Search - Eric B & Rakim :: Let Rhythm Hit Em

The pinnacle of a genius

J. B. Ware | Burnin' In Hell | 05/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This often overlooked opus is actually the greatest work of Rakim's career. It was overlooked at the time, because artists like Ice Cube and Tribe Called Quest had started to polarize the two fan bases that would have normally listened to an artist like Rakim, leaving him stranded. Ironically, this was the best work of both Eric B and Rakim. The result of Eric's funkier-than-thou production and Rakim's holier-than-thou lyricism is an album that surpasses all of their other efforts. If you've liked anything they've ever done, then this is the album for you. And if you like artists like Nas, Pharoahe Monch, or Eminem buy this album to see where they got their styles."

Don't Sleep

J. B. Ware | 06/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While Paid In Full is a classic because of it's rawness, this album gives us a more refined Eric B. and Rakim. The production is thicker and more bass heavy, and the R's lyrics have gotten even more intricate. While the high points may not be as high as those on the previous two albums, this is their most consistant effort, with zero fast forward material. The stand outs here are the two cuts which feature Rakim exploring previously uncharted territory. "In The Ghetto" shows Ra making the transition from dropping the occasional philosophical jewell in between boasts, to making a whole record about knowledge of self and upliftment. The simple track and slow flow pack surprising power, and the lyrics are some of Rakim's best. "Mahagony", is a clever seduction rap that lightens the tone of the album and show's that even that rapper who ate up 21 MCs at the same time has a playful side."

The Greatest Ever!

blazerfan0 | Oregon | 06/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rakim is the greatest emcee to ever grab a mic and this is his best album. Rakim has a mic presence like no other. His voice has such authority that it commands the respect and attention of anyone listening. Together with a fast paced and flawlessly smooth flow he amazes the listener with his seemingly endless amount of creative lyrics. Often times a complaint of older hip-hop releases circles around the dated sound of production and/or lyrics. Neither is the case here. Rakim spits lyrics that are so venomous that rappers today are still trying to catch up to his standards. The other great part of Rakim's albums is the involvement of Eric B. He creates beats that move so well with Rakim's style that you'll get lost in these tracks. It's always refreshing to hear this record when the DJ was an important piece to the music, rather than today when albums are filled with a myriad of producers who have no compatibility with the artists."