US
1988- Label and catalog number
- UNI Records UNI-8001
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM · Gloversville Press
- Runout / matrix
UNI-7989-FW2 F/W ⧈-G-⧈ CSB♪♪Side A runout
UNI-7989-FW2 F/W ⧈-G-⧈ CSB♪♪Side B runout
UNI 7988Side A label
UNI 7989Side B label
Vinyl pressings
Follow The Leader
by Eric B. & Rakim · 1988
20 pressings5 countriesHip Hop
Follow The Leader was first pressed on vinyl in 1988. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
How to spot a first pressing of Follow The Leader
18 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 5 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- UNI Records UNI-50003
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
CSB ♪♪Runout Etching Side A
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- UNI Records UNI-8001
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM · Pinckneyville Press
- Runout / matrix
UNI-7988-FW4 F/W ◈-P-◈ CSB♪♪Side A (etched)
UNI-7989-FW3 F/W ◈-P-◈ CSB♪♪Side B (etched)
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- UNI Records UNI-50003
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Single
- Runout / matrix
CSB ♪♪Runout Etching Side A
MC 26142E
MC 25928
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- UNI Records UNI-50003
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- UNI Records UNI-50003
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo, Stereo · Label Variant
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 20 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s18 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Canada | UNI Records UNI-8001First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1988 | Europe | MCA Records 257 872-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | Germany | MCA Records 257 930-0 / UNI Records 257 930-0First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records MCAT 1256 / MCA Records DOPET 1First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records WDOPE 1First year7", Promo · Promo | 7", Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records WDOPET 1A DLFirst year12", Promo · Promo | 12", Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records MCA 1256First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records MCA 1256First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records MCAT 1256First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records MCA 1256First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records MCAT 1256First year12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1988 | US | UNI Records UNI-8001First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1988 | US | UNI Records UNI-50003First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | US | UNI Records UNI-50003First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | UNI Records UNI-8001First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | US | UNI Records UNI-800112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue |
| ? | US | UNI Records UNI-800112", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Reissue |
Tracklist
- AFollow The Leader4:15
- BFollow The Leader (A Cappella)5:33
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of Follow The Leader are there?
20 vinyl pressings of Follow The Leader are listed here, from 5 countries.
When was Follow The Leader first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in US, UK, Canada, Europe and more. One of them is UNI Records UNI-8001.
How do I tell if my copy of Follow The Leader is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use UNI-8001, UNI-50003, MCAB 1256, MCAT 1256) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, UNI-7989-FW2 F/W ⧈-G-⧈ CSB♪♪ and UNI-7989-FW2 F/W ⧈-G-⧈ CSB♪♪. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is Follow The Leader on vinyl worth?
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
