Eric B. & Rakim - Follow The Leader (Official Music Video) 

No other rapper can compare

​@@gabrielleelliott2487 Rakim birthed alot of rappers in the game, and that's why he's The God MC cause he layed the foundation with his lyrical style and ability 💯

I can totally relate to this because I wasn't a big fan of hip hop in comparison to others. It was cool hearing groups like fat boys, sugar hill,etc,but I was enthralled with the genre like that until Run DMC came out with walk this way,then I moved to another state and one of the first rappers I heard was Rakim,Ice T and later Kool Moe D,etc and the rest was history. Years later when I got into the sounds of Granddaddy IU I've had ppl ask me if it was Rakim when they heard me playing him,so he is definitely an influence on those coming up behind him.

Indeed!!

1:06

I'm 54. And I was brought to tears as well. Dude, it's just so fucking good.

I'm 58 and I slept on this cut back when I saw the video. It sounds totally different now that I got bumpin speakers in my car. Back then I had a 87' Chevette🤣🤣🤣🤣LL Cool J Rock The Bells SiruisXm played this the other day. Eric B was underrated!💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿His beats slap!

❤️

@@dirtycordoba6713 I'm from Gen Z and i can agree, Eric B and Rakim revolutionised Hiphop, they are icons, and in the future, if they still perform, i'm willing to go there!

Yo im 56 this is real bro

This song is so ahead of its time, its parents havent met.

Probably best rapper, ever. Lots of greats mention him as such. 18th letter baby.

Can't put LL out the way!!!!!!! He got bars!!!!!!

This is your favorite rapper's Favorite Rapper!!

his lyrics is very fun. last time heard the man who could bring out killer verse is Andre 3000 and pusha t

I would agree but when i think about it he was in the right time, todays rap is shit compared to 80s-90s

99199 2:47 ​@@TheProdigyAccordion

hardly anyone these days compares to this level of lyrical ability

The only modern day artist on his level is Kedrick Lamar.

Did you say rap or crap? :p Cant tell the difference nowadays. Now this is awesome.

Real talk ...

We were witnessing greatness during those day. I didn't even realize it back then. Glad I was there ( juke box, video vibrations, rap city, etc.)

Yes, yes, yes. Its genius

at magnificent speeds around the universe

And it’s so visual you can actually see the journey

He was 20 with this flow

Yep

Where 0:51

🧊 0:56

Nobody seems to get this right. He said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

1:26

Lol ikr he a beasr

spread the word! good stuff. saw this on yo MTV raps. hooked

gyrusscalvary right

Lol right!!!

BugsnBeers Your profile picture...

Him and krs 1

Cosign

Absolute 100% Right

+Isidro Santa Maria 100

+Isidro Santa Maria True word !

It's crazy the beat does the same thing blastoff

💥🚀💯

LL

And he didn't have to use profanities. Every lyric clear with a message!

He introduced concepts and topics in Hip Hop such as Gnostic knowledge (Freemasonry, Cosmic thought, Egyptology). Rakims parents were musicians and part of the late 60s/early 70s Progressive Jazz movement fusing jazz, funk, rock, classical, punk and found sounds (early sampling?) So that was a factor as well. Rakim is Hip Hop Perfected!

Well said 🕶️💪🏽

as he said, "cuss is just sound effects" EPIC roast, EPIC line.

That makes him more of a real rapper and gangster rapper he goes hard without cursing

He said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

very true.

I did not take rap seriously until I heard this track and then the whole album in 1986. This album and P.E.'s Takes A Nation...sucked me into Hip Hop.

Yes yes yes !!

Far from it

@@PR-WAY Name a better one.

Church

murderin mc s

The R is the best to ever do it..

So follow me and were ya thinkin' you were first? Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the Universe What could ya say as the Earth gets further and further away Planets are small as balls of clay Astray into the Milky Way - world's outasight Far as the eye can see - not even a satellite Now stop and turn around and look As ya stare in the darkness, ya knowledge is took

​@@thegrinch7989bars 🔥🔥

@@thegrinch7989 Nobody seems to get this right. He said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

AGREED. In the history of Hip Hop, there is none like Rakim. Not one.

