisdom, and the almost religious power of hip-hop itself. Tracks like “Paid in Full” and “I Know You Got Soul” didn’t just celebrate wealth or style — they framed rhyme and rhythm as acts of spiritual expression, connecting the grind of the streets to the divine art of MCing. Musically, Eric B.’s crate-digging skills brought to life some of the most iconic beats in history, blending James Brown samples, thunderous drums, and razor-sharp scratching into something that felt both gritty and elevated. Tracks like “Eric B. Is on the Cut” reminded listeners that hip-hop wasn’t just about the MC — the DJ was still the foundation, the musical architect shaping the soundscape.
The cultural impact of Paid in Full cannot be overstated. It redefined what it meant to be an MC, influencing virtually every lyricist that came after, from Nas and Jay-Z to Kendrick Lamar. Its cover, with Eric B. and Rakim decked out in Dapper Dan-designed gold chains and luxury gear, established the visual language of hip-hop wealth and style, linking fashion to the music in ways that continue to this day. Though it was their debut, Paid in Full was so groundbreaking that it felt fully formed, a masterclass from two artists who understood the future of hip-hop before the rest of the world caught up. Even decades later, it stands as both a time capsule of 1980s New York and a timeless blueprint for what hip-hop could achieve. Whether you consider it the greatest rap album of all time or simply one of the most important, its influence runs so deep that the DNA of modern hip-hop still carries its imprint.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
I Ain’t No Joke
Eric B. Is On The Cut
My Melody Remix – Marley Marl
I Know You Got Soul
Move The Crowd
Paid In Full
As The Rhyme Goes On
Chinese Arithmetic
Eric B. Is President Remix – Marley Marl
Extended Beat
