ONLY ONE YEAR AFTER PAID IN FULL, Eric B. & Rakim released another classic, Follow The Leader. The dynamic duo does not let up on the formula that worked wonders for its 1988 debut; rhymes are razor sharp...er, with the God MC delivering some of the most potent bars committed to tape—check "Microphone Fiend," "The R," "Lyrics of Fury," and more. The beats cover a larger spectrum of sound, as they expand beyond the stripped down, James Brown-sampling steez (not that this is a bad thing, obviously) that defined Paid…. But, they are tailor-made for the premier rap stylist, w/ more than enough pockets in them to let every syllable he utters truly breathe. Plus, the cover image is pure gold (shot by photographer Drew Carlolan, clothing courtesy of Dapper Dan), and this album is essential listening for hip-hop fans. Sidebar: Patrick Adams (P&P) is one of the engineers that worked on the project.

• translucent gold colored double vinyl pressing
• music label: Universal 2020

reviewed by fardison pontane 07/18