FIRST TIME LISTENING TO Eric B. & Rakim - Follow The Leader | OLD SCHOOL HIP HOP REACTION 

I am a 51 year old white dude who listened to this dope ass shit in high school in San Antonio,Texas in 1988 and I still listen to it till this day. I was down with BDP, Public Enemy, DMC, Tribe, EPMD, Kool Moe Dee and LL. Even before NWA hit the scene. Some of the best tunes EVER! Rakim is the GOAT. Rhythm, poetry, and knowledge. Drop the mic.

Rakim is credited for changing the flow and more complex rhyme schemes in Rap.

What makes this song more incredible is that Rakim was 19 when he recorded this....nothing else to be said.

I like how you noticed his lyrical density when you say he doesn't waste a single line. He would definitely take you to school but put out straight bangers at the same time. What more can I say about Rakim that hasn't already been said by others here? The God MC...

When rakim emerged the entire game changed because of his style. Everyone had to go back to the drawing board

The illest MC to ever touch the mic 🎤 🎙 Appreciate that you appreciate the classics 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

This is refreshing to see a young man appreciate classic hip hop!! Much respect ✊🏾

Eric B and Rakim- Don't Sweat the Technique Eric B and Rakim- As the Rhyme Goes On Eric B and Rakim- Mahogany Eric B and Rakim- Microphone Fiend 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This is my generation i was 17vrs old when this came out we were all about knowledge of self ,the 5 percenters, the f-o-i, the x-Clan This is where nas the wu tang black thought all come from

Deep reaction Rakim was a head of his time. Enter the industry at 17 years old,

Rakim is definitely one of the best of all time, if not the GOAT.

The fact that this was written when I was in the 5th grade…NOBODY was rapping like this in the 80s. He’s the father of the Nases, J Cole’s ect

"I can take a phrase that's rarely heard, flip it, now it's a daily word "

He doesn't waste a single line just for the sake of a rhyme. Bruh, that's a bar right there lol! You couldn't describe Rakim more accurate than what you said there. That's why he's the God MC. Before him brothers rhymed cat with hat. He was the first to use internal rhymes, metaphores and similes, rhyming multi syllables. Also before him nobody been dropping knowledge beyond what's commonly known in their songs. It was mostly being just braggadocious and doing party raps

Rakim is equal parts instrument and lyricist, blending and bending words with a seamless lava flow. What feels like a kiss is a punch- he's that gifted. This track personifies the poetic Art of Hip-Hop. Many may follow but the leader leads.

@PRSPR here are a few jewels to help you understand Rakim...5 percenter, supreme mathematics, Dogon, Sirius A,B,C. Research these

MASTER CLASS! Best hip-hop artist & tune EVER!

The GOAT!!!!

I agree with Flatbush, I love to see young cats appreciating what I grew up on. If you like bars, I suggest you check out Kool G Rap’s stuff. He was really the very first gangsta rapper. Big Daddy Kane too. As far as conscious rap, that was the best time for hip hop. Knowledge and consciousness in the black community was really getting understanding, they couldn’t get in school. Respect!

My favorite rapper of all time. I got the same feeling in '88 as you did just now. Also got "Mission Impossible" vibe from the beat/production. Also his supreme rhyming skills displayed here were to let you know he was the master and if you were going to try to match him, that mission felt "impossible".

Eric B. & Rakim started in 1986 with paid in Full their final album was Don't Sweat the Technique 1991 Rakim has 3 solo albums his final album 2009

KRS had a line where he said "anybody can battle for glory, but to kick a dope rhyme and wake up your people's another story."

PRSPR. YOu ain't just listening. You dissecting top level lyricism. You made so many stank face expressions for this, I might have to take a shot every time lyrics make you screw face. Keep bringing the reactions.

Erick B ON THE BEATS BRO AND THE Scratching true legend

God. Have no idea of how this song made young black men feel back in the late 80's. Rakim took us back to ancient civilization and to outer space!

Rakim was and is the best ever to do it.

Rakim "THE God MC" he really kicks knowledge on the mystery and holy are you check out those two songs

Rakim is a part of the 5% Nation. That's where the God talk comes from. Things like the 3rd rail reference are one of many he sprinkled in to those in tune with his beliefs.

Rakim " The Punisher" U can thank me later

Yes!!! Rakim was waaaaay ahead of his time and he STILL got it. Check out his appearance on NPR TINY DESK CONCERT not too long ago. He’s a professional live MC. If you did a review it prob would not get blocked.

Bro aside form me enjoying your knowledge of music, is what u said about “enslaved people” you’re one of the bright lights of the future.. keep being who u are bro, salute

Still have the original cassette I bought in 87. Rakim is the GOAT of Rap. Cheers from a white dude from deeep in the MTs NY. Listened to this track 3x in the last wk on my CD changer.

Now U understand why Rakim is called the GOD Emcee ! Still 'til this day "Follow The Leader" is head & shoulders above the rest.

