Eric B. & Rakim
I Ain't No Joke/eric B. Is On The Cut
People's first exposure to this track was on the landmark 'Paid In Full' album from 1987, and it was clear this had the potential to jump off as a single. The repetitive, simply scratched sample of 'Pass The Peas' by the JB's was an infectious ear worm that needed a truly strong MC to stand up to it. He did more than that - here Rakim spun timeless lyrics and lines that would go on to be sampled and referred to dozens of times down through hip-hop history. He took one of rap's great instrumentals and wrestled it to the floor. Of course, you can't have Eric B. & Rakim without Eric B. The DJ gets his time to shine on the flip, and while he isn't a man renowned for his dexterity and turntablist skills, the track still knocks.