MC Serch Says A 3rd Bass Hit Was Written For Rakim & Caused Beef With Eric B (Video)

BY JORDAN COMMANDEUR • NOVEMBER 10, 2018

3rd Bass released two gold albums between 1989 and 1991. Twenty-nine years ago this month, Def Jam Records released The Cactus Album, a full-length debut from the New York City collective of MC Serch, Prime Minister Pete Nice, and DJ Richie Rich (aka DJ Daddy Rich). The first single from that would-be gold LP was “Steppin’ To The A.M.” (embedded below). Along with 3rd Bass, the song was produced by The Bomb Squad at a time when they were expanding, following tremendous acclaim with Public Enemy.

In an interview with VladTV, Serch reveals that the song (which reached the Top 5 on the Rap charts), began as a verse written for Rakim. He even spits his verse in the way that it was referenced for the microphone deity. “It was meant for Rakim, correct,” Serch says to DJ Vlad. ” At 1:30, he continues, “So first of all, we were writing the lyrics for Rakim. I got a call from Lyor [Cohen]; he was managing us. He was basically like, ‘Look, Rakim is in a bit of a [rut]—he got a bit of writer’s block. I know you’re cool with Eric B. Could you write some lyrics and maybe get him jump-started?'” Cohen was working at Russell Simmons’ management company, who was also handling the careers of Eric B. & Rakim. The New York City duo had released Paid In Full and was at the time slowly working on 1988’s Follow The Leader.

“So, Rakim—even to this day—to me, is the greatest MC of all time. Like, period. So, it was a tremendous honor to be asked to write anything for Rakim—to write a word for Rakim, let alone a song. So it was easy for me to get into his mind-frame and think about, okay, how would I want him to [sound] and how do I see him? I saw him in my head with [the Paid In Full Posse members] Supreme and his crew, and them steppin’ to the a.m. I was like, ‘Oh sh*t, yeah, steppin’ to the a.m., that’s dope.” At 2:30, the Far Rockaway, Queens MC spits the song as it was first written for Rakim.

READ MORE AT AMBROSIA FOR HEADS

Facebook

Views: 1587

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Earth, Wind & Fire
Friday, June 27 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Macy Gray
Saturday, July 12 @ Palace of Fine Arts, SF

Thievery Corporation
Saturday, Sept 6 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Yung Lean
Saturday, Oct 11 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
2 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
realmuzik posted a discussion

Intercept Music Marks Successes with Indie Hip Hop Labels Afimi Music and Viral New Wave and Announces Veteran Music Exec, Jesse Flores, as New Hire

San Francisco, CA – Intercept Music is disrupting the indie music marketing and digital distribution game for hip hop labels and independent artists who are looking to expand their streams and boost their profits.  Showcasing success stories like Shawn Mickelonis, COO at …See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted an event
Thumbnail

THROWBACK featuring DJ Audio1 at Hello Stranger Bar, Oakland

July 23, 2025 at 9pm to July 24, 2026 at 1:45am
WEDNESDAY JULY 23 THROWBACK (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) All Throwbacks: Hip Hop, Soul/Funk, Reggae +more!FeaturingDJ Audio1at Hello Stranger Bar, 1724 Broadway, Oakland. Doors 8pm. DJ Set starts at 9pm. No…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Space Cowboys present ShOOnanigans at Public Works, SF

July 19, 2025 at 9pm to July 20, 2025 at 3am
Saturday, July 19thSpace Cowboys present ShOOnanigansPlus Space Cowboys DJ's and friends:Dulce Vita / Haute Mess / Nugz / ShOOey / 8ball / Deckard / gLover / Kapt'n Kirk / Leyl Master Black / Rumblemunk @ Public Works, San Francisco9pm - 3amFull Space / 21+ / Limited Capacity…See More
Tuesday
MJ Savino posted a blog post

Esteemed NY Hip Hop Artist OSVN Delivers Prolific Message In "Long Live The Cow" Single

When fans and listeners think of NY Hip Hop artist & entrepreneur OSVN the first things that resonate are conscious wordplay, prolific messages, distinct vocal sound, and emotive performances. His new single "Long Live The Cow" is no exception. Tap in below for more about the record and stream on Bandcamp. "Long Live the Cow" is a sharp, thought-provoking critique of…See More
Tuesday
Artistpr posted a blog post

Jerard Rice Drops Highly Anticipated Debut Album "Love Shouldn't Cost a Thing"

Webster, MA artist Jerard Rice releases debut album; a blend of Hip Hop and R&B sounds.Webster, MA – July 8, 2024 – Jerard Rice, formerly known as Rice, is set to release his debut album, "Love Shouldn't Cost a Thing," on July 11th,…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
Monday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Jul 11