​@minusthebarsblostand 2:25 g

U bet2w 🧊 3:11

Rakim is a god MC but we all know that, what doesn't get talked about enough in HipHop history though is how revolutionary Eric B was in terms of mixing and production, he was never the flashiest DJ in a technical sense but his ear for picking and mixing samples and his sense of timing and rhythm and pacing were perfect, and nobody was making beats as diverse as B was back then, people always talk about Paul's Boutique as being a revolutionary album (and it was and still is) but without Eric B doing it first then the Beastie Boys would have never been inspired to make Paul's Boutique

Word!!!

3:02 ​@@xp8969

I agree

yes, he's the GOAT

Agreed 100%

Dwayne Artis i agree with you hes amazing

Dwayne Artis u hit it right on da nail point blank player n I agree with u 1 zillion % on it.

This ish is TIMELESS. Forever lasting. All time bumpin'. WORD!

Xavier Vega Got em

Xavier Vega OF ALL TIME.....THATS WORD !!!!!!

Xavier Vega he is

Xavier Vega ALL TIME BABY

Soon as them horns hit, I loose and gain myself all at once, incredible Master of Ceremonies Rakim!

One Hundred Percent!!!!! When this first came out in 88 I was working in a UK record store, and when you heard it you KNEW it was legendary. NOTHING was like it back then! 🙂

That was hard but the hardest was gettin a shave and the barber cut him, he grabbed his jaw and started spittin rhymes like he was talking to his son. Lol

) jgl

Wow!! That song is kinda the tip of the iceberg of songs you haven't heard if you're just hearing this. Hip hop in their era is much more hip hop than today. Much more substance in it then, vs now

There's KRS-1, Beastie Boys, De La Soul, Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, Leaders of the New School.....

Imagine being there when it was released. I didn't fully comprehend everything he was saying back then especially, my 3rd eye will make you shine like jewlery, but I knew I was serious

Easy answer champ ! 'It does not meet the requirements of trash!

I was 3 million of the 100 million

@@deathknizzle I’m 37 and been here I know hip hop I’m Infatuated with hip-hop real rap I wish I was 16-in 87-88 lol

RAKIM...IS...ONE OF ONE...

Because it doesn’t need 100 fucking million views like damn what would it matter anyway

yes brother

Sheer genius the god of rap!

DEFINITLY YES!!!

It's been more than 30 years, and I STILL can't get it right!

Posted this today on my fb feed, heard this in 88, along with UTFO and was blown away. Native New Yawka born and raised.

Cold ass line

Glorie Mpaka for sure

I never really paid attention to the alliteration of that line.

what does he mean?

He's saying he straight up kills other rappers (metaphorically) with his rhymes. The mic is the weapon, his lyrics are the ammunition.

This dude said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

That was and is one of the greatest lines of all time

- Stop bugging a brother. He said dig him. I never dug him. He couldn’t follow the leader long enough, so I drug him. - 💥🔥🔥🔥Mic 🎤 drop. That is lyricism

@@markl7743 EPMD said in their Drink Champs interview that this line was directed at them. I always thought it was at Big Daddy Kane.

@@PrAnG2000 I think it was also for Big Daddy Kane, there are even videos with Kane himself talking about having a beef, maybe it's because Kane was the only MC that could match or even surpass Rakim's lyrical level

The first time I heard that very line it had me gasping

Eric B was cold blooded

FACTS

and that dollar sign

IKR! Drake says nigga in practically every song!

That's the problem with the new RAPPERS they use the N-Word to much, it's not necessary...Drake is not a Rapper his a Singer. So Called

@@defaultuser8091 While I agree that the "N" is used wayyy too much nowadays in "so-called" hip hop, I don't mind usage of it as much as I detest the usage of mumble rapping & other nonsensical elements that are used nowadays. Outside of a select few, there are absolutely no true lyricists in rap today. To give the young bucks a checkup from the neck up, I always throw em' back to Rakim Kool G. Rap Big Daddy Kane There's many others that deserve honorable mention that range from the golden age of true lyricism (mid/late 80's-early/mid 90's on through to what I call the end of the lyricist era with peeps like Big Pun, early DMX & a few others.

@@williamhobbs2998 that's 100 !

Mane this song lyrically kills, Rakim could be considered the best rapper ever, the GOAT

Ali Abu-Talib lmao 70

at last,someome who feels like me,this has had a profound effect on my life,simply the best

Totally agree

The fact that you are 70 years old and just said all that you said about this dude shows he is the goat!!

That's deep real talk brah sadly 💯

Facts!!!

Facts

💯

Without rakim there is no Wu Tang clan because every last one of them used his slang to write their rhymes. The whole slang about the chambers is rakim slang

True...

