Who used the term 'dead presidents' first?

Yes, the term has been around pre-Hip-Hop music, but as mentioned above, the first reference I've heard to it is in Eric B and Rakim's Paid In Full from 1986.

"Thinkin' how can I get some dead presidents"

Ya Rakim might have been the first like someone else said, Paid in Full was from 87 i think? Eric. B and Rakim

Rakim said dead presidents on "paid in full" forgot the year but youtube it

The phrase has been used for a long time - way before the existence of rap music.

it's been around a while.not sure who was the first though.remember az and nas talking in beginning of song---->>>

cause we spending these jacksons,the washingtons go to wifey."lifes a bi*ch-illmatic

Most likely some dude on the street years ago that you never heard of and never will and I'm sure he wishes he had trademarked it

Jay-Z did a two part song called dead presidents

And much later lupe fiasco did a freesatyle to that beat

i agree with zosh

your father