In the Ghetto (Eric B. & Rakim song)

Last updated
"In the Ghetto"
Single by Eric B. & Rakim
from the album Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em
ReleasedSeptember 29, 1990
Length4:22
Label MCA
Songwriters
Producers
Eric B. & Rakim singles chronology
"Microphone Fiend"
(1988)		"In the Ghetto"
(1990)		"Know the Ledge"
(1992)
Music video
"In the Ghetto" on YouTube

"In the Ghetto" is a song by American rap duo Eric B. & Rakim. It was released on September 29, 1990, as the second single of their third studio album Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em , which was released by MCA Records. It was written and produced by Eric B. & Rakim themselves.

Contents

The song was also produced by Large Professor, despite being uncredited. [1] [2] [3]

Background

Rakim wrote the song after his father died and he viewed it as a conscious record.

I was going through a lot at that time, man. Pops passed away, and I was at the point where I ain’t know if rap made sense at that time, you know what I mean? So, going through that, and trying to make sense out of hip hop, I kind of stopped listening to music for a couple of months. When I finally put a beat on and picked up the pen, I wrote “In the Ghetto.” It was kinda therapeutic, but I guess, after that happening, it made sense to me to make a conscious record. It didn’t deal too much with my father, but it made sense to me.

—Rakim on the recording of the song "In the Ghetto" [4]

Music video

The music video features cameos by Michael Bivins and Rudy Ray Moore.

Charts

Chart (1990)Peak
position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [5] 82
US Hot Rap Songs ( Billboard ) [6] 10

References

  1. ↑ Stereo Williams (July 26, 2021). "PLUG THE PRODUCER: LARGE PROFESSOR". Rock the Bells . Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  2. ↑ Daniel Isenberg (May 23, 2012). "Large Professor Tells All: The Stories Behind His Classic Records (Part 1)". Complex . Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  3. ↑ Gino Sorcinelli (February 18, 2019). "Large Pro Made Eric B. & Rakim's "In The Ghetto" from a Cassette Sample". Medium . Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  4. ↑ "Key Tracks: Rakim on "In The Ghetto"". Red Bull Music Academy. March 18, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  5. ↑ "Eric B. & Rakim Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  6. ↑ "Eric B. & Rakim Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard.
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