Rakim Album: “Master [Clean]”

If you love Ra, pick it up. If you think he's washed up, and you'd rather hear MA$E or DMX, go on ahead and grab them.

unstoppable lyrics, tight subject matter, positive overall feel while still letting you know how dismal things can be. You know the deal with the God Rakim.

The Ra is definitely BACK....if you are late to the hip hop game and not a true aficionado of the rap genre DO NOT purchase this album. If you are not aware of the contributions of Spoonie G, Kurtis Blow, Jimmy Spicer(Super Rhymes), Sonnie Cheba, Grandmaster Flash, The Funky Four or the Fearless Four and your ONLY frame of reference is Li'l Kim, DMX, Jay-Z or Biggie for that matter DO NOT(I repeat), DO NOT purchase this album. If you pass the above test, then PLEASE purchase this album. Just as in the BeBop period of the 50s with stellar giants such as Miles and Dizzy you have Rakim. The production is tight as well as the lyrical content. DO NOT expect to hear Crystal, platinum or tired designer clothing references. If you are concerned about the current state of hip hop.....you know what to do. PS-especially check for the cut featuring Rahzel.

...this album should've and could've been better! When I purchased this CD I wasn't expecting some of the mesmorizing material that Rakim produced along with Eric B. but I was expecting a solid album from start to finish. This album falls short of that though. It's better than "The 18th Letter" and is more indicative of a 'come back' because Ra's lyrics are more sharper and there seems to be more hunger in his flow and voice. As an emcee, Rakim is still brilliant and hasn't lost anything although his lyrics tend to seem watered down when he rhymes about weak subject matter. His flow, voice, and lyrics are still second to none so in that sense he's stiil "The Master". On the other hand this album really doesn't show any musical mastery from the producers. Ra's former partner Eric B. had a knowledge of music, he knew where to put the instrumentals ie. the flute on "Paid In Full" and "Know The Ledge". Rakim is now working with producers who lack vision and musical understanding. These beats are too formulated, even the Primo tracks aren't too incredible. I just hope that Rakim has it in him to make another album and not make the same mistake again. He needs to find ONE producer who has a musical understanding like a Large Professor. Rakim Allah is still the only sacred entity within hip-hop and this album doesn't take away from that.

Classic material!If love lyrics must buy.If you want to ever become a emcee buy and study.

only the best right? That stands true. This CD is speckled with great production, great beats, and of course great lyrics. Only 4 stars because nothing can be better than his earlier work with Eric B. But nonetheless it is a great CD for all you hip-hop heads out there.