Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
4 on the strength of the greatest hits, December 17, 2001
I have to admit that I don't much listen to the newer work "The 18th Letter" because I am too busy nodding to the greatest hits on the second CD. I was glad to see Rakim attempt a comeback, but alas the industry has changed. Wisdom isn't respected anymore. It's all about the ice and the loot now. In that sense, I am relieved to see that he does not fit in the current scene. Like one of the previous reviewers already said, Ra does not sound the same here as when he was young and hungry. I don't hear any instant classics on the new set, whereas the older stuff is still hot.As for those who claim that Rakim has not contributed anything to hip hop, you obviously have no knowledge of the art. When Ra came out in the mid 80's hip hop was still a fairly new phenomenon amd RunDMC were the hottest acts out. Now RunDMC had good beats and party lyrics, but they weren't really talking about anything substantial. They were middle class kids from Queens, indisputably talented, but Rakim came out from a whole other place, the streets. Rakim came out dropping the jewels -- knowledge laid over beats. For sure, he dabbled in some party music and gangersterism too -- spinning tales of street life that no doubt influenced Big and countless others -- but on the whole Rakim's contributions to hip hop were intelligent lyrics and a tight delivery. Ra is the greatest of all time, not because of record sales -- white kids in the burbs weren't buying his music back in the day -- but because he is a pioneer. This man had hit after hit. "Microphone Fiend," "Eric B for President" "My Melody" "Move the Crowd" "Paid in Full" and my favorite "I aint no joke." Asking what he has contributed to hip hop is like asking what Muhammad Ali contributed to boxing. If it were possible to pit Rakim in his prime against some of these so-called rappers, there would be no doubt. How many of these kids out here bobbing their heads to Lil Bow Wow even know that a verse from "Thank You" is a homage to "Paid in Full?" You can have love for the new stuff without disrespecting the veterans, the ones who paved the way in this rap game. Rap wasn't always on MTV. Rappers weren't always invited to perform at the Superbowl and on awards show. It was a whole different world 15 years ago. There is room for everyone for sure, but calling Tupac, Big and Jigga the greatest of all time is tantamount to praising the student over the teacher. Not real logical is it?
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Greatest?, July 4, 2003
Before multi million dollar contracts or public acceptance of rap,there were the pioneers. For a moment in time there were none greater than Rakim.
He is the master word smith whose undeniable influence upon hip hop shaped a generation of talented artist. A forefather to the likes of ;2pac,Nas,Canibus,Biggie,Big Pun, and even Eminem. Through ingenious word play and clever metaphor, Rakim built the bridge for all MC's to cross.
This double CD embodies Rakims greatest works and is a welcome add to any collective.
Disc one is "The 18th Letter", which showcases the masters maturity and still vibrant wisdom. His evident fondness for the past and personal reflections are displayed here with great effect. We reminisce along with the master on cuts such as "Remember That", and "Its Been A Long Time". Then journey with him on the spiritual ode "Mystery (Who Is God)". The production by Pete Rock and DJ Premier is subdued in contrast to Eric Bs hard breaks and samples. Which perfectly matches Rakims maturity and serves to illustrate how far he has come.
Disc two is "The Book Of Life", which is a collection of Rakims greatest hits. An apt title for a greatest hits collection for conceivably Rakim breathed life into the art for all new artist to prosper. Here we are rewarded with such stellar classics as "Microphone Fiend, I Aint No Joke, and the indelible "Eric B. Is President". This two disc set serves as an enduring testament to the greatest mc of all time. I highly recomend this album.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Young Jeezy Sucks, May 20, 2006
A Kid's Review
I read that guys review saying this CD is gay and he says Jeezy is better, Jeezy sounds worse than me taking a s*it! Southern rap is probably one of the worst forms of hip hop now adays. Rakim is probably one of the best rappers ever, he stays focused and he could kill anyone in a battle rap. His albums have been great, going back to the days when he was with Eric B. The beats are hard and his rhymes are perfect, every song on here is awesome. Also, the only reason why Jeezy got famous was because MTV (the gayest channel on earth) played his videos over and over again. If you like this, you'd also like the Wu Tang Clan.
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by Rakim 
