Customer Reviews
Ain't No Joke (but it ain't no classic, either) - By: Steve, 04 Aug 2006 
This is another one of these albums which is rated as an all-time classic, then you listen to it, & wonder what all the fuss is about. Paid In Full isnt even a proper album- its just a collection of singles with some cuts of beats'n'scratches by Eric B to pad it out. There's a few great tracks here- I Know You Got Soul is clearly one of THE classic hip-hop tracks of the era, & Move the Crowd is equally good (although there's a better mix on "Hip Hop Don't Stop vol.2"). The title track's also pretty cool. Otherwise, there's not much else here to justify the album's reputation. Rakim's delivery is smooth, but his lyrics aren't too hot- I'll bet Chuck D wouldn't come up with rhymes like
"Fish/is my favourite dish/but without my money its still a wish"
The sound quality isn't good either- the album has that skeletal, slightly degraded sound of early hip-hop, which would be OK but the CD isn't remastered, so the beats don't really kick like they should. Allin all, it's not bad, but don't compare this to prime-time Public Enemy or De La Soul, cos it's just not that hot.
Classic - By: , 26 Feb 2005 
This album is a classic. In my opinion, the content isn't amazing, & I actually prefer Rakimin his later days, but this old skool, pioneering CD is ledgendary.
It's back when Rakim & Eric B were close, & together they helped create hiphop.
May not be excellent (although it is good), it is a classic
Rakim - Simply The Best - By: The Stud Missile, 06 Feb 2004 
I have madly followed hip hop since my early teensin the early 80s, meaning I got to enjoy the best of the best by the LL Cool Js, Kool Moe Dees, Grandmaster Flashs, Big Daddy Kanes & Kurtis Blows. Tell you what though, & this is real hard for me to admit considering I loved all of the above-named, no one could touch the lyrical master himself, Rakim. All of the guys named have their unique appeal, but for me, lyrically, Rakim Allah is simply the best.
A small gripe - By: , 30 Apr 2003 Ok this album is outstanding. Rakims lyrics are still 100 times more relevant, even now, than 99% of todays popstars, sorry, 'rappers'. oh, & 'vic from Watford' id like to know what you were thinking when writing that when compared to todays music, gangstarr & rakim dont stand up. Just think about what you've said. Thats like saying Nelly is better than Rakim, or Ja Rule is better than Guru. NO! Your so wrong.
Any real hip hop fans know the score. This album is top notch. An absolute classic, even by 'todays standards'.
can't feel this album anymore...too dated - By: vic, 01 Sep 2002 When lists of the best rap albums ever made are complied, Paid In Full regularly...no, consistently comesin the top 20. Now, sorry to all the old skoolers out there, but I don't think this album has stood the test of time.
While it has influenced the sound of hip hop since it was released, & is still sampled/quoted by frontline acts like Mos Def & Eminem, I think there is a distinction to be made about "influential" & "best". This album may be influential, but it is not a better album than Boogie Down's Criminal Minded or Slick Ricks's Great Adventures of.... Although Boogie Down Productions & Slick Rick came after this, their debuts have more variety & have aged better. I reckon that the music of Paidin Full sounds too primitive & Eric B's beats are way too simple. Meanwhile, Rakim - although his flow is smoother than anyone's out there - doesn't have enough charisma for me, & drones over songs rather than dominates them (just listen to Gangstarr's Militia remix to check his battle with Guru over who can be more monotone).
Now that I've successfully blaphemed about two of rap's all time favourite albums/songs, let me putin some disclaimers: I Know You Got Soul is a brilliant song & there are gems to be found here, but i have judged this album by modern standards, upon which it does not stand up too well since it sounds very dated. Oh, & I love GAngstarr, but Guru;s delivery (not his lyrics) is monotone & dull.
