Celebrating 35 Years of Eric B. & Rakim’s 'Follow the Leader'

We're revisiting the sophomore album that solidified the duo's place in hip-hop history.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary is the second studio album, Follow the Leader, by Eric B. & Rakim, originally released on July 26, 1988. The duo, consisting of William “Rakim” Griffin and Eric “B.” Barrier, had already significantly impacted the hip-hop scene with their debut album Paid in Full in 1987. However, their sophomore album demonstrated their ability to adapt to the evolving music landscape while still delivering one of the most notable hip-hop albums of the year.

Follow the Leader attests to the duo’s authenticity and talent. While Paid in Full is often considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums, Follow the Leader showcases Rakim’s superior lyrical performance. Rakim’s lyricism was further honed in this album, with many of the rhymes being original creations, unlike those in Paid in Full, often derived from his performances during the mid-’80s.

The album’s production was characterized by fast-paced tracks, often sampling music from James Brown or utilizing break-beats from the Ultimate Beats and Breaks collection. The beats in Follow the Leader were primarily sourced from Ultimate Beats and Breaks, resulting in a raw and energetic musical and lyrical experience.

The album begins with an incredible three-track sequence (“Follow the Leader,” “Microphone Fiend,” “Lyrics of Fury”), starting with the title track, which features commanding horns and eerie keyboards. Rakim’s lyrics in this song are filled with references to outer space and intergalactic travels, asserting his dominance in the hip-hop scene. The album’s production credits are attributed to Eric B. & Rakim, although there have been rumors of ghost production.

Despite the strong opening, the album’s quality remains consistent, even with the inclusion of two instrumental entries. The second half of the album begins with “Put Your Hands Together,” a track that highlights Rakim's commitment to engaging the audience. He also explains the use of samples in rap music, a response to a lawsuit the duo faced at the time.

While the slower tracks on the album are not as strong, Rakim’s lyrical performance remains top-notch. The faster tracks built on break-beats, such as “No Competition” and “Musical Massacre,” showcase some of Rakim's best and most intricate rhymes.

Follow the Leader is a key reason why Rakim is considered one of the best rappers and why the initial four-album run of Eric B. & Rakim is still regarded as legendary. The album demonstrated the duo's versatility and ability to adapt to the changing music landscape while still showcasing their strengths. Even after 35 years, the album and Rakim's performance remain timeless.