The invincible Microphone Fiend Rakim!!! The G.O.A.T. The R!!

This will take out all your new school rap this is eternal rap

30 years on and i still recite every bar.....your just a rentarapper your rhymes are minute made i,ll be here when you fade and watch you flip ...like a renegade

Old school gangta groove. One of the best of all time!

“ Why waste time on the microphone I take this more serious than just a poem Rock from party to party, backyard to yard Now tear it up, y'all, and bless the mic for the gods.” ~My Melody Type , The God Emcee in your search engine.

Imagine me hearing this when it dropped I was seventeen

Yo young God you broke the song down to a science, rakim is my favorite I really enjoyed this video reaction

Rakim the god.

There's so much content coming at such speed that it can be overwhelming.

What a wise young man? You give me hope for your generation. I knew it that not all kids are into mindless drivel. Your thinking the same way we thought when it first came out. Listen to more thanks for the upload.

He's talking about your conscious traveling. GOD MC

Those are NEW YORK beats. Beats for Subways, crowded streets, and skyscrapers. This was back when NYC had a sound. Back when hiphop was still the city. 1988… it was still spreading around the country.

This track actually is sample based from music in the 70's Nautilus by Bob James (1974) Listen to Me by Baby Huey I Wouldn't Change a Thing by Coke Escovedo (1976)

taking you on a lyrical journey ,,crazy crazy word play

You mentioned out of space vibe.. trust me when rakim drop in 87 felt like that's where he came from...much respect to melle mel, kool mo dee, and my personal favorite grand Master caz but when rakim drop he raised the bar when it comes to lyricism and was a template for future rappers like nas!!!

I kept his tapes in my Walkman back in the day... first thing I played in the morning as soon as I got up... Rakim was unreal & was way ahead of his time in the 80's...

I am highly impressed as I've heard many young people try to analyze Rakim lyrics from ' Follow the Leader' BUT you are by far have the BEST concept down pack without anybody telling you what he was saying . Thoght there is soo much more thst was saying song you are absolutely correct this song is Exceptional . He had done what no other has done at that time and it has taken over 25 years later for Rapper to even come close.,You are Right little Brother he took our minds out into the outer universe via his knowledge .!!! YOUU RRROCK CHAMP.!!👊🏿👊🏿✨✨✨🌟💕💕🔥🔥🔥✊🏿✊🏿✌🏾

The GOD MC

This man is gifted and he's a gift. He changed the texture of MCing intrioducing innovative genius beyond...He takes us on journeys as he educates all clothed in skills of flow pattern dual meaning delivery of 5percent spirituality of supreme mathematics(islam).18 when this was recorded. Any questions hit me up. This is duo...Rakim did majority of the production

I’m 45 and back in 1988 I was like 13 I knew then that he was ahead of his time.But I want to commend you for catching the Jewlz that the God MC always dropped in his songs

Its the music of traveling thru space on a journey of the mind ... a spaceship theme song

Rakim-Know the ledge. Master class in the beginning of lyrical hiphop!

Rakim Allah..."THE GOD MC". Rap is divided into two eras..."BEFORE RAKIM" and "AFTER RAKIM". He is THE GOAT.

Rakim is Top 3. Period-Dot. Clark Kent put him with Eric B. Eric was a gangster with the Supreme Team. The O.G. 50 Cent was a friend. Top spot is hands down Grandmaster Caz for being the first to rhyme over a break beat. And being the ONLY Emcee to be given the 'Grand' title, but Ra stands right next to Caz. Rakim created 2 rhyme schemes. That's why he seems to do it so effortlessly. It was just how he got down

The futuristic sounds that you're hearing is a sample from Jazz artist, Bob James's song, "Nautilus." And speaking of jazz. Rakim's family are artist, who played jazz. He also has a background in playing instruments. Jazz is a strong part of his roots. Regarding the 3rd eye etc. Back in the day, they were called, the conscious rappers of hip hop. That was very popular throughout the late 80's and 90's, where rappers were doing this before today's "Woke" generation. Basically, they took it from us. Especially during a time when Ronald Reagan and George Bush were in power and we had the Rodney King thing and police brutality was at it's highest. And I can't forget the crack epidemic and gang banging. There was a lot of shit going on during those years, and we had a lot to say about that and the system. The saying, "nothing is new under the sun" is true. Even before us; our parents were talking about the 3rd eye during the 60's. This is "black History month." A good time for you young peeps to see how far this goes back. We're talking the Malcolm X yrs, Black Panthers etc. Below is a link, showing some of the, "conscious rappers." Checkout a group by the name of "X-Clan" and "KRS1." KRS1's album, "Edutainment" was and still is off the charts. And Ice Cube's "Amerikkkas Most Wanted" was dope too. www.google.com/search?q=conscience+rappers&oq=conscience+rappers&aqs=chrome..69i57&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Young bro ... Eric B & Rakim were Rap Super Heroes before the culture needed them 👊🏾

He was not before his time he was right on time its because people weren't listening and when it comes it today they say he was before his time and now they want to listen.

