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

Official music video for "Follow The Leader" performed by Eric B. & Rakim, the first single from their second studio album of the same name.
Follow the Leader album reached the 22nd spot on the U.S. Billboard Top Pop Albums and ranked seventh on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The album spawned four singles: "Follow the Leader", "Microphone Fiend", "The R", and "Lyrics of Fury".
Director: Scott Kalvert
Follow Eric B & Rakim:
/ ericbandrakim
/ ericb
/ therealdjericb
/ rakimallah
/ thegodrakim
#FollowTheLeader #EricB&Rakim
Music video by Eric B. & Rakim performing Follow The Leader. (C) 1988 UNI Records Inc.

[@TripSe7en_77]

In just 8 bars of this song he has outrapped 95% of today’s rap era.

[@matt-dj5ub]

hardly anyone these days compares to this level of lyrical ability

[@chrisjackson3848]

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

[@siturl5834]

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

[@Archaic1Eye]

Real talk ...

[@mauricesmith3821]

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.)

[@jimjankswankson]

This man single handedly changed the tone of hip hop in the 80’s and still relevant 30 plus years later.

[@gabrielleelliott2487]

No other rapper can compare

[@Dee_Nice89]

​@@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 💯

[@blackbolt57]

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.

[@kansascitymack1]

Indeed!!

[@3igDaddio]

Sorry guys, I'm a 55 year old mutha and this has just bought tears to my eyes. Eric B and Rakim, for their time and space, were untouchable 😊

[@dirtycordoba6713]

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

[@rickimhotep1236]

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!

[@joeldt1520]

❤️

[@Beatsy_3]

@@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!

[@mistabiggmann]

Yo im 56 this is real bro

[@Freewarrior2]

Rakim was wayyyyyy ahead of his time.

[@BugsnBeers]

Rakim can't even stop his flow for a shave.

[@zackakechi7421]

Lol ikr he a beasr

[@gyrusscalvary]

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

[@zackakechi7421]

gyrusscalvary right

[@nekaeljones3086]

Lol right!!!

[@sonikku956]

BugsnBeers Your profile picture...

[@Bbmin0rBmaj0r]

For anyone who could understand this, Rakim is to hip hop what Charlie Parker is to jazz. He didn't start it, but he absolutely revolutionized it and set the bar for every MC/musician's skills and technique afterwards.

[@geecheeflow9828]

Him and krs 1

[@mike_t_007]

Cosign

[@c.1223]

Absolute 100% Right

[@Auntkekebaby]

+Isidro Santa Maria 100

[@riverman33]

+Isidro Santa Maria True word !

[@jayjaydiamond4924]

Rakim is 30 years ahead of his time.

[@TheProdigyAccordion]

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

[@reynaldomadridi7238]

Let the Leader...Lead! 2024....still Bumpin!

[@sukka4pain]

I love how Rakim is metaphorically taking us to space.

[@dreg5845]

Yes, yes, yes. Its genius

[@MrMmnngghh]

at magnificent speeds around the universe

[@hadbl12]

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

[@MoneyXL]

He was 20 with this flow

[@JeromeProductions]

Yep

[@xaviervega468]

REAL SHIT right here. Still the greatest MC of all time.

[@TyroneSteelsII]

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

[@gregstokes3025]

Xavier Vega Got em

[@makeithap]

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

[@spaltersar]

Xavier Vega he is

[@alvinmay8384]

Xavier Vega ALL TIME BABY

[@PacificDark]

How is this so damn good 30+ years later? Art.

[@matthewrussell1044]

Literally untouchable. So fresh, like it was released tomorrow. No one can stand with Rakim, a true poet and artist.

[@imfreviews]

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

[@steelerj2000]

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

[@focusmelvin]

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

[@tyreebond9155]

This is your favorite rapper's Favorite Rapper!!

[@chanceForNotBeingRapper]

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

[@dwayneartis2148]

in my opinion he is the number one lyricists of all time

[@jefferyneal7969]

I agree

[@michaelsherron5750]

yes, he's the GOAT

[@gullybop1695]

Agreed 100%

[@louisharrmann6462]

Dwayne Artis i agree with you hes amazing

[@prenticewalker5935]

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

[@zanedietlin7645]

4 minutes of raw lyricism. I love it.

[@CaptainACAB-kj9wn]

Rakim changed everything.

[@xp8969]

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

[@krazyfan2000]

Word!!!

