While the duo’s debut LP ‘Paid in Full’ (1987) remains the stronger overall album, Rakim’s lyrical performance on ‘Follow the Leader’ is arguably superior.

The duo’s debut LP ranks among the five greatest hip-hop albums ever recorded, and a compelling case can be made that it’s THE greatest ever.

Although Eric B. & Rakim’s musical partnership ended unexpectedly after four albums, they went out on a high note with ‘Don’t Sweat the Technique.’

It’s a shame that as the years have passed ‘Let The Rhythm Hit ’Em’ isn’t as revered as it deserves to be. But for heads who really know, it’s a bona fide classic just like the two LPs that precede it.