Hip-hop trailblazers Eric B. and Rakim’s first single, “Eric B. Is President” (#48, 1986), sparked early debate on the legality of unauthorized, uncredited sampling when James Brown sued to prevent the duo’s use of a fragment of his music. It also established Brown’s back catalog as a hip musical mining ground for a new generation of hip-hop programmers. With Rakim’s relaxed vocal delivery (“Microphone Fiend,” “Paid in Full”) and rhymes that have been described as “existential,” together with Eric B.’s deft turntable manipulation, the duo became one of the most acclaimed hip-hop acts of the late ’80s. The two met … Continue reading Eric B. & Rakim – biography, discography