[@pamelaeppes5478]

3:02 ​@@xp8969

[@gary2kr1]

Rakim's the G.O.A.T. simple as that

[@LaCheleWallace]

From the minute the beat starts, you know this ain't the type of brotha to play with on the mic. I just love Rakim. Such a fan. He was the 80's protocol for lyricism.

[@minusthebarsblog]

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

[@donaldknighton2746]

OMG Rakim is dangerous, not a cuss word needed to complete this masterpiece.

[@esjel9804]

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

[@bobbysmith35962]

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

[@Chet73]

This is the greatest track in hip-hop history.

[@builttowin1987]

very true.

[@juniorjames7076]

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.

[@robertvincent4042]

Yes yes yes !!

[@PR-WAY]

Far from it

[@Chet73]

@@PR-WAY Name a better one.

[@Archaic1Eye]

This still gives me the chills ...

[@chancregister2714]

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

[@AngelArtists]

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! 🙂

[@jami4418]

"I can take phrase that is rarely heard flip it now its daily word"🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@garymeacham5148]

murderin mc s

[@rodmills737]

The R is the best to ever do it..

[@thegrinch7989]

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

[@slystally9874]

​@@thegrinch7989bars 🔥🔥

[@esotericguru7111]

Rakim was teaching science while STILL having the charisma. Had the swag, lyricism, appeal (pause), skill, and more importantly KNOWLEDGE and ARTICULATION.

[@kimberlyt.2981]

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

[@juniorjames7076]

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!

[@FoulBallRecords]

Well said 🕶️💪🏽

[@buttafinguz]

This is just one of ridiculously intensely lyrical songs from Rakim. Nobody is even close. I remember staring into speaker as a kid when this came out. I could see the stars, those planets that looked like balls of clay and even the satellite 🛰 Nobody paints a picture like Rakim.

[@caseycameron5370]

It's crazy the beat does the same thing blastoff

[@JohnnyGnostech]

💥🚀💯

[@focusmelvin]

LL

[@chaunceyrashad6723]

Why this doesn't have 100 million views just proves how much people don't understand or appreciate hip hop pioneers. This is lyrical gold standard of ripping a microphone to pieces.

[@rebelpumpfitness4904]

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

[@deathknizzle]

I was 3 million of the 100 million

[@kingjaff9066]

@@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

[@garrybritten]

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

[@Nationof300]

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

[@karljjr]

This is the hardest lyrical song ever recorded period.

[@rwj197311]

karljjr I have to say the punisher

[@cbchansey6866]

@@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

[@greentee5993]

Harder then ether

[@dreg5845]

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

[@dreg5845]

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

[@TheLordGoat]

These are the literally the best verses in hip hop ever captured on tape.

[@djacksonafter700]

Listen to "No Omega".

[@JerZkyd]

+Gore Elohim gore knows the deal!

[@rebelpumpfitness4904]

FIRE FACTS!💣💣💥💥💨💨

[@jasonb.7609]

over 50 and this still gives me chills, killer!

[@scienz]

see kids, you can have intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, banging beats and still be hard and gangster.

[@dirtycordoba6713]

Church

[@DJVadim77]

one of the sickest hip hop records of all time.

[@3kingkool]

That opening riff is one of the coldest introductions in history.

[@billshady5786]

From the cradle to the grave just remember your not a slave 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@rnxrx]

and that dollar sign

[@devonnaspratlencureton4616]

My third eye makes me shine like jewelry☺ The Great Rakim❤❤❤

[@dianevrules]

Best hip-hop voice in the 80s. He birth all lyricists who came after.

[@talkdattrashimmapullyacard4396]

💒Marry me to this song 😘

[@garymeacham5148]

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

[@jhonnyterrorimelonni5108]

And Rick the ruler!

[@geraldjohnson3216]

Tell it Big D no doubt baby girl.

[@fudgenuggets405]

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

[@jason-ian-Van-Sloten]

You got to understand these guys were original.. Hip Hop at its finest!

[@tarusprentice7782]

Eric B was cold blooded

[@rebelpumpfitness4904]

FACTS

[@SashaOrr]

Incredible poetry, phrasing and musicality. Timeless, brave and extraordinary.

[@mistere7213]

Heard this for the first time on the radio yesterday. Immediately blown away by the flow and the beats, and even more so that this came out in '88! What Eric B and Rakim did 35 years ago not only stood the test of time, but still surpasses most records released decades after.