With respect ✊ it’s ERIC B & RAKiM‼️‼️ Back in the day *HiPP HoPP* was all about the DJ, before rap took over. That’s y the DJ’s name was always first in the title

He was referring to Kane when he said I’M NOT HIM & WORD TO DADDY, INDEED.

Rakim was letting you know where his brain is on another level lil bro

The way you analyse is dope. Continue the 90's rap and see your channel grow exponentially

FOREVER MY FAVORITE ERIC B & RAKIM RECORD…..EVER 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

You have to do my melody, and Erick b for president

Third eye reference is due to his affiliation with 5 percent nation an organization that most ny brothers were in before the gangs they were similar to the nation of Islam ✊🏾

He is the inventor he invented that he invented this fellow

Back in these days every rapper had his own dj..most 80s rappers had a rapper/dj dynamic duo

The verse about traveling the universe made me visualize Galaxtus, concurring worlds. This was a vision of Hiphop in the future. But it in seems in 2020 our Hiphop knowledge has been lost.

Agreed. We were freed people who was enslaved, never slaves but enslaved.

nice insights, you got an old soul, kid. really enjoyed your reaction to this classic.

The GOD emcee!!!

I bought the debut album (Paid in Full when it came it.. .to this day he's my favorite rapper and the best ever imo...and this song is his masterpiece among many.Hes the GOAT and you get him,he's a lyrical genius,his flow was smooth as butter like a jazz musician(his family was in jazz) vocally. Check out the 1988 vinyl upload of this ,song on my channel,audio quality is raw af (cell phone recording) but it's there.🎶

He said people walk up to him on the street and say Are u an alien? lol

My favorite all time rap song. Thanks for keeping this song alive, keep listen young man, peace.

The music business ruined Hip-hop record companies are more concerned about sales than the art itself. There are very few lyricist left in the the game Eminem comes to mind first and he said Rakim is his # 1 of all time

its 2022...that came ouyt either 1986 to 88,thats elite rappin,thats grade A shit.

Best flow ever. There’s Rakim, there’s Ren, and then there’s everybody else that happened in between.

Son of futuristic because the man took you to a journey In your mind. Rakim metaphorically And Spiritually Is great storyteller. You was basically on his ship Touring the globe. He's bigger than a rap artist. This man is like a prophet.

I mess with this young brother! He has an old soul and recognize real hip hop unlike most of these young boys nowadays Best hip hop era 1988-1998 facts!

Yo Prsper You've Just Been Brought Into The World Of The Great God M.C Rakim Top 5 on every real hip hop Rappers list you reacted to the first single off the second album where he completely evolved into his greatness the first album(Paid In Fuil) was the beginning he took the hip hop world by storm 💯💯💯 Eric B For President,My Melody,I Ain't No Joke,I Know You Got Soul,Move The Crowd & Paid In Full It Went Platinum And That Was In 1987 nobody was doing those numbers back then

Crazy. I taught history and my former department chair (also black) always advised me to remember to refer to them when teaching as “enslaved” not “slaves” You’re a bright young man king keep it up.

u r one hell of a reaction boy bruh. keep it flowin

100% agree with you on the enslaved vs slaves comment. It's the same on the other side. There were/are slavers not owners. Keep looking into Rakim, there's a lot more to discover.

8:58 - 9:30… you can listen to this 300 years from now and it’ll STILL BE DOPE!

I like the way you think youngblood

The 80s aka the Golden era was the best. All the rappers and rap groups spread knowledge back then. Rakim, Kane, Public Enemy, X Clan, Poor Righteous Teachers and many more. Most of them were...and still are 5%ers.

Spice 1 - 187 Proof. I think you’d like the word play on that one for sure. Also has a dope video 😉

He does it right because he invented the style. I grew up with him.

"Enter danger zone he should arrange his own face it it's basic erase or change your tone"

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

PRSPR.....you HAVE to do Microphone Fiend by Eric B and Rakim

“My mic is the third rail” Electrifying the 3rd rail keeps NYC moving As a kid you were thought to stay away from the train tracks & the 3rd rail…Smh…Nice post my dude Plus he was the first to mention 3rd eye.

Rakim produced 85% of his beats. Said by him in an interview.

Since you're about this life can I recommend Elementary by BDP .Great react

This the GOD MC....Rakim rhymes like Coltrane plays

I appreciate you bringing out this amazing artist who was one of those M c's who wanted to bring party but also bring knowledge check out my melody was a dope song all his stuff is dope the crazy part is he wrote everything down crisp with precision you should watch the interview about him and how he wrote

Check out “ what’s on your mind” one of my favorite tracks from Rakim, dope love story telling

Rakim is the 🐐