Review Summary: Although not better than Paid In Full, Follow The Leader is still a masterpiece.
Eric B And Rakim, is the best MC/DJ duo in hip-hop, and one of the best duos in hip-hop overall, and this album is one of the reasons why. As a matter of fact, Rakim was ranked #1 on the about.com list of the best emcees, a very true statement, and this album is one of the reasons why, another bonus, is that Rakim got great beats by Eric B. Also, Eric B And Rakim was ranked #3 on the about.com list of the best duos in hip-hop, again proving how good Eric B And Rakim are. Like it's predecessor Paid In Full, Follow The Leader delivers classic tracks, and great beats by Eric B. With Paid In Full, Follow The Leader, and Let The Rhythm Hit Em, Rakim took lyricism to unbelievable heights, that no MC before, or after could ever achieve. Ask any MC, who their influences are, and all of them will say Rakim is one of them. Whoever you think is the best, probably wouldn't exist if it weren't for Eric B And Rakim. Now let's get started with the track by track review.
1. Follow The Leader: A brilliant, and classic song. One of the best songs by Eric B And Rakim. 5/5
2. Microphone Fiend: A brilliant, and classic song, where Rakim tells the story of how he has been rhyming his whole life. One of the best songs by Eric B And Rakim. This song has been sampled in songs such as, Lethal Weapon by Ice-T, Play It Cool by Kool G Rap And DJ Polo, Hip-Hop Vs Rap by KRS-One, Rollin by Redman, The M.I.C by MF Doom, Rock The Spot by Blackalicious, So Fabulous by Little Brother, Microphone by Slaughterhouse, and plenty of other songs. 5/5
3. Lyrics Of Fury: A brilliant, and classic song, where Rakim shows how talented he is. The best song by Eric B And Rakim. This song has been sampled in songs such as, Rated R by Redman, Break by Jurassic 5, Blood In Blood Out by Jedi Mind Tricks, and plenty of other songs. 5/5
4. Eric B Never Scared: Just a beat.
5. Just A Beat: The title explains itself.
6. Put Your Hands Together: A brilliant, and classic song. One of the best songs by Eric B And Rakim. This song has been sampled in, Smooth Operator by Big Daddy Kane, and That's How Smooth I Am by Lord Finesse. 5/5
7. To The Listeners: A brilliant, and classic song. One of the best songs by Eric B And Rakim. 5/5
8. No Competition: A brilliant, and classic song. One of the best songs by Eric B And Rakim. This song has been sampled in S. Carter by Jay-Z. 5/5
9. The R: A brilliant, and classic song. One of the best songs by Eric B And Rakim. 5/5
10. Musical Massacre: A brilliant, and classic song. One of the best songs by Eric B And Rakim. 5/5
11. Beats For The Listeners: An instrumental version of To The Listeners.
Bottom line is, that Rakim is the best lyricist ever, and this album is one of the reasons why.
3 Best Songs:
1. Lyrics of Fury
2. Follow the Leader
3. No Competition
3 Weakest Songs (Not including instrumentals):
1. Put Your Hands Together
2. Microphone Fiend
3. The R
