By shelz.
Charles Caleb Colton once said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and Hip-Hop tuned in like he was E.F. Hutton. Songs get sent to the chop shop all the time to be broken down for parts. Tracks, lyrics and hooks are removed, re-mastered and re-recorded so much you can’t tell the retread from the re-retread. The most classic of songs end up shells of their former selves sitting on blocks at the end of dead end streets.
Some can withstand the larceny. No matter how many times you hear another dude reciting those lyrics, that original stands as the pristine blue print. “Paid in Full” is a perfect example. Possibly the most boosted set of lyrics in Hip-Hop’s catalog, the song has weathered all sorts of ill-advised sonic storms. But a few emcees not named Rakim got it right, taking just enough to show homage but still managing to make his words their own in a way.
Some used a half a bar, some used the entire song and others worked in a wispy sample. But I’m sure they all agree that the Eric B and Rakim classic, as short as it is, is one of the best songs Hip-Hop has ever produced.
So sit back and enjoy as we take you through ten emcees not named Rakim who all started by thinking of a master plan. Word.
Little Brother – “Whatever You Say”
I’m starting at the back, but that’s okay. Phonte has lines that don’t even rhyme in this song so its that kind of free for all. “Whatever You Say” is a little something for the ladies from The Listening, but the brothers 3 still had time to show a little respect to the R. What happened to peace? Well, for a minute back in 2003, it resided at the end of this song.
01 – Little Brother – Whatever You Say (Radio)
Lloyd Banks feat. Tony Yayo – “NY NY”
Lloyd Banks lets you know exactly how grimy the NYC can get on his ode to his favorite city, “NY NY.” He walks the walk, talks the talk and suggests you don’t write any checks your ass can’t cash because one day when you least expect it hes going to roll up… You know the rest.
Heltah Skeltah – “Caca Gosa Vixen (Fuck Yall Niggaz)”
Ruck and Rock can say, “Fuck you, you’re wack” in about 23 different languages. They can explain how they will dismantle your body in even more. But their respect for Rakim in this song is obvious. What’s also obvious is that Rock is so bad, he can kick your ass with another man’s lyrics. I’ll bet Chuck Norris can’t do that.
heltah skeltah -caca gosa vixen (fuck yall niggaz)
Mobb Deep – “Paid In Full”
Mobb Deep spread R’s lyrics out thin but still managed to play connect the dots with the theme in their cover. The added filler turned the song into their own track, focusing on their desire to find a new label after their split with Loud.
Snoop Dogg – “Paper’d Up”
Snoop Dogg and Mr. Kane rip the R from front to back with this cover. Warren G has chicken wings though. I guess fish isn’t his favorite dish.
Tha Dogg Pound – “I Don’t Like To Dream About Getting Paid”
Tha Dogg Pound ponders the age old street question: illegal money vs. a legitimate hustle while Nate Dogg croons about his disdain for dreaming about getting paid. Legitimate or not, Snoop’s foot soldiers are all about making dreams come true.
The Dogg Pound – I Don’t Like to dream About Getting Paid
Lloyd feat. Lil Wayne – “Girls All Around The World”
Lil Wayne’s master plan on Lloyd’s “Girls All Around The World” has more to do with sweeping a hottie off her feet than switching from crime to rhyme, but he works R’s words into his new theme nicely.
Lloyd_ft._Lil_’_Wayne_-_Girls_All_Around_the_World
M.O.P. – “Down 4 Whateva”
Mash Out Posse is always in the market for a sucker to hit up. “Down 4 Whateva,” is a warning to everyone who thought they were no longer interested in rolling up on your ass and robbing you naked since the rap thing was paying dividends. You’re not smiling are you?
05. Down 4 Whateva (Feat. O.C.)
Torae & Marco Polo feat. Masta Ace and Sean Price – “Hold Up”
It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out what line from “Paid In Full” Marco Polo sampled. There are no lyric jacks here, just a little taste of the R on the hook but that’s all it takes to give the song some old school authenticity.
MarcoPolo.Torae.Hold Up f. Masta Ace & Sean Price
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