Vinyl pressings
by Eric B. & Rakim · 1990
Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em was first pressed on vinyl in 1990. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
13 pressings came out in 1990, the album's first year, in 4 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.
⧈-G-⧈Side A & B Runout Groove Stamped
C S B ♪ ♪ MCA 9905 FWI F/WSide A Runout Groove Hand-Etched
C S B ♪ ♪ MCA 9906 FWI F/WSide B Runout Groove Hand-Etched
C S B ♪ ♪ MCA 9905 FW2 F/WSide A Runout Groove Hand-Etched, Variant
MC31814-E FW2 F/W CSB ♪♪Runout side A etched
MC31815 FW2 F/W CSB ♪♪Runout side B etched
▣-G-▣Runout both sides stamped
MC 31814Label side A
⧈-G-⧈Side A Runout Groove Stamped
C S B ♪ ♪ MCA 9905 FWI F/WSide A Runout Groove Hand-Etched
ERIC B & RAKIM MCA 9906 B SIDESide B Runout Groove Hand-Etched
MC31814-E FW2 F/W CSB ♪♪Runout side A etched
▣-G-▣Runout both sides stamped
MC 31814Label side A
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Canada | MCA Records MCA-24026First year12" | 12" |
| 1990 | Germany | MCA Records 9031-71972-0 / MCA Records 9031-71972-0 LBFirst year12", 45 RPM, Stereo | 12", 45 RPM, Stereo |
| 1990 | Germany | MCA Records 9031-71971-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1990 | UK | MCA Records WMCAT 1433First year12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | UK | MCA Records MCA 1433First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1990 | US | MCA Records MCA-24026First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single |
| 1990 | US | MCA Records L33-18342First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | US | MCA Records L33-18504First year12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo | 12", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM · Promo |
| 1990 | US | MCA Records MCA-79018First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1990 | US | MCA Records MCA-24026First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1990 | US | MCA Records MCA-79018First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1990 | UK | MCA Records MCAX 1433First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1990 | UK | MCA Records MCAT 1433First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | US | MCA Records MCA-2402612", Reissue, 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", Reissue, 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 2006 | UK | Little Kids Music LK 00312", Unofficial Release · Unofficial | 12", Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | UK | Rodeo Meat RM0312", Single Sided, Promo · Promo | 12", Single Sided, Promo · Promo |
16 vinyl pressings of Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1990 and 2006.
The earliest pressings are from 1990, in US, UK, Canada, Germany. One of them is MCA Records MCA-24026.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-24026, MCA-79018, L33-18342, L33-18504) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ⧈-G-⧈ and C S B ♪ ♪ MCA 9905 FWI F/W. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
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.
