Dad's First Reaction to Rakim! | "Paid in Full" & "Ain't No Joke" 

The God MC. He changed the way rap was presented. He forced rappers to step their game up and become more lyrical. Ra was the game changer. The absolute GOAT of the 80s. And no one was even close.

Your taste in music for a relatively young guy is exquisite. You pick some really good tracks for your dad to review. You both have acute hearing for music - keep it up

You should've noted that this is one of the most respected emcees and one of the most impressive accolade, is that he rarely swears/cussed once throughout his entire career. and is still classified as a hardcore rapper. Never in history will someone like Rakim be duplicated. 1 of 1

Thanks for the double-review. Rakim is considered: The God MC: he is the moment that separated "conscious-rhymes" from "party raps" . Him, KRS1 and Public Enemy single-handedly shifted the language of Hip Hop to include vocabulary; content and reflection. Rakim's vocabulary--at the time-- was mind-blowing for our party state of mind. Again, as usual, great job! SIDENOTE: We'd love to hear a background video on you and Dad; 'specially the music you grew up on. I'm feeling like part of the family...

I met Rakim after a concert at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem. After the show he did a brief interview outside w/a film crew. He is such a sincere, humble, charismatic, intelligent & yes, a righteous man. He's my favorite emcee/rapper of all time. Literally #1. He signed hundreds of autographs & took pix & vids as well. I still have mine! He's a coolazz dude

My favorite is “Don’t Sweat the Technique”. The rhythm of the instruments & his voice are so in sync. It’s one of the best ever still

Young Man... what you're doing is outstanding. Imagine bringing your Pops into your world. I admire you and your dad, for being open to understanding where lyrics like this come from. Props to you!!

"Special Ed" is Another great artist from the late 80's.. his song "I got it Made" is a Classic👌🏾

Im a therapist and worked with a client a few years back and this was his favorite song. We would play it during the lunch group sooo many times that I now know the words. Makes me so happy to see this

Hit like.... if yall know they would love Slick Rick's Children's Story!

Actually when your dad said "hes not a mumble rapper" he truly didnt understand the depth of thst statement in context to Rakim's influence. You see, Rakim is actually the antithesis of mumble rap or simple lyricism. Rakim was one of the first emcees to use technical literary mechanics within rap music. His style was rooted in metaphors, similes, cross references & subtext. Rakim is considered one of the top tier lyricists because of this.

Rakim comes from a very musically talented family and was a prodigy coming out of high school. He composes his rap flow based upon jazz music as that is what he was surrounded with growing up. He was so good when he debuted that the other top rappers at the time considered career changes. When I be on the mic and The Saga Begins are two really good songs by him.

Eric B and Rakim created a paradigm shift in hip-hop. That's all. Everything else has already been said....

Don’t forget..”MC” means “Master of Ceremonies”, but to Rakim “MC” means “Move the Crowd”….Salute 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

Rakim is one of the most highly respected and greatest emcees of all time. He inspired me to pick up the pen and mic along with Nas.

Rakim is one of the best lyricists in hip hop. The R. Y’all should listen to Microphone Fiend and Know the Ledge.

Now we're talkin! I purchased this cassette back in summer 1987, and immediately played it on my $100 boom box. My head exploded! Hearing Rakim rhyme was an extraplanetary experience. I'm appreciating your station, Big up to you & your Dad for exploring some real Hip Hop gems!! Much success ..

Big Daddy Kane - Ain’t No Half Stepping or Smooth Operator Slick Rick - Children’s Story Boogie Down Productions- Love’s Gonna Getcha

Eric B and Rakim turned hip hop rap music lyrical. Everyone before them (with a few outliers) was more nursery school rhyme schemes/styles. Rakim's laid back flow versus the yelling on the mic like Run DMC, changed everything. Mostly every rapper after Rakim has been influenced by him. Also I think Dad was referencing "It's like That" by Run DMC.

So Run DMC is next. Lmaoooooooo. Y’all are too cute and genuine. The culture appreciated that and that is what is accepted. I think that’s why I love these videos. Your Dad gets the music and I love that.

