Tag: Paid In Full

Paid In Full: The 15th Anniversary

Powerful, edgy, intense is what they say. The three words used by TV critics to describe the movie. The streets say real, relatable, a true story, and definitely a classic. On October 25th, 2002, the movie “Paid In Full” was released. Starring Wood Harris as “Ace”, Cam’ron as “Rico”, and Mekhi Phifer as “Mitch” or “Money Makin’ Mitch.” The movie is based on a true story between three Harlem friends named Azie “AZ” Faison, Rich Porter, and Alpo Martine, during the 1980’s, who were notorious drug dealers. Of course, the friendship doesn’t last and things turn very ugly in the end but only one survives it all. Got himself in the game and got himself out in the smartest way possible. The movie is not only a reflection of the streets but it’s also a learning lesson. It can teach you about the realities of the street life and how real things can get. It can also teach you that the street life isn’t for everybody and for the most obvious reason, it’s a dangerous game to play. It’s a hip hop classic that never gets old. A classic that you can enjoy at night after a long day, eating Chinese food and drinking iced tea. Maybe roll a joint and smoke or too as well. It’s exciting, it’s funny, it’s interesting, it’s deep, it makes your head bop along to the soundtrack and there’s not one boring moment in the movie. Altogether, it’s what makes this movie so timeless. 15 years later, watching it is like it just came out. All over again.

Paid In Full: The 30th Anniversary

For an album that only has a very little amount of songs, 9 to be exact, it had a huge impact on hip hop culture. This album is an album that many would consider it to be one that is part of the golden age days during the late 1980’s. Both a DJ and a rapper who both come from New York, both join together under Marley Marl, to create a classic hip hop masterpiece that’s well respected and loved 30 years later. On July 7th, 1987, Eric B. And Rakim released their debut album “Paid In Full.” Just like Nas’ “Illmatic”, “Paid In Full” didn’t have a Lot of songs but in that short amount of time the album lasted, it was a classic from start to finish, a classic from day 1. The album was short because it was said that the album was rushed and that both Eric B. and Rakim both were in the studio for only a week recording it. The album became super influential on other MC’s and rappers in the future. It’s hard hitting beats, Rakim’s flow and delivery, the DJ scratches and classic R&B samples that were picked out by Eric B. himself, obviously made the album one of it’s kind. The album’s success got them both a deal with MCA. With 5 singles out of the 9 track album released, every song had everyone’s attention. No matter where, It made people go crazy, still til this day and people know every single word too. Hip hop events aren’t hip hop events without a Eric B. And Rakim song being played. No matter the DJ, the time, the place, it’s always important that their songs from this album was played. It’s hard to get away from it too. It’s still played like it just came out 30 years ago. It’s timeless, still feels like brand new when it comes on and every true hip hop fan MUST own this album. It’s hip hop code. They don’t call Rakim the God MC for nothing. Everybody in this game wants to be king or considers themselves to be kings but what’s a king to a God.