Follow the Leader
Eric B. & Rakim
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Follow me into a solo, get in the flow And you could picture, like a photo Music makes mellow, maintains to make Melodies for MCs, motivates the breaks I'm everlasting; I can go on for days and days With rhyme displays that engrave deep as x-rays I can take a phrase that's rarely heard Flip it now it's a daily word I can get illin' at normal killin' Bambino along, Rakim'll remain calm Self esteem make me super superb and supreme Before a microphone, still, I fiend This was a take, I wasn't supposed to break I was supposed to wait, but let's motivate I wanna see 'em keep followin' and swallowin' Takin' the makin', bitin' and borrowin' Brothers try and others die to get the formula But I'm a let 'cha sweat. You still ain't warm You a step away from frozen, stiff as if you're posin' Dig into my brain as the rhyme gets chosen So follow me, and while you're thinking you were first Let's travel adventitious at speeds around the universe What could you say as the earth gets further and further away Planets as small as balls of clay? Astray into the Milky Way, world's out of sight As far as the eye can see, not even a satellite Now stop and turn around and look As you stare into the darkness, your knowledge: took! So keep starin', soon you suddenly see a star You better follow it 'cause it's the "R" This is a lesson. If you're guessin' and if you're borrowin' Hurry hurry step right up and keep followin' The Leader Follow the leader Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Keep Followin' Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" This is a lifetime mission Vision a prison. All right, listen In this journey, you're the journal, I'm the journalist Am I eternal or an eternalist? I'm about to flow long as I can possibly go Keep you movin' 'cause the crowd said so Dance! Cuts rip your pants Eric B. on the blades, bleedin' death. Call an ambulance! Pull out my weapon and start to squeeze A magnum as a microphone, murderin' MCs Let's quote a rhyme from a record I wrote "Follow the Leader!" ...Yeah, dope! 'Cause every time I stop, you see, just duck As soon as you try to step off you self-destruct I came to overcome before I'm gone By showin' and provin' and lettin' knowledge be born Then after that I'll live forever. You disagree? You say, "Never?" Then follow me From century to century, you'll remember me In history, not a mystery or a memory Called by nature, mind raised in Asia Since you was tricked, I had to raise ya From the cradle to the grave But remember, you're not a slave 'Cause we were put here to be much more than that But we couldn't see because our mind was trapped But I'm here to break away the chains, take away the pains Remake the brains, rebuild my name Again, somebody told you, a little knowledge is dangerous It can't be mixed, diluted, it can't be changed with a Switch. Here's a lesson if you're guessin', if you're borrowin' Hurry hurry step right up and keep followin' The Leader Follow the leader Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" A fear if I freestyle lyrics-a-fury My third eye make me shine like jury You're just a rented rapper, you're rhymes are minute-maid I'll be here when they fade, I'll watch you flip like a renegade I can't wait to break and eliminate On every trade of my snake so stay awake And follow and follow 'cause the tempo's a trail The stage is a cage, the mic is a third rail I'm Rakim, the fiend of a microphone I'm not him, so leave my mic alone Soon as the beat is felt, I'm ready to go So fasten your seatbelt 'cause I'm about to flow No need to speed, slow down and let the leader lead Word to Daddy... Indeed! The "R's" a rollin' stone, so I'm rollin' Directs the tone then rhymes are stolen Stop buggin'! A brother said, "Dig him?" I never dug him He couldn't follow the leader long enough so I drug him It's a danger zone, he should arrange his own Face it, to space it, grace it, change the tone There's one "R" in the alphabet It's a one letter word and it's about to get More complex from one rhyme to the next Eric B., be easy on the flex I've been from state to state. Follow us. Tailgate Keep comin', but you came too late, but I'll wait So back up your group, get a grip, come equipped You're the next contestant. Clap your hands. You won a trip The price is right. Don't make a deal too soon How many notes? Could you name this tune? "Follow the Leader" is a title they task Now you know; you don't have to ask Rappers' rhythm and poetry, cuts create sound effects You might get junked if you follow the records he wrecks Until then, keep eatin' and swallowin' You better take a deep breath and keep followin' The Leader Follow the leader. Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Keep followin'. Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" The "R!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Peace." Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Follow the leader. Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Rakim'll say, "Follow the leader!" Follow the leader! Kaboom!
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Eric Barrier, William Griffin, Bob James
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Background Fact"Follow the Leader" is the title track from the second studio album by American hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim. The song was released in 1988 by the record label Uni.
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Rakim FactRakim, also known as William Michael Griffin Jr., is widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time. He is known for his socially conscious and complex lyrical content in "Follow the Leader".
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Music Innovations FactThe song "Follow the Leader" showcased some innovative music elements of its time, including the then-nascent technique of sampling in hip-hop. This was instrumental in elevating the duo’s status in the music industry.
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Jazz Influence FactThe underlying beat of "Follow the Leader" is driven by a sample from a song by Bob James, a jazz keyboardist. This indicates the genre-blending approaches that Eric B. & Rakim were using in their music.
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Eric B.'s Contribution FactThe half of the duo Eric B., (Eric Barrier), is the DJ and producer of the group. He was responsible for the unique beats of the song, creating a layered sound that was distinctive.
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Album Success FactAlthough the song "Follow the Leader" itself did not chart, the album of the same name reached number 22 on the Billboard 200 and is often cited as a classic of hip hop.
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Cultural Influence FactThe phrase "Follow the Leader" became a popular phrase in hip-hop culture and can now be seen referenced in numerous songs and media.
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Rakim's Style FactRakim is known for his relaxed delivery style, which can be heard on "Follow the Leader." His calm, collected rapping set him apart from other more animated rappers of the time.
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Grammy Hall of Fame FactIn 2018, “Follow the Leader,” along with their debut album, “Paid in Full,” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This marked their profound impact on hip hop music.
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Musical Legacy Fact"Follow the Leader" is considered a pioneering song in the rap genre, and Eric B. & Rakim's impact can still be heard in the style and production of current hip-hop music. They are often hailed as standard-bearers for the 'golden age' of hip-hop.
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