Rakim “The God MC” change the game! His baritone voice, flawless word play and overall delivery’s stilled to this day unmatched!🐐

It's crazy to think even back then how clear rakims vocals were if I'm not mistaken this changed the direction of rap music

Rakim was the first rapper to have a verse on a R&B song, "Friends" by Jody Watley, spawning a new era and paving the way in music for the HipHop/R&B genre.

Paid in full samples, in part, Don’t Look Any Further by Dennis Edwards (Temptations).

Ice-T - 6 in the morning was a popular west coast record in the mid 80s, Geto Boys took off in Houstan in the early 90s as well, Ain't with being Broke and Mind Playing Tricks are great records

I can't wait to see your dad switches roles and teaches you some of his hidden gems from the music he enjoys!!!!

You guys need some Wu-Tang in there

While exploring 80s rap, I would also suggest you listen to LL Cool J People talk about who is the GOAT but LL actually coined that term. Speaks for itself

This is like a book club for us hiphopheads! I always put the volume full blast when the music is playing, I literally put my hands up and rock out like I'm at a hip hop show. I got mad love for both y'all, bless up!

Best thing your dads says "Well he's not a mumble rapper", topped the video off for me! Love the content, keep it up!

We need more double reviews!!!!

OUR PAID IN FULL FAMILY WANTS TO THANK YOU BOTH FOR YA SUPPORT ..PEACE FROM ERIC. B AND RAKIM..WE APPRECIATE HOW THE FATHER PAID ATTENTION TO THE LYRICS AND THE SON'S KNOWLEDGE OF THE GROUP.///.ALL PRAISES DO..../// PEACE..

Immortal technique. Dance with the devil and You never know.

Rap in the 80's was very competitive in nature, almost to the point of being a sport. Rappers would have rap battles to see who the best MC was. So bragging about one's level of lyrical skill was a huge part of the culture. Rakim turned this into an art form by infusing complex metaphors and intricate rhyme schemes far beyond the level of his predecessors and contemporaries. Before him rap songs were simpler, less serious and were often about mundane topics such as tennis shoes or partying.

He was definitely one of the first rappers to be known as a God level MC!!

Lovely reaction. You might want to check out the Digable planet's "Cool like that". Has this mix of jazz-funk-rap fusion. Came out in the early 90s

This is great, thank you sir. Rakim is one of the greatest MC’s ever to touch the mic most real MC’s looked at him for influence, any great, true, MC we was influenced by “The 18th Letter”. FYI, you’re running your channel great. I love how you allow us to have a say so at times yet you also take charge and pick songs you want to showcase. You keep me guessing when you drop a new video and I’m always pleasantly surprised. Not to mention you two are very easy to vibe with, great personalities. “Paid in Full” was/is such an important track for hip-hop. From the lyrics to the beat. Man I could write a book about what it means to me and the influence this song single-handedly has had on hip-hop. That fish line is significant in that Muslims, N.O.I. and 5 Percenters eat lots of fish being that they’re restricted in the kinds of meat they’re allowed to eat. Thought I’d mention that for what it’s worth. LSS, thanks for another great song. I look forward weekly to these. Have a great and blessed week. P.S. Hopefully Mom is having a great Mother’s Day.

I really love the fact that your son is sooo knowledgeable pertaining to hip hop and hip hop culture. It’s beautiful to see 😊👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Respect.

Some real history here guys. Keep up the good work!

GETO BOYS - MIND PLAYIN' TRICKS

The bass was from Dennis Edward's "don't look any further". ..as a matter of fact. They rode the whole bassline for the whole song. I am a hip hop historian and have been looking at your channel for a few months. You have done your homework. There are a few things you could polish up on to no fault of your own. But if you need a bit more definitive explanation for lyrics, beats and samples for things you are reviewing, Hit me up. My resume speaks for itself and I would love to help you out. In not seeking anything.. I just love teaching about hip hop. I'm a 70s baby and was there when hip hop was created....I remember everything

Never heard fish in my life at the end of Paid in Full but now I can't unhear it🤣. Rakim definitely changed the way people rapped. He was the Nephew of Ruth Brown also.

