Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em, the third album from Eric B. & Rakim, finds the duo in the lane they’d steadfastly occupied for nearly 5 years: no-frills hip-hop. That is vital contemplating how a lot was altering in rap music on the daybreak of the Nineties: N.W.A. had thrust gangsta rap into the nationwide highlight circa 1988, with Public Enemy’s model of fiery political rap additionally hitting the mainstream across the similar time. Quirky masterpieces like De La Soul’s 3 Toes Excessive & Rising and Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique additionally dropped in 1989, making hip-hop extra diversified than ever. So, Eric B. & Rakim might’ve been forgiven in the event that they’d determined to modify gears, hopped on D.A.I.S.Y. Age trendiness and even obtained extra specific of their material. As a substitute, the duo leaned into what they do finest.
Make no mistake: Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em is not a formulaic exercise. Quite the contrary, the album is the work of master craftsmen, the product of having sharpened their tools across two previous classics. And there were differences: Namely the producer Paul C. Born Paul McKasty, he revolutionized hip-hop production via his work with the SP-1200. Having made his name on tracks with artists like Ultramagnetic MCs, Paul C was tapped to produce tracks for Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em before his tragic murder in the summer of 1989. He only finished two tracks (“Run For Cover” and “Untouchables”) before his young protege was recruited to finish what he’d began. Giant Professor, a younger producer out of Queens, had come below Paul’s tutelage they usually have been working collectively on music for Boston-based Almighty RSO when Paul was killed. Now, Giant Professor was engaged on the brand new Eric B. & Rakim album.
Hearken to Eric B & Rakim’s Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em now.
The one fixed, after all, is Ra and his lyricism, which is stronger than ever as he rhymes about every part from romantic entanglements (“Mahogany”) to Black consciousness (“In the Ghetto.”) “Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em” is a tour-de-force, as Ra’s distinct baritone rips line-after-line over an impressed pattern of “Nautilus.” With flips of Al Inexperienced, Bob James, 24 Karat Black, the manufacturing from Giant Professional and others is impressed all through. Professional helmed tracks just like the standout single “In the Ghetto,” whereas additionally utilizing leftover studio time to file a number of demo tracks for an up-and-coming rapper out of Queens named Nasty Nas.
Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em’s jazzy backdrops present a cohesiveness that makes this arguably Eric B. & Rakim’s most persistently gripping album. The duo was nonetheless at their peak right here, regardless of altering instances and altering tastes. They might launch another album (1992’s underrated Don’t Sweat The Approach) earlier than enterprise and private variations led to their acrimonious cut up. However in 1990, Rakim was nonetheless as untouchable as ever. And this album set the stage for a complete technology of hardcore New York avenue rap.
Hearken to Eric B & Rakim’s Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em now.
