While some listeners can't be bothered to catch up on the timeless classics that helped mold hip-hop into what it is today, there are those of us who value the forefathers of the genre and their classic contributions. And on the topic of flow, there is arguably nobody more impactful than Rakim, who proved that the possibilities for riding a beat were damn near limitless. Together with Eric B, his ever-reliable partner behind the boards, Rakim helped inspire countless emcees to push their verbal dexterity to new heights.
On this day in 1992, Rakim and Eric B dropped off what would go on to be their final album as a duo, Don't Sweat The Technique. A classic to be sure, there are many who feel that the title track remains one of the pair's definitive tracks. It's certainly among their most popular, with millions of YouTube views celebrating Ra's effortless swagger and ahead-of-the-curve technique. Taking to a frantic upright bassline, Ra makes it look easy as he strings together multisyllabic rhymes, territory that was only beginning to be charted. "I'm also a sculpture, formed with structure," he spits. "Cause of my culture, I'm equipped to construct the technical styles that'll be full of technology / Complete sights and new heights after I get deep."
As Don't Sweat The Technique turns 28, be sure to show some love to both Eric B and Rakim, two of hip-hop's forefathers. Do you remember this classic tune?
QUOTABLE LYRICS
I'm also a sculpture, formed with structure
Because of my culture, I'm equipped to construct the
Technical styles that'll be full of technology
Complete sights and new heights after I get deep