Facts !!!!!! I've nothing to ad to your comment !!!!!!

And he said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

💒Marry me to this song 😘

saw them in concert in new york back in the day.best ever

And Rick the ruler!

Tell it Big D no doubt baby girl.

If not the best then really close. Chuck D might be a challenger.

Drum and bass was like 15 years after this song

That's dope but remember to remain humble

Cringe

@@pereiraplaza222 lol are you having a fucking laugh. drum n bass came up in the early 90´s. wow L O L !

Cosign!!!

Michael Tiema true dat

+Sean Ulloa Backed and backed again.

Geoff Chisholm what???

I back your statement and I back it again.

karljjr I have to say the punisher

@@rwj197311 Sorry buddy, King Los has long taken the crown To recognize the genius I am You'd have to have one foot on Venus to even visit these arenas I'm in Now did I say arenas or Serena's? I kill shit, Venus/Serena's, I kill shit, I Gilbert Arenas I'm ill wit' the skill wit', the skill wit' If this the shit that I build When I'm buildin' a buildin' built with a billion builders That's buildin' a buildin' on top of this one No feelin' is toppin' this one No villain is stoppin' this one That'd be a dark night, won't it? While overlookin' my city, had a Dark Knight moment I'm overlookin' my city, same city that overlooked me Now it's back to back tours, cause cities just overbook me Speaking of Dark Knight, I know some jokers that scheme Cuz I done blew up somethin' sick like the openin' scene Not to mention, nobody gon mention you this year You just a joker, I really made the pencil disappear I got that Edgar Allen Poe flow, bars like a bear trap Shakespeare's only rebuttal would be a head scratch I haven't been amateur, ever, never Iambic pentameter, clever, better Nobody even seems this deep I got niggas stayin' awoke to put my dreams to sleep But, watch me maneuver New maroon drop for my jewel I need moon rocks for my Muller, I'm the future Tell these niggas I need my proper spot They a bunch of Papa Docs and Chocolate Drops My 16's proper, give me my props or not I went Pac at 16 when my Pops was shot Uh, it left my mind out of place I guess that's why in my rhymes, I spend time out of space So, I speak life, rappers talk Can't be a rap god if you've never rapped for God Gotta be close to him like the woman in The Bible who felt she could be blessed just to grab his cloth Uh, bulletin: we full of sin If we wade in the water, the weight of it might pull us in They, fake, fake, fake, fake, fake Can't fake what you ain't, ain't, ain't, ain't Wait, if you're searchin' for a way, wait I made a way, all my homies used to weigh weight Brakes, pump your brake, brake, brake, brakes My niggas break in and take, they don't take breaks I can't fail, I don't believe in it You don't possess humble nor obedience Comedians told me that I wouldn't fly I remember losin' family members and I wouldn't cry Nigga if you had wooden eyes You could see I'm fly in my future, so why wouldn't I? I'm too good, these niggas good and high Boys in the hood don't rock wit' you Cuba Goodin' guys Niggas on that "be alike" shit Guess they "copy, paste" us cause we the right clique Uh, get it? Right click, copy, paste? Life hit a rocky phase, ice wrist, Versace shade White whip, on hockey blades, grill like a hockey mask Chop it like a hockey stick, niggas pop it to pocket cash Talkin' bout you poppin' gats, runnin' wit' those sloppy cats Same suckas probably be watchin' you get your pockets tapped Fuck all that cocky shit, where I'm from they cocking straps Think you wavy 'til you get hit with 8 in your stocking cap But, I choose to excel Made my old ex mad, gave my new ex hell Went from no X to one X to two X, well I been nice since my tee shirt was 2XL Yeah that's XX, like two exes ago But it's still all love like X's and O's Cause at some point, we feel we have exes who owe You know an explanation why they made an exit, and oh If you think I'm talkin' bout my exes, come on, man Tell XXL they got one more chance But, man I lay low If I ain't on ya list, then that bitch don't exist, Manti Te'o I'm anti aye-bro, that shit they puttin' up corny Tell these niggas they ain't good enough to bore me I'm just paintin' so y'all see the story I can't be guarded in rap, to God be the glory King

Harder then ether

Yes, yes, yes. Always said it. Most rappers agree

@@greentee5993 Ether? Are you comparing that...smh. you all are lost

I am 64 years old have been jamming to rap for 35 years...

