Released in 1987, “Paid in Full” by Eric B. & Rakim is widely recognized as one of the most important hip-hop songs in the genre’s history. A perfect fusion of innovative production, unparalleled lyrical complexity, and smooth delivery, the song stands as a testament to the duo’s influence on the development of hip-hop during its formative years. More than just a song, “Paid in Full” became the blueprint for a new era, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for what hip-hop could be.
At its core, “Paid in Full” encapsulates themes of ambition, financial independence, and success, all while introducing an entirely new lyrical cadence and method of storytelling that was revolutionary for its time. As part of their debut album Paid in Full, this single helped cement Eric B. & Rakim as a groundbreaking force in hip-hop.
The Genesis of Eric B. & Rakim
Before diving into the impact of “Paid in Full,” it’s essential to understand the background of Eric B. & Rakim, two individuals who met in the mid-1980s and created one of the most iconic partnerships in hip-hop history. Eric B. (born Eric Barrier) hailed from Queens, New York, and was a DJ with a keen sense for finding obscure breaks and samples. His ability to craft distinctive beats came from his knowledge of jazz, soul, and funk records, which he expertly incorporated into his productions.
Rakim (born William Michael Griffin Jr.) was raised in Wyandanch, Long Island, and developed a reputation as a talented wordsmith with an exceptional grasp of rhythm and flow. His style, heavily influenced by jazz musicians such as John Coltrane, emphasized precise timing, internal rhyme schemes, and a laid-back delivery that contrasted with the more aggressive approach taken by many MCs of the time.
The collaboration between Eric B. and Rakim came together through their mutual love of music and a shared goal to elevate hip-hop to new creative heights. Rakim’s cousin, Alvin Toney, introduced him to Eric B., and from there, the two began working together. Their chemistry was immediate, and it wasn’t long before they recorded their first track, “Eric B. Is President,” which laid the groundwork for the monumental success that would follow.
The Birth of “Paid in Full”
By the time Eric B. & Rakim released their debut album Paid in Full in 1987, hip-hop had already begun to establish its presence in mainstream culture, but it was still a relatively young genre. Early pioneers such as Run-D.M.C. and Grandmaster Flash had made their mark, but the genre’s sonic and lyrical potential was still evolving. Rakim’s entrance onto the scene would mark a significant turning point.
“Paid in Full,” the title track of the album, was both simple and revolutionary. It featured a stripped-down beat that allowed Rakim’s vocals to take center stage. The beat itself, produced by Eric B., revolved around a sampled bassline from Dennis Edwards’ 1984 song “Don’t Look Any Further.” Complementing the bassline was a crisp drum pattern that was minimal yet powerful, allowing the focus to remain on Rakim’s delivery and wordplay.
Rakim’s lyrics on “Paid in Full” are reflective, methodical, and ambitious. His delivery was calm and controlled, a notable departure from the more boisterous and energetic performances of his contemporaries. The song is essentially a narrative of Rakim’s drive to achieve financial success in the rap game, but it’s delivered with an introspective and philosophical twist. The opening lines, “Thinkin’ of a master plan, ’cause ain’t nothin’ but sweat inside my hand,” immediately set the tone, conveying a sense of frustration and determination.
Rakim’s Revolutionary Lyrical Technique
What set Rakim apart, and what makes “Paid in Full” a turning point in hip-hop, was his revolutionary approach to rapping. Up until that point, many MCs adhered to simple, rhythmic patterns that focused on rhyme schemes at the end of each bar. Rakim, however, broke away from this formula by introducing a more complex and varied approach to rhyme.
He utilized internal rhymes, multi-syllabic phrases, and unorthodox pauses, all while maintaining an effortless flow that never seemed rushed. Rakim’s style was jazz-like in its improvisation, and this was no coincidence. His approach to writing and delivering lyrics was heavily influenced by jazz musicians, particularly John Coltrane’s ability to play with timing and phrasing.
In “Paid in Full,” Rakim’s use of these techniques is on full display. The song’s verses are densely packed with rhymes that often occur in the middle of lines rather than just at the end, creating a layered and intricate sound. His cadence is smooth and deliberate, almost conversational, yet the complexity of his rhymes demands close attention from the listener.
