Don’t quote me boy, cause I ain’t said shit.

- Eazy-E, “Boyz-N-The-Hood,” N.W.A. & The Posse, 1987

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.

- Rakim, “I Ain’t No Joke,” from Eric B. and Rakim’s Paid In Full, 1987. Congratulations to Eric B. and Rakim for their nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Ignorance is a poison and knowledge will nourish.

- KRS-One, “Word From Our Sponsor,” from Boogie Down Productions’ Criminal Minded, 1987

I’m just an addict, addicted to music
Maybe it’s a habit…I gotta use it.

- Rakim, “I Ain’t No Joke,” from Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid in Full, 1987

“I’m just an addict, addicted to music/Maybe it’s a habit…I gotta use it.”- Rakim, “I Ain’t No Joke,” Paid In Full, 1987. Via Ego Trip’s excellent Behind the Video piece.

The police…I’m givin’ them fits.
A young brother in a Benz legit,
I don’t sell no drugs and take no shit…
Park my ride and the ladies hit.

- Kool Moe Dee, “They Want Money,” Knowledge Is King, 1987

I start to think, and then I sink
Into the paper…like I was ink.
When I’m writing I’m trapped in between the lines,
I escape when I finish the rhyme…
I got soul.

- Rakim, “I Know I Got Soul”, Paid in Full, 1987

I used to roll up: this is a hold up, ain’t nuthin funny.
Stop smiling, be still, don’t nuthin move but the money.

- Rakim, “Paid in Full,” from Eric B. and Rakim’s Paid in Full, 1987

Take 7 emcees put em in a line
And add 7 more brothers who think they can rhyme
It’ll take 7 more before I go for mine
And that’s 21 emcees ate up at the same time.

- Rakim, “My Melody,” Paid in Full, 1987