Ranking Eric B. & Rakim's Albums

[mobbinfms]

I haven't seen much discussion, if any, on this topic.

This thread was inspired by the Nas vs. Rakim thread a few months back. It made me go and listen to Don't Sweat the Technique for the first time. Masterpiece. Personally, I prefer listening to Let The Rhythm Hit Em and DSTT more than the first two albums. That was when Ra started flowing over more 90s style production.

Of course, I think the general consensus is that Paid in Full is the masterpiece, and I won't dispute that. Too many classic monumental records on that album. I also think the general consensus is that DSTT is the worst of the four. Maybe it was that video for the title track that threw everyone off?

I was too young to be cognizant of Eric and Ra in the 80s, DSTT was actually when I started following them (that and Know the Ledge - which I think came first?) although I didn't go and pick up the album. Of course, I went back and did my homework when I got older. I'd like to hear from the old heads as well as the cats who went back and did their homework. @ anyone who you think could add on.

@Big Mel @Art Barr @Wacky D @Homeboy Runny-Ray @Billy Ocean @Ziggiy @Rakim Allah

 

[The Ruler 09]

Would have to go back and listen to rank. But Follow The Leader is probably my favourite followed by Paid In Full then I'm not sure how to rank the other two, both got great songs. All albums were great.

 

[Dusty Bake Activate]

Paid In Full is the best, followed Let the Rhythm Hit Em, then Follow the Leader, then Don't Sweat the Technique. Paid In Full is in GOAT contention. Let the Rhythm Hit Em is a classic. Follow the Leader has some of the best songs he ever made...Follow the Leader, Lyrics of Fury, Musical Massacre, Microphone. The only problem is it's too short and has too much filler. Don't Sweat the Technique is a step behind all the others.

 

[Bugsmoran]

I think it's in order


1.paid in full
2.follow the leader
3.let the rhythm hit'em
4.dont sweat the technique

 

[King Biko]

Follow the leader is my favorite one followed by paid in full, then dstt and then let the rhythm hit em

 

[Ziggiy]

Paid In Full is Gawd Status

 

[Why-Fi]

Follow the leader is my favorite one followed by paid in full, then dstt and then let the rhythm hit em

this

 

[Homeboy Runny-Ray]

I think it's in order


1.paid in full
2.follow the leader
3.let the rhythm hit'em
4.dont sweat the technique

THIS.

I never heard DSTT, so I left that off.

 

[mobbinfms]

Paid In Full is Gawd Status

No doubt. But where you got the other three?

 

[mobbinfms]

THIS.

I never heard DSTT, so I left that off.

Do yourself a favor and cop that shyt immediately. The album is crazy. Also, did anyone notice that he predicted 9/11 happening on Casualties of War?

 

[DonRe]

To me it follow the leader paid in full let the rhythm hit me and then don't sweat the technique.

His lyrics still hold so much weight and depth after almost 25 yrs it's unfathomable.

 

[mobbinfms]

To me it follow the leader paid in full let the rhythm hit me and then don't sweat the technique.

His lyrics still hold so much weight and depth after almost 25 yrs it's unfathomable.

You really hit the nail on the head with that.
I found an interesting article making the case for DSTT as the best of the four. I've got serious issues with the source b/c it's written by someone from the UK and they shyt on 2pac mercilessly in the article. Still interesting...

http://thequietus.com/articles/08972-eric-b-and-rakim-dont-sweat-the-technique

Also, am I alone in always skipping the DJ tracks on the first three albums?

 

[THE K-MAN]

1.Paid In Full
2.Let The Rhythm Hit Em
3.Follow The Leader
4.Dont Sweat The Technique

 

[Billy Ocean]

1.Paid In Full
2.Let The Rhythm Hit Em
3.Follow The Leader
4.Dont Sweat The Technique

Yea, I'd probably list em that way also. Paid in full is Godly status in my book.

 

[TEKBEATZ]

1.Paid In Full
2.Let The Rhythm Hit Em
3.Follow The Leader
4.Dont Sweat The Technique

This would be my order