This evolution in rap lyricism had a profound impact on the genre. Rakim’s approach would influence countless MCs who came after him, from Nas to Kendrick Lamar, as they sought to elevate their writing beyond surface-level rhyme schemes and explore deeper, more intricate forms of storytelling.
The Beat: Eric B.’s Minimalist Genius
While Rakim’s lyricism often takes the spotlight when discussing “Paid in Full,” Eric B.’s contribution as a producer is equally important. The beat for the track is deceptively simple, featuring a bassline sampled from “Don’t Look Any Further” and a steady, crisp drum pattern. However, it’s this simplicity that allows Rakim’s complex rhymes to shine. Eric B. understood that the focus needed to be on the lyrics, and he crafted a beat that provided the perfect backdrop for Rakim’s voice.
The production is stripped down, but not bare. The bassline carries a certain weight and groove, giving the track an undeniable bounce, while the drum pattern ensures that the tempo stays steady and grounded. The decision to avoid cluttering the beat with too many samples or elements was a deliberate one, as Eric B. recognized that Rakim’s delivery needed space to breathe.
In many ways, Eric B.’s minimalist production on “Paid in Full” was a response to the overproduced and often crowded beats that were becoming common in the mid-1980s. By opting for a more straightforward approach, he helped shift the focus back to the MC and the art of lyricism, a trend that would dominate much of hip-hop’s golden era in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The Global Influence of “Paid in Full”
“Paid in Full” wasn’t just a success in the United States; it became a global phenomenon, particularly in the United Kingdom, where the track had a massive influence on the burgeoning dance and electronic music scenes. The song’s hypnotic bassline and Rakim’s smooth delivery found a receptive audience among DJs and producers in the UK, who often incorporated elements of the track into their own work.
The Coldcut remix of “Paid in Full,” released in 1987, became a massive hit in the UK and is often credited with helping introduce hip-hop to a broader audience across Europe. The remix, which added a more danceable beat and featured additional samples, brought a new dimension to the track while maintaining the integrity of Rakim’s original lyrics.
“Paid in Full” also resonated with listeners outside the traditional hip-hop audience due to its universal themes of ambition, hard work, and the desire for financial independence. These are concepts that transcend genre and culture, allowing the song to reach listeners from diverse backgrounds.
Laying the Foundation for the Future of Hip-Hop
The impact of “Paid in Full” on hip-hop is difficult to overstate. Rakim’s lyrical innovations and Eric B.’s minimalist production style laid the foundation for a new era of hip-hop that emphasized lyricism, storytelling, and craftsmanship. The track influenced not only other artists but also how hip-hop was perceived by critics, scholars, and listeners. Suddenly, hip-hop was no longer just about partying or street bravado—it was a legitimate form of artistic expression with depth, complexity, and intellectual rigor.
The duo’s debut album Paid in Full is often considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, and the title track played a significant role in cementing its legacy. The album’s success marked the beginning of hip-hop’s golden era, a period in the late 1980s and early 1990s when the genre produced some of its most critically acclaimed and influential works.
Artists like Nas, Jay-Z, and Kanye West have all cited Eric B. & Rakim as major influences, particularly in how they approach lyricism and production. Rakim’s complex rhyme schemes and calm, authoritative delivery became a model for future MCs, while Eric B.’s approach to production influenced the rise of beat-making as an art form in itself.
Timelessness and Enduring Legacy
What makes “Paid in Full” particularly remarkable is its timelessness. More than three decades after its release, the track still resonates with audiences, both old and new. Its themes of financial aspiration, determination, and self-reliance are as relevant today as they were in 1987, and Rakim’s lyrical prowess continues to inspire awe among listeners and aspiring MCs alike.
The song also serves as a reminder of hip-hop’s roots and its potential for innovation. At a time when the genre was still finding its identity, Eric B. & Rakim pushed the boundaries of what was possible, proving that hip-hop could be both commercially successful and artistically groundbreaking.
In today’s hip-hop landscape, where trap beats and rapid-fire flows dominate the airwaves, “Paid in Full” stands as a testament to the enduring power of simplicity, craftsmanship, and lyrical mastery. It remains a cornerstone of the genre’s history, a reminder of where hip-hop came from and a blueprint for where it can go.
