Island (label)
10 November 2003 (released)
13 January 2004
I know what your thinking why on earth are we reviewing this classic 80's Eric B & Rakim record twenty odd years too late. Well it's simple, apart from it being a hugely influential album 'Paid in Full' has had a re-release to accompany a second disc full of remixes and yep its another record company cash-in but due to the fact this album is such a great one we should let them off just this once.
For anyone caught up in the bling bling era now's your chance to put things right and fill your head up with some knowledgeable Hip Hop. Paid in full was the debut album and is basically a collection of early singles ('Eric B. Is President', 'I Know You Got Soul', the title track) that served as a tremendous introduction to the talents of Eric B & Rakim.
Moving on to disc two. This is a collection of remixes from the 'Paid in Full' album. The Richie Rich Megamix of 'I Know You Got Soul' has to be the best track not mention the Dub versions of 'I Know You Got Soul', 'Eric B. Is President' and 'My Melody' that adds a nice reggae feel to finish off this fine collection.
