Legend has it that Rakim was the primary individual to make use of the time period “flow” to explain his lyrical supply, taking a cue from his jazz heroes, Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. It is smart. Whereas his instrumental tag group associate Eric B. would push the envelope of sampling, Rakim took the comparatively easy limericks of rap’s first decade to new heights, with complicated inner rhymes and artistic wordplay past what nearly any of his friends have been doing within the late Eighties. The place rappers earlier than him have been nonetheless predominantly MCs within the basic sense – boasting and toasting to maintain the viewers hype – Rakim expanded the chances of lyricism itself.
Eric B. and Rakim went their separate methods after 1992’s Don’t Sweat the Method, however Rakim was nonetheless on the peak of his lyrical powers. Followers eagerly anticipated an inevitable solo debut. But, because the years started to cross, it appeared like Rakim’s solo profession could be a non-starter, as authorized points and perpetual delays stored his debut document off the cabinets. By the point he returned with 1997’s The 18th Letter, rap had modified radically. When Don’t Sweat the Method dropped, it had solely been a number of months since 2Pac’s debut album, whereas Biggie’s was nonetheless a number of years out. By the point The 18th Letter lastly hit cabinets in November 1997, each legends have been useless and gone.
Take heed to Rakim’s The 18th Letter now.
Even so, Rakim was nonetheless sharp as a tack, and The 18th Letter served as a showcase for the revered veteran’s evolution. His cadence is much more dexterous, layered with intricate wordplay and references to Islamic scripture. Rakim acknowledges the endurance of his listeners, most straight within the title and refrain of “It’s Been A Long Time.” However he instantly assuages any doubt: “Me and the microphone is still magnetic,” he claims on “Guess Who’s Back.”
There’s an old-school tinge to the album’s plentiful turntable scratches, in addition to a continued fondness for the sort of soul and funk samples Eric B. regularly chopped up, however The 18th Letter has loads of updates to Rakim’s sound. On “New York (Ya Out There),” he hyperlinks up with DJ Premier for a sampladelic ode to the metropolis the duo calls residence, and his jazz-influenced movement is in full pressure on “When I’m Flowin’.”
With sensual jams like “Stay A While” and “Show Me Love,” Rakim showcases a extra romantic aspect, with the sort of club-friendly R&B-inflected beats msde well-liked within the “jiggy” period of New York rap. There’s nonetheless loads of grit on cut-throat tracks like “The Saga Begins,” produced by Pete Rock, however Rakim regularly goes for a extra up to date sound – DJ Clark Kent, whose greatest hit was Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy,” has probably the most beats on the album. There’s a pop sheen to his manufacturing that retains Rakim’s acutely aware bars from going full backpacker.
As quintessentially New York as Rakim could be, he additionally performs round with among the regional kinds that have been rising in recognition. Houston document label and collective Suave Home – who helped deliver 8Ball & MJG from the South to the world – contribute a remix of “It’s Been A Long Time” that lends the observe some easily menacing g-funk taste. Houston rap heads may also acknowledge the pattern on “Remember That” – Pleasure’s 1979 observe “Thoughts of Old Flames” – from UGK’s “It’s Supposed To Bubble.”
Wanting again from the current day, it’s clear to see why Rakim maintains his popularity as a trusted elder within the tradition. Although the manufacturing of The 18th Letter was a saga unto itself, the album that lastly emerged highlighted simply how simply Rakim was in a position to evolve with the instances. It stays a significant testomony from a licensed poet laureate of hip-hop.
Take heed to Rakim’s The 18th Letter now.
