5 Facts About Eric B. & Rakim’s First Track

“Eric B. Is President” was the first track Eric B. & Rakim recorded together. It was also their debut single, released before their album Paid in Full.

The track introduced Rakim’s revolutionary lyrical style. His complex rhymes and smooth delivery set a new standard for hip-hop.

Eric B.’s production relied heavily on James Brown samples. The beat was built around a loop from Brown’s “Funky President.”

The single was an immediate underground hit. It helped establish the duo as pioneers of the golden age of hip-hop.

“Eric B. Is President” remains a landmark in rap history. It is widely considered one of the greatest debut singles of all time.