Long before Kendrick, Kanye, Drake, and Nicki Minaj, a formidable and influential hip-hop duo, Erik B. and Rakim, were among those significant predecessors whose originality, style, and content helped create this global phenomenon. Though long past their limelight years recording together (1986-92), they have recent collaborations with giants Eminem and Rakim, as a solo artist, has even signed with Dr.Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment. In fact, to acknowledge the influence of Eric B. and Rakim, this tour is being recorded as part of a new documentary by Russell Simmons, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of their platinum album Paid in Full.
On a Rainy April night at the Dome in Oakdale on April 15th. a crowd, mostly middle-aged, die-hard fans eagerly awaiting, moving to some old skool vinyl. Kicking off the live show is YoYo, female hip-hop artist, actor, and founder of YoYo School of hip hop. Performing her 1993 hit “The Bonnie and Clyde Theme,” she turns up the heat with her raunchy, punchy delivery interspersed with frequent bouts of twerking. Loud appreciation and offers from some vocal members of the audience are countered by YoYo’s reminders to acknowledge respect for beauty, sexuality, and women. They seem undeterred as she begins introductions for the main event,
Replete with fur collar lined robes with their embroidered names on the back, and classic Yankees baseball caps these Old Skool hip hop Kings Erik B and Rakim walk on as the true heavyweights they are. Rakim’s older brother is on stage with towels and water just like a corner man in a boxing ring. The reference is not lost as he tosses a water bottle to Rakim.
“On the wheels and steel is Eric B…” Rakim announces, and follows with the 1992 hit from their last album “Don’t Sweat the Technique.” This song refers to Rakim’s own methods of rhyming and delivery in the context of rap battles, a classic theme in rap.
I flip the switch so it don’t get foul
At least not now it’ll take a while
I changed the pace to complete the beat
I drop the bass ‘til mc’s get weak
For every word they trace, it’s a scar they keep
Cause when I speak, they freak to sweat the technique
Naturally, the crowd cheers on as Rakim parades up and down the stage. For sure, he’s the showman who makes full use of the space, lingering by the edge speakers to give those brave enough to take the thundering bass a close-up. Barely moving, the stoic Erik B, appears massive, behind the deck, the foundation and compliment to his musical partner.
Between delivering hits such as “I Know You Got Soul,” “My Melody,” “Microphone Fiend,” “Eric. B is President,” and “I Ain’t No Joke,” throughout the evening there are declarations of gratitude for the entire genre of old skool hip hop, the fans, and a reflective appreciation of their own careers.
Part of their success and crossover into mainstream pop charts was, ironically, by others sampling them. In the UK, Paid in Full sampled and remixed by M.A.R.R.S for a one time collaboration between members of Colour Box and AR Kane, who themselves suffered extended litigation for sampling. However, their version pushed hip hop again onto the dancefloors and into every household with a radio. “Pump on the Volume” was everywhere, as was the sampling of the beautiful lyrics by Israeli singer Ofra Haza. The hit was part of a the quickly growing British House and rave scene at the time. And, in the lineage of all things contributed to EDM and the rise of superstar DJs.
And as the flashback fades from my hedonist days in London, UK to standing here in Wallingford, CT, among the faithful old school hip hop crowd, I can only imagine that this was somehow like how it all started “back in the day”, where the bass was big, the tech low, and the lyrics raw. I am glad these guys are giving us one more round.
