One of New York City's most important and respected rappers, Rakim, has announced his master plan: to perform all of Paid In Full live at B.B. King's this summer. Released in 1987 and widely regarded as a pillar of East Coast hip-hop's "golden era," the LP cemented Rakim's position as one of the genre's most artful craftsman. It introduced a level of rhyme complexity and introspective narrative that was scarcely heard at the time— and, of course, came packing the tenacious beat productions of disc jockey Eric B.
Since it was released, Paid in Full has netted the prestigious "5 Mic" award by the Source, a rating meant to signify full-on rap perfection. Rolling Stone listed it at number 228 on their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list in 2003. From beginning to end Eric B.'s deft turntable scratches and Rakim's insightful verses make for an experience that few other albums have matched. Paid in Full is a perfect pairing of brains and bass. It's a thinking-man's album that knocks you on your ass. It's one of Nas's personal favorites. Music really doesn't get any realer.
Rakim's front-to-back performance of the album will happen on July 13th at BB King's, and tickets go on sale this Friday. If you can't stand to wait that long, though, you'll be able to catch the MC on stage with The Soul Rebels later this month at Brooklyn Bowl. [h/t Brooklyn Vegan]
