Has the feel and sound of an '89 release this. Lots of fast paced breakbeats (which were popular in '89), probably done to compliment Rakim's fast rap style. Perhaps a bit lacking in killer samples but still a dope LP.

Great record of course. I have a gold stamp promo with a press sheet.

In an interview with Todd Terry (w/ Duck Sauce), Todd noted he was working in an alternate room at Power Play studios while this album was being finished. One of Todd's friends ("Raymond") went into the tape room and accidentally erased the master. They ended up mastering off a cassette, which is why the album has always sounded somewhat tinny.

Man,Right on!!!!! Thank You! No dis to the others but DAM!!! Rakim is one of the BEST lyrical MC'S from the 80's and 90's and now! The others wish they could flow like Rakim! Paid In Full was a dope lp,Eric B is President is the first 12" that I got threw the record pool here In VA. Look Rakim is the best beat rhymer there is!!! Eric B and Rakim is the Best!

Always amazes me how there can be a heap of reviews for a Nas album yet nothing for an album like this.
Follow up to the massive Paid In Full album and at the time of course it received it's fair share of negative reviews which always plagues 2nd albums by know it all music types mostly who have never released any music themselves.
Anyway had this album come before Paid In Full it would have been received just as fondly, I love this album as much as Paid In Full if not more so. Follow The Leader, Microphone Fiend, The R, Put Your Hands Together etc etc are such dope tracks and like the first album weird interlude/ instrumental tracks were included which adds to the mystic vibe Rakim carried.
Rakims rhymes are still some of the best rhymes EVER full stop.