Thanks for giving us 2 in 1. Look forward to you guys opinions. I can tell dad really loves music. To see you guys bond over Hip Hop is just amazing to me. Not only bond, but appreciate it and every now and then point out some things that I missed. Keep em coming guys! Great video!!!

Kai! I love that a young man your age is steeped in the culture. You remind me of my younger self. I dug deep into the history of the music I loved. Too many youngsters act as if music started when it first caught their own ears. Hardly. But I don’t need to tell you that! Props to your Pops as well. Keep up the GREAT work!👏🏽🙌🏽👍🏽

It would be a great idea for you guys to watch a hip-hop documentary/series so Dad can learn more about the 4 elements of hip-hop. I think it would help make more sense of what's going on. Love this two song format.

The drums in Paid In Full comes from a group named The Soul Searchers. The song is called Ashley's Roachclip.

Here's 2 more songs from Rakim: Know the Ledge, and Whats on Your Mind. Excellent stories within the songs.

I’m going thru some shit rn and y’all are a nice break from reality for me! Big respect to you and your dad for enjoying music!

“In the Ghetto” is a very dense song content wise from Rakim that I think y’all could really get into, especially the 2nd verse where he breaks down the process of life! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Rakim is one of the greatest MCs ever, and even his solo-album(s) are great and awesome, especially The Master from 1999 is kind of underrated - why ever!?!

Should have thrown in Microphone Fiend!

From Run DMC's "It's Like That" in 1983 toward "Paid in Full" was a serious FLOW that shifted Hip Hop again. Your favorite rapper and Master of Ceremony's favorite....Eric B. & Rakim are still influencing and moving the crowd. Rakim is the nephew of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Ruth Brown. Put Microphone Fiend on and it will still crowd the dance floor at a BBQ. 🤗💃🏾🤗💛

This was an awesome reaction and discussion from the two of you. Kai (I am sorry if I spelt your name wrong) you are soooo articulate, knowledgeable and have amazing expressionism!! You are picking really great songs to delve into and share with your Dad. I just absolutely adore you both! I love how Dad is so open minded to learning and educating himself on music and just overall spending time with you and you with him. Best channel I found this year!!! Thanks for sharing this with us. 🙂 🙌🧡🤗 Keep up the great work guys!!

Lost my 12 year old dog to splenic cancer a few days ago. Just wanted to say your guys’ channel is helping me keep my mind off it. You guys are great. Thanks.

Eric B. & Rakim are Hip-Hop royalty as I’m sure many growing up during that era will agree. This sound was a transitional point in Hip-Hop that continued for decades.

I love Rakim He's lyrical but he's smooth at the same damn time No one else can claim that and there are very few albums as influential in Hip Hop culture as Paid in Full

I love how Rakim almost never uses curse words in his songs. Its just amazing considering now a day thats all you hear. And Rakim made absolute classics without a single curse... legened

You really did your homework on this one. When this album dropped it was a super game changer in hip hop

The whole theme of “I ain’t no joke” song is about rakims rhymes and how MC’s used to “bite” back in the day………there was no social media and everything was word of mouth so you could literally hear a MC ryme at a party, steal the lyrics and take them a hood over and recite them as your own and make a name for yourself😳……..happen to me plenty of times! 🤷🏽‍♂️

I love your dad man! He's so open minded when it comes to music and overall just seems like such a nice, warm guy too. Also a biggup from this '90s head for your selection of tracks!

Let's go back Don't know if you have did this one but grand master flash and the furious 5, the message.

“Paid in full” became the basis of a movie as well as a brick in the wall of Hip Hop!

Love these videos and the way you lead into each song with a walk down the history of each track and artist. Very well put together....and your dad being so open to all this is incredible.

Your videos are literally top quality, keep it coming

Best MC all time Rakim Allah, the god! Without him there’s no Nas, Pac, Big, etc. dope video. Thanks Kai and dad!

