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.
5 pressings came out in 1990, the album's first year, in 3 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.
MCA 9984-FW2 F/W CSB ♪♪ ⧈-G-⧈Runout side A, variant 1
MCA 9888 FW1 F/W CSB ♪♪ ⧈-G-⧈ 2Runout side B, variant 1
MCA 9984-FW2 F/W CSB ♪♪ ⧈-G-⧈Runout side A, variant 2
MCA 9888 FW2 F/W CSB ♪♪Runout side B, variant 2
MCG A-1J-1-1Runout Groove Side A
MCG 3-1J-1-1Runout Groove Side B
MCG 6097 A-1U-1-1Side A stamped
MCG 6097 B-1U-1-1Side B stamped
R / S Alsdorf 229 256909-1-A HüRunout side A
R / S Alsdorf 229 256909-1-B 8Runout side B
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 | Germany | MCA Records 2292-56909-1First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1990 | UK | MCA Records MCG 6097First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1990 | UK | MCA Records MCG 6097First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1990 | US | MCA Records MCA-6416First yearLP, Album | LP, Album |
| 1990 | UK | MCA Records MCA 6416First yearLP, Album, White Label | LP, Album, White Label |
| 1999 | Europe | Not On LabelLP, Album, Promo · Promo | LP, Album, Promo · Promo |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | UK | MCA Records MCA-6416LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Reissue, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Europe | MCA Records 602557414608 / Universal Music Group 602557414608LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 2018 | US | Geffen Records B0026370-01LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| 2018 | US | Geffen Records B0026370-01 / MCA Records B0026370-01LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl | LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited, Colored vinyl |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Unknown | MCA Records MCA-6416LP, Album, Reissue | LP, Album, Reissue |
| ? | UK | MCA Records MCA -6416 / MCA Records MCA 9888LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial | LP, Album, Unofficial Release · Unofficial |
12 vinyl pressings of Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em are listed here, from 4 countries, released between 1990 and 2018.
The earliest pressings are from 1990, in US, UK, Germany. One of them is MCA Records MCA-6416.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use MCA-6416, MCA 6416, MCG 6097, 2292-56909-1) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, MCA 9984-FW2 F/W CSB ♪♪ ⧈-G-⧈ and MCA 9888 FW1 F/W CSB ♪♪ ⧈-G-⧈ 2. 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.
