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Back to Paid in Full 25-Year Anniversary

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Lyrics: "I ain't no joke, I used to let the mic smoke/ Now I slam it when I'm done and make sure it's broke."

Song: "I Ain't No Joke"

You know the expression "they broke the mold when they made you," well, Rakim is breaking the mic when he finishes rhyming. It's the same premise: to prove that no one will be able to repeat what he just did. Given Rakim's position as one of the most prolific MCs to ever pick up a mic, he pretty much knew from day one that he'd have the throne. While it's true that everyone in hip-hop thought they were the best (they still do), Rakim truly believed it. And he was right.