Word up! There are few people who ever existed who are so great at what they do, that there is no argument from anyone of the contrary. Literally everyone agrees they are the GOAT = Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee, Leonardo da Vinci, RAKIM!

52 and I'm with you , but. That drill music does got that asphalt flavor

Try Montana of 300

2023

Yes!! Back in HS this shit was revolutionary

The Galactus of all lyrical emceeing .your ideology is profoundly felt and I don't think that I could have written it any better.!!..FIRE FACTS.

I wish I was born in a rap era like that... Kinda jealous... ☹️

@Yao Black that's exactly what me and my crew used to do. Analyse this track for hours. Over 30 years later and I still get goosebumps when I play it.

@@PrAnG2000 facts.

So high! He said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

Im 19, and I would love to meet him alongside some other legendary rappers. It would be nice to have a interesting conversation to have with him

One of Pac's biggest influence.

@@fpshooterful Funny you mention that because this video is very similar to Pour out a little liquor.

Yup and easily top 5

@@kryptix5386 I would want specifics on his writing process and how he incorporated the syncopation of jazz into his delivery, as I think that fusion was utterly brilliant.

Me too. btw, this is my favorite track of the album.

Me to your opinion is respected

@@ESDAce Thanks

@@MrBlactye np

No lies detected, Rakim is the best to ever touch the mic

That's not an opinion that's a fact!

35 years jubilee now!!

been alive since 84 but eric b and rakim are ill alone but together illest M.C. and DJ of all time done solute you my vet thank you and your whole generation for this music

Dave Mercado comparing him to Hendrix I'm sure Rakim would take as an honor.

Dave Mercado exactly, the greatest of all time

Dave Mercado word cant agree more 👊🏾

rakim was 11 in 79

Because you actually had to have talent and skillz back then. Now that the population has been reverse educated stupidity reins Supreme.

I've never heard him say it since 86

He also raps 4 minutes without breathing.

He said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

Rakim my fav I miss em frfr his music

FACTS IF I NEVER HEARD IT.!!!

Yeah his mind was just wired different

Facts!!!! Thee father of Nas! Tell me I'm wrong!!!

Nobody seems to get this right. He said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

LOL @ "shut that shit off!" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

😂😂

🙌🏿

And he said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

And nobody seems to get this right. He said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

EPMD never stood a chance against the god

And he said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

That was directed at EPMD.

kweli05 damn

LeBron's Hairline And I had no idea at the time, like a lot of other subtle beefs that were going on in hip hop.

kweli05 same here, i was clueless except for maybe the LL Cool J AND KOOL MOE DEE BEEF

plus the line about the "third rail" genuis

And he said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

​@EDoublhuh 2:11 e1

@@jameslawrencejr6417 he didn't say magnificent. The subtitles are incorrect.

@@EDouble1 say it then my bro

Eric B and Rakim just haven't been equalled, in my opinion.

Elwookiee07 what happened to hip hop!!!

First MC that brought " from the cradle to tha grave "

@@whatsupdoc3587 what happened to hip hop is that old heads decided they like hating more than actually finding good music

@DIGITAL TRADE MUSIC Pac was one of the best ever. Especially his first two records unlike the foolishness after. But nah, Rakim's lyrics were deeper even when he went solo.

@@TheJemoore9899 and Melle Mel?

@@MuslimYouthMedia Much, much respect to him.

@DIGITAL TRADE MUSIC looool are you serious

Clap your hands, you won a trip

I agree

Dwayne Taylor this is a timeless masterpiece

"I guess no one told ya a little knowledge is dangerous..."

Mine as well, he is a lyrical wizard.

Malcolm Little great job depicting that verse bro...its ashame that motherfuckers dont write this prolific anymore.....alot of hiphop is pure shit, but like Rakim once said " When you can make joints to put in your mans deck & bump it in the hood to blaze to & then have older mature people listen & appreciate it then it's an art & it feels good to say we took something from nothing & made our own genre " ........

@Tay Yasharal I'm Italian American and know that Rakim is the best lyricist of all time.

Eric B didn't produce lol...Rakim made most of the beats too

@@lith1156 clowns kill me giving credit to Eric B like they know he did it!!!! Rakim was behind the scenes producing his own shit and better than Eric B.!!!!

I know you up on Paid and full album???

​@@TruthReignsSupremeI need that frfr

And he said, "Let's travel at *evanescent* speeds around the universe" not "Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe". Most people don't even know that word. Look it up! Rakim is the god MC!

top man,love r akim