Please react to story teller rappers. In particular, Dana Dane and Slick Rick.

I love this. I really enjoy you guys interpretations! Great Job!

The album paid in full was done in an apartment in the projects of Queensbridge, NY the studio of dj/producer Marley Marl

You gotta do "dancing with the devil" by "immortal technique" it will blow both of your minds. Story telling on another level..a bit crazy but if you can stomach it..it's crazy

Dude! You're exposing your dad to a pure classic.💪

BEEN waiting haha thank ya thank ya

This era of hip-hop was when the DJ was the main attraction and the MC was there to back him up. Rakim was one of the first to push the rapper to the forefront.

You guys are awesome! Please do “They Reminisce Over You” - Pete Rock & CL Smooth

Music is art and art is subjective..they probably would have loved to hear all the different perspectives. Loved today's show! Stay cool Dad and Kai. X

Man, I love your content. The dialog appears to be honest, which I love.

Dope review fellas. You put a lot of good history together about the Paid In Full Posse, The NGE, and how they crafted this album.

Awesome video! Erik B and Rakim didn't promote consumption! It was all about Competition! Paid In Full samples being scratched is the words, "Fresh" and "Disk Jockey".

Feels like your dad is ready for some slick Rick..

Good stuff fellas! Looking forward to seeing the evolution of rap through ur dads eyes. Lots to be covered :-)

Thank you! This is my era! I saw them perform several times back in the day. Kings!!! #bronxborn

Rakim is my favorite emcee of all time! Thank you for doing this. Try "know the ledge" from Eric B and Rakim. Its on the Juice soundtrack and its absolutely 🔥. I enjoy you guys, thanks

If your pops cried to Tupac Dear Mama. Yall can check out Scarface "I Seen a Man Die off his magum opus album "The Diary" or a song he did that featured Tupac "Smile" which I believe was one of the last guest verses that 2pac did before his passing that's why he wasn't in the video when the vid dropped back in 97.

Fire reaction! Father & son connecting over Rakim. Wholesome!!

Thanks for finally doing Rakim! Hope u guys do more! Your dad's a legend

Love the channel. 49 year old OG here from UK. hip hop from 79....B boy from early 80s and now father and both my daughters know thr lyrics to Paid in Full....my No 1 hip hop track of all time. keep the videos coming. You and your dad have a wonderful bond and vibe, your dad is a great guy and I love watching him vibe to what you play him.

Can you guys react to Nas' "I gave you power"

I have been watching you all all morning; Love you guys ❤ thank you so much for respecting my culture and taking the time out to give genuine appreciation to these dope artists and producers. Dad is a pretty cool cat 😉

"it's like that, and that's the way it is"- Run DMC. What dad was referring to.

Dad got a fresh fade

I think dance by nas would be a great reaction , a powerful tribute to his late mother , since your dad had such a good reaction to hey mama

Your dad’s analysis was correct. The original 50 cent was a well-known stick-up kid. And Eric B. and the original 50 were very close friends

Microphone Fiend is my fav track by these two, but your choice here is still good. I really appreciate you and your dads channel, this is such a treat for me.

PLEASE HAVE YOUR DAD REACT TO "NAS - WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND" PLEASE IT IS A VERY DEEP SONG I GUARANTEE YOUR DAD WILL LOVE IT!!!! IF HE LOVED BRENDAS GOT A BABY BY 2PAC HE'LL LOVE NAS PLEASEE!!!

scarface i seen a man die👍🏼

I enjoy your video’s!! Much love ❤️

Rakim my favorite rapper! One thing to point out is that he never cursed in his music. Classic 💯

Tupac thugz mansion ft Nas

Can you react to Fugees “Fu-Gee-La” that would be awesome

Paid in Full is still my favorite by them! Listen to him on the NPR Tiny Desk concert. He is still able to rap just like the 80 or 90's!

Love to learn about Hip Hop History. & Love you guys. Keep it up!