US
1988- Label and catalog number
- UNI Records UNI 8012
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM · Pinckneyville Pressing
Eric B. & RakimThe R
Vinyl pressings
The R
by Eric B. & Rakim · 1988
10 pressings3 countriesHip Hop
The R 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 The R
8 pressings came out in 1988, the album's first year, in 2 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-50014
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM
- Runout / matrix
MC27550REA-side label
MC26166B-side label
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- UNI Records UNI-8012
- Format
- 12", 33 ⅓ RPM · Gloversville Pressing
- Runout / matrix
UNI 8548 FW2 F/W CSB ♪♪Runout Side A
UNI 8549 FW1 F/W CSB ♪♪Runout Side B
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- UNI Records UNI-50014
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM · Gloversville Pressing
- Runout / matrix
MC27550 RE FW2 F/W CSB ♪♪ ⧈-G-⧈ 2A-side runout
MC 26166 FW2 F/W ⧈-G-⧈ 3 CSB ♪♪B-side runout
MC 27550REA-side label
MC 26166B-side label
US
1988- Label and catalog number
- UNI Records UNI-50014
- Format
- 7", 45 RPM, Promo
- Runout / matrix
MC27550RELabels
UK
1988- Label and catalog number
- MCA Records MCAT 1303
- Format
- 12", 45 RPM
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
All 10 vinyl pressings
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
1980s8 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records MCAT 1303First year12", 45 RPM | 12", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records WMCAT 1303First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | UK | MCA Records MCA 1303First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1988 | US | UNI Records UNI 8012First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1988 | US | UNI Records UNI-50014First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1988 | US | UNI Records UNI-50014First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1988 | US | UNI Records UNI-8012First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1988 | US | UNI Records UNI-50014First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
Year unknown2 pressings
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Japan | MCA Records Ltd. MR-071 / MCA Records Ltd. MCAT 130312", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| ? | US | UNI Records UNI-500147", Promo, Repress · Promo | 7", Promo, Repress · Promo |
Tracklist
- AThe R (Remix)9:20
- B1Just A Beat2:06
- B2The R (7" Edit)3:25
Questions
How many vinyl pressings of The R are there?
10 vinyl pressings of The R are listed here, from 3 countries.
When was The R first released on vinyl?
The earliest pressings are from 1988, in US, UK. One of them is UNI Records UNI 8012.
How do I tell if my copy of The R is a first pressing?
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use UNI 8012, UNI-50014, UNI-8012, MCAT 1303) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
How much is The R 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.
