Don't Sweat the Technique

by Eric B. & Rakim

Overview

Starting with their 1986 debut, Paid in Full, Eric B. and Rakim earned raves for Eric B.'s often flawless, judicious productions and Rakim's serious yet relentlessly rhythmic rhyming style. This 1992 album finds the duo picking up from where they left off of 1990's Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em. "What's on Your Mind" has Rakim with intents to woo under a bubbling track. That track aside, Don't Sweat the Technique has Rakim in bleak spirits as thoughts of combat, revenge, and unfortunate "accidents" are not far from his mind. "Casualties of War" has Rakim as an all-purpose psycho with the unsettling hook, "I get a rush when I see blood and dead bodies on the floor." Although it's supposed to be gripping, the thought of a war-ravaged Rakim with his pistols blazing after hearing a truck backfiring is hilarious. All of Don't Sweat the Technique would be more disturbing if it wasn't for the brilliant ear of Eric B. who can cut the tension and exact magic out of a going-nowhere track. Although the lyrics and premise of "What's Going On" aren't extremely sharp, the cracking snare drums and low bass riffs are a perfect compliment to Rakim's delivery. The title track is also jazz influenced, but not as potent as the Simon Law and Mr. Lee's Funky Ginger remixes that don't appear here. Like many albums of this type, Don't Sweat the Technique ends on tracks of little distinction but it is another strong effort from one of rap's most respected acts. ~ Jason Elias

Product Details

Release Date:	07/13/2018
Label:	Geffen
UPC:	0602557414585
Rank:	21553

Tracks

Disc 1

1. What's on Your Mind
2. Teach the Children
3. Pass the Hand Grenade
4. Casualties of War
5. Rest Assured
6. The Punisher

Disc 2

7. Relax With Pep
8. Keep the Beat
9. What's Going On
10. Know the Ledge
11. Don't Sweat the Technique
12. Kick Along

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Eric B. & Rakim   Primary Artist
Rakim   Vocals,Lead Vocals

Technical Credits

Andy Grassi   Assistant Engineer
Kerwin Young   Production Coordination
El Cimarron   Design
Large Professor   Production Coordination
Carl Glanville   Assistant Engineer
Lee Anthony   Mixing,Engineer
Rakim   Composer,Producer,Performer,Programming
William Griffin   Composer
Eric B. & Rakim   Producer,Programming,Executive Producer
Eric B.   Composer
Vartan   Art Direction
Herb Powers   Mastering
Louis Alfred III   Assistant Engineer
Dann Wojnar   Assistant Engineer
Cesar Vera   Photography
Mark Harder   Mixing,Engineer
Richard Simmons   Production Coordination
Dante Gioia   Assistant Engineer
Eric Barrier   Composer
Craig Winzelberg   Assistant Engineer