[@changeyourenergy708]

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

[@baxtronx5972]

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

[@brickfacem109r9]

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

[@aliabu-talib332]

I'm 70 years old. I've been a writer all my life... since I was 3. I don't even like hip hop. But his is pure genius. If the culture had just obeyed and followed this leader, there's no telling what young folks would be into today. But they stray far away today from that brilliant rhythmic word play, selling they soul for a triflin payday like the third hell of Dante, rhymes in disarray, nothing real to say, fools boppin to nothin, culture sliced up and played by an anti-gourmet selling you a bloody as Hell, Good Friday Filet.

[@StrictlyBusiness000]

Ali Abu-Talib lmao 70

[@garymeacham5148]

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

[@kurtadams3021]

Totally agree

[@ericcooper627]

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

[@charleslyons6196]

That's deep real talk brah sadly 💯

[@muhtadit25]

" I'm everlasting; I can go on for days and days With rhyme displays that engrave deep as x-rays I can take a phrase that's rarely heard Flip it now it's a daily word"

[@lukekhalid896]

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

[@markl7743]

- 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

[@PrAnG2000]

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

[@funkeewho384]

@@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

[@alexambriz6868]

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

[@reecej71]

Rakim stood out for so many different reasons. One reason that I'll name here is that it's clear that during a time in which rappers had 30 people on a stage with 20mics and backup dancers all gyrating and getting down he stood alone. One man, one mic, one stage. Just him and his DJ. He didn't dance. Matter of fact I never saw him dance at all. He just opened up a fire hydrant of rhymes and when he shut it off you were left drenched and amazed. The mental pictures were vivid and he just rapped his behind off. To put it simply he was a purist. One of, if not the greatest to bless the mic.

[@robertopavon8168]

THOSE LIRICS ARE STILL PURE FIRE IN 2024!!🔥

[@DEBONAIRMAN]

Rakim's style was LITERALLY DECADES ahead of it's time....

[@rebelpumpfitness4904]

FACTS IF I NEVER HEARD IT.!!!

[@The808Mixmaster]

Yeah his mind was just wired different

[@Tekzeiro84.]

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

[@MrKarma49]

A magnum as a microphone murderin' MC's.

[@gloriempaka9474]

Cold ass line

[@turtleanton6539]

Glorie Mpaka for sure

[@lex.cordis]

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

[@MultiKingvegeta]

what does he mean?

[@lex.cordis]

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

[@thomaschase5525]

This man IS THE blueprint for EVERYTHING and EVERYONE that followed! Without Rakim, there is NO: Biggie, 2Pac, Nas, DMX, Busta Rhymes, Big Pun, Big L, Eminem, 50 Cent, Outkast, Luda, etc. Ahead of his time and the architect of internal rhyme scheme. Ladies and Gentlemen I give you RAKIM ALLAH, the ACTUAL G.O.A.T!

[@theredroadeast723]

Facts!!!

[@ahmeermajied5834]

Facts

[@gallen2101]

💯

[@waff1eirontmacsplat]

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

[@mommiefields5128]

True...

[@Grandmastergav86]

Greatest rap single of all time from the greatest of all, the god MC - Rakim.

[@ajjamaal646]

every mc after 87 owes his flow to Rakim. GOAT

[@etherdetroit1977]

I got goosebumps the first time I heard this as a kid.

[@JuniorJr...]

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

[@anthonymeans7439]

This will forever be one of the best songs in hip hop. Rakim knew his shit

[@Prone-Ski_BX]

A Masterpiece of the New York Hip Hop!!!

[@sacto652]

The most hardest song in Hip Hop history and not one curse word said!!

[@garymeacham5148]

yes brother

[@ericcooper627]

Sheer genius the god of rap!

[@alpinemedina1422]

DEFINITLY YES!!!

[@mudsoldier5197]

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

[@dulichion]

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

[@willieboyland3180]

Just the 1st verse alone will kill a hundred man cypher....

[@B.Piercesports]

This song is a lyrical exercise

[@SaintNck]

Rakim was ahead of his time and his rhymes are timeless ❤

[@gabrielleelliott2487]

Rakim my fav I miss em frfr his music

[@MrBlactye]

Rakim is of best rapper ever in my opinion.

[@ESDAce]

Me to your opinion is respected

[@MrBlactye]

@@ESDAce Thanks

[@ESDAce]

@@MrBlactye np

[@rodmills737]

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

[@jbRoma]

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

[@jamesgreen6085]

This man literally took the wire a snitch had to record the squad plans, and starting spitting bars to the informants!😂Gangsta!

[@lukekhalid896]

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

[@lorenzothomas7128]

) jgl

[@darnellfunches8213]

I say this all of the time..."Rakim was way before his time".

