Released: 1992
“Don’t Sweat The Technique” by Eric B. & Rakim is a testament to Rakim’s lyrical prowess and the duo’s ingenuity in the hip-hop game. It serves as a warning to other rappers not to try to duplicate their innovative style – a blend of complex wordplay and cutting-edge production techniques.
The first verse sets the tone with Rakim boasting about his ability to switch up his flow and throw off opponents, viz. “I flip the script so they can’t get foul”. ‘Flipping the script’ is hip-hop lingo for changing the game or shifting the norm. Rakim sees himself as a dominant force who alters the game to his advantage, making it difficult for others to compete.
The second verse is classic braggadocio, Rakim talking up his record and skillset. He talks about making his debut in ’86, likely a nod to their groundbreaking album “Paid in Full”. “MC’s wanna beef then I play for keeps” signals his readiness to engage in lyrical warfare and defend his position. ‘Beef’ in hip-hop refers to disputes or feuds, often played out in bar-for-bar disses in tracks.
In the third verse, Rakim continues his self-assertive train, playing up the insurmountable and inherent nature of his skill. The line, “scientists try to solve the context, philosophers are wondering what’s next” portrays his lyrics as so profound that even intellectuals struggle to dissect them. The verse ends with Rakim presenting himself as a multifaceted artist, using the terms sculpture, rip and destruct to show his creative process and the impact he makes on the game.
The fourth verse sees Rakim maintaining his lyrical dominance, stating he speaks “indiscreet ’cause talk is cheap”. Essentially, Rakim’s riveting, deep lyrics make others’ weak attempts to rap irrelevant – they are the ‘obsolete’. He goes on to describe his style as radiant, voluminous, and classical, a unique juxtaposition of old school hip hop with a futuristic approach that’s always evolving – hence never becoming an ‘antique’.
Don’t Sweat The Technique is undeniably a self-celebratory song by Eric B. & Rakim, serving as a stark reminder of their influence, innovation, and meteoric rise in the realm of hip-hop. Its iconic status lies in Rakim’s intricate word play and the duo’s groundbreaking approach to hip hop during their active years. The chorus, “don’t sweat the technique” is an assertive memo to other rappers, urging them to marvel but not mimic their unparalleled style and technique, furthering their legacy in the annals of hip-hop history.
