Perhaps there IS hope for hip-hop as we enter the 21st cent.
Desmond J. Burton | Saint Albans, NY USA | 12/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
The god returns
mike_from_dc | Jersey, Soprano territory. | 11/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
True Hip-Hop is Back
DX | Conn. | 12/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First of all, I would probably give this album a 4.5. One of the other reviewers made some excellent comments. If you like Jay-Z, DMX, Lox, Biggee, etc., this CD probably is not for you (although I do like all of those artists). I've been listening to hip-hop since the early 80's and this is one of the best Rakim CD's ever! Yes the beats may not be the best, but his lyrical skills are still there and the rhymes takes the album to another level. This CD is a classic HIP-HOP CD. Once you listen to the rhymes, you forget the beats. For those of you who remember, this is the man who said 'I take 7 mc's put 'em in a line/and add 7 more brothers who think they can rhyme/well it'll take 7 more before I go for mine and that's 21 mc's ate up at the same time' (Ref. 'Check out my Melody from Paid in Full). Welcome back Ra. It's refreshing to hear lyrics about what hip-hop was about. Not about Rolex's, drivin Bentleys, crime, or diamonds. This CD is definitely for the old heads and people who value good lyrics. It's good to hear hip-hop like this. And he is definitely one of the best rappers ever (I would say the best, but many may disagree). Rah has been doin this since the mid 80's. How many rappers besides LL have been around that long? Give him his props."
This album needs to be remastered
Nuisance | Miami | 09/06/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Dont get me wrong. I love Rakim and have all of his albums. Paid In Full, Follow The Leader, Let the Rhythm Hit Em and even the album you dont mention Dont Sweat The Technique are all classics. The 18th Letter was short of a classic but even it was better than this. The main problem of this album is that Rakim and the production dont mesh well together. Rakim is an MC that if you give him the right production, he gives you his full potential. Not to say that this album doesnt have its moments. Flow Forever and the DJ Premier-produced When I B On Tha Mic are great tracks. All Night Long sounds forced but Rakim was actually able to pull it off and Real S*** and How I Get Down vaguely remind you of the Rakim Allah that we are all fond of. Finest Ones with Clark Kent sounds forced and is awful. After the State Of Hip Hop interlude, three of the most bland tracks of Rakim's illustrious career follow. Uplift, I Know and Its The R are dull as hell and should be classified as skip material. I'll Be There with Nneka Morton is just a tepid as those three tracks. Strong Island takes the number two spot as the worst track on the album. Its A Must feat Rahzel is suspect. Not because of the neat production provided by Jaz-O but because of incredibly weak rhymes from Rakim. Rahzel was not bad on the hook though. Waiting For The World goes in the dishonorable mention category. Bottom Line: While The Master is not a terrible album, its the closest thing to a weak album that Rakim has ever made. Rakim doesnt have that fire that he had on his previous albums. On this one he just sounds uninspired and the uninspired beats match his uninspired raps. If you are a born-again hip hop head dont let this album be the first album you heard from Rakim because it gives you an unfair judgement of him. Pick up the albums I mentioned earlier and cop this one as a companion piece. Im not one of these reviewers who have no respect for the pioneers of hip hop (like this snooty a** reviewer who is screen-named after a well-publicized mule!). I love Rakim but I know that he is capable of much better work. Standout Tracks: FLOW FOREVER, WHEN I B ON THA MIC, ALL NIGHT LONG, REAL S*** and HOW I GET DOWN."
Bangin!
Ed Brown | U.S. | 12/03/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Rakim blesses the m-i-c! He shows that he still got mad skillz! Puffy can't hang wit' dis!"