[@Robbover]

A brother with a very high IQ.... A Master Piece..... Plain n simple

[@yaoblack3579]

First heard this amazing shit in 87 or 88. I remember me and my boys shaking our heads in disbelief. We couldn’t process what we were hearing. We would play it stop the tape, rewind, play again, argue about what we thought the lyric was and what Ra was trying to say or what he meant by a particular phrase or word. One thing was clear to us. We were experiencing something new and incredible. An emcee with a musicians timing in and out of the pocket. He could dance around bars like Astair. Sometimes blindingly fast. Sometimes slow. An emcee Who could pack 16 bars with multisyllabic destruction and incredible visuals then turn around and use pauses to devastating effect. He was like a jazz musician An intellectual a philosopher with the mind of a prophet and a poet all in one man. We knew everything that we understood about rap and what it could achieve as an art form had changed. Forever. It’s thirty fucking years later and I’m still gleaning new levels of meaning from this song. Still putting together the meaning of one of the greatest songs and albums ever created in any genre. My God.

[@premiermaintenancegroup1113]

Yes!! Back in HS this shit was revolutionary

[@rebelpumpfitness4904]

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.

[@youtubeuser2691]

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

[@PrAnG2000]

@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.

[@yaoblack3579]

@@PrAnG2000 facts.

[@sonnyblack71]

The flow is insane the lyrics are mind blowing not one cuss word or ni**a was said still the greatest mc of all time!!!!

[@flyguy4211]

IKR! Drake says nigga in practically every song!

[@defaultuser8091]

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

[@williamhobbs2998]

@@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.

[@bigboiron2570]

@@williamhobbs2998 that's 100 !

[@bigboiron2570]

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

[@greatscott1175]

Music so far ahead of its time, in 2022 it can still be studied like a college course. Amazing

[@irpk239]

2023

[@mexrexnation7230]

Rakim the God !!! Beat is FIIIRE too ..

[@josephcampbell3629]

Rakim is like a lyrical scientist, the word he speak are genius in rhyme form

[@ampthefreethinker5335]

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

[@brianmonayong2769]

Simply put, Rakim is the Greatest Rapper in the History of Hip Hop.

[@KingOfCharlotteNC]

Rakim was way ahead of time. 🔥

[@jayelbee1111]

One of the greatest emcees to ever command a microphone

[@09robinhood]

I'm 51 years old so this is my time this was a cold as s*** it's hard to listen to the rappers now when you got this as a standard

[@cindymastrullo6949]

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

[@leesmith6866]

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!

[@edwardgurick5432]

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

[@edwardgurick5432]

Try Montana of 300

[@tr377723]

Rakim is the greatest lyrical emcee who ever spoke a word through a microphone. Just listen to this record and how he was flowing like this at the highest level in the 80's; way before anyone else thought about writing and incorporating complex rhyme schemes into a rap song. He was the 1st!!!

[@stayzpaid]

'You're just a rent it rapper your rhymes are minute made I'll be here when it fade to watch you flip like a renegade" still gives me goosebumps and was prophetic as he is still here. The God MC!

[@louiscsanko3673]

Rakim is the Greatest.....

[@carolbrown4040]

He's bars are insane, I love this legend

[@TheWinterShadow]

When rap was pure poetry.

[@christophercouch7116]

Damn the skills!!!!!!

[@RapFanatic4ever]

Happy 34 year anniversary to Eric B and Rakim’s classic album “Follow The Leader” . Yall made another groundbreaking album in Hip Hop

[@AndreiBerezin]

35 years jubilee now!!

[@lorcaliph514]

This is the sickest flow ever!

[@virgilwimberly2071]

Rakim was my education and my entertainment growing up. The true GOAT.

[@dustinbasham393]

Rakim was on a completely different level

[@solomonmarcus5496]

Still fire 30 years later!!!! Now you know you don't have to ask. "Rap is rhythm and poetry cuts creat sound effects ". Rakim explained all right there! Imagine have spit your bars after on a track after Rakim blessed the mic!

[@chrisguevara]

This cam out in 1988. These flows are better than most of the stuff I hear on the radio. Respect!!!

[@jaozikao]

''Stop buggin' a brother said dig him, I never dug him He couldn't follow the leader long enough so I drug him'' Damnnnn

[@OMEGAxWARRIOR]

EPMD never stood a chance against the god

[@gustocoder8900]

This flow of his represents the art of hip hop i fell in love with growing up in the 80s. They don’t make it like this anymore

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

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

[@gladiatorbattleraparena]

The best to EVER do it!

