"Follow The Leader" is the lead single from 1988's album of the same name. The video for "Follow The Leader" was the first ever video to be broadcasted on Yo! MTV Raps. "Follow The Leader" is widely celebrated as one of Rakim's best songs, as the album is celebrated as one of his best pieces of work as well.
"Follow The Leader" used interpolations of "Nautilus," a popular breakbeat in Hip-Hop composed by Bob James. Rakim played the Blue Note in New York in February with Talib Kweli, Black Thought and Bob James. Slick Rick and DMC played the venue with James on the same weekend.