[@legbreaker]

Im a white Dutch guy, 45 yo.. manager, family man, tesla owner and still listening to hiphop , jungle, reggae and drum and bass from my youth.. But in every way... Follow the leader is one of my favourite, if not ...my favourite, hiphop album ever. Masterpiece in every aspect. Timeless, pure and clean. Pure art.

[@pereiraplaza222]

Drum and bass was like 15 years after this song

[@christianrowell1081]

That's dope but remember to remain humble

[@spqr528]

Cringe

[@hjillumi880]

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

[@malcolmlittle9908]

God by nature, mind raised in Asia Since you was tricked, I had to raise'ya From the cradle to the grave, But remember, you're not a slave Cause we was put here to be much more than that, But we couldn't see because our minds was trapped But I'm here to break away the chains take away the pains Remake the brains rebuild our names This has been in my top 5 lyrically sound songs for 20 years.

[@mooneater7072]

Dwayne Taylor this is a timeless masterpiece

[@TheZigzach]

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

[@styleyK]

Mine as well, he is a lyrical wizard.

[@frank-xp6pj]

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 " ........

[@DeDona1]

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

[@jhoffa45]

Rakim was just taking victory laps with this song 🔥

[@slanderman3296]

Wow......this is what rythem and poetry truly sounds like.

[@castlewhore2007]

They don't make hip hop like this anymore straight 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@whatsupdoc3587]

Elwookiee07 what happened to hip hop!!!

[@thiefonthacross4162]

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

[@cbchansey6866]

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

[@rayray52577]

I was 10 when my buddy Jeff introduced me to Eric B & Rakim. He had this dope turntable/cassette combo sound system with some nice speakers in his room. He said "yo, you need to hear something". When that bass kicked in after the first "Rakim'll say",my life changed. I kept asking to play it over & over again until his mom yelled " shut that shit off!" Lol. There is not a better Lyricist that ever existed.

[@Lynn.B.]

LOL @ "shut that shit off!" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@AmariMarvelous]

😂😂

[@aaronflowers8881]

Man I love Rakim! My wife and I met him 4 years ago. He's so laid back and humble. He's one of the greatest mcs ever. #1 or #2. I true artist.

[@kryptix5386]

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

[@fpshooterful]

One of Pac's biggest influence.

[@aaronflowers8881]

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

[@johnsondailysports1341]

Yup and easily top 5

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

@@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.

[@chrishendricks1160]

No one will ever be better than this guy to me..all you SoundCloud kids need to study this man..his sht is flawless.

[@gabrielleelliott2487]

I agree

[@TheFusedplug]

When I quit drugs I was drawn (back) to much better things and this is one of them

[@seanstroman6087]

This is lyricism at its best If u wanna be the best lyricist this song is the litmus test IMO

[@mike_t_007]

Cosign!!!

[@seanstroman6087]

Michael Tiema true dat

[@GeoffChisholm]

+Sean Ulloa Backed and backed again.

[@seanstroman6087]

Geoff Chisholm what???

[@GeoffChisholm]

I back your statement and I back it again.

[@olumideononaiye5748]

Probably one of the greatest if not the greatest raps you will ever hear, it gets better the more you listen to it and I have been listening to this since 88

[@FutureMixTV]

Eric B what an amazing production and Maestro Rakim ...Poetry in full POWER

[@lith1156]

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

[@drewali7]

@@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.!!!!

[@phillyfansufferer]

Eric B. and Terminator X - two of the most baller people who never said one single word ever to be truly awesome.......

[@edwardjohnson1592]

Marc L. Rap god

[@geeishim365]

"Now stop and turn around and look, as you stare in the darkness, your knowledge took". "What can ya say, as the earth get further and further away, planets small as balls of clay". Rakim was in deep thought, triple darkness when he wrote, Follow The Leader...This man was AMAZING..

[@thankgodimouttahere]

Nominated to Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2024. Rakim crossed musical lines. Dynamite.

[@josephsiscaretti7175]

Im 49 yrs old and with confidence can say the rap i knew compared to today is not even close- guys had a message a story or whatever in clear intelligent thought out lyrics

[@vinylvipress5529]

I’m 50 and I completely agree

[@jvelez1998]

A master class in MCing... I have heard this song 100’s of times and am still trying to decipher the science, math and verbally engineered genius on wax... supremely gifted mind that he allowed us into for a brief period of time.

[@joshualapointe4239]

The Alpha & Omega of mc'ing

[@amacmcdonald]

Greatest Rap song of all time

[@icywaters1457]

the contribution they had on electronica is so underrated. Eric B is also an artistic genius.