Album review: Rakim's 'The Seventh Seal'

It's been a long decade since Rakim's last album, a period in which the New York native's hometown lost its role as hip-hop's locus to the South, the Midwest and the decentralizing tendencies of the Internet. It's been an even lengthier 23 years since his debut 12" single with Eric B. revolutionized rap with its complex rhyming patterns, authoritative baritone, funky break-beats and indomitable cool.

The apotheosis of rap's first Golden Age, Rakim spent the lion's share of the 2000s mired in label purgatory at Dr. Dre's Aftermath Records. Sadly, the fruits of their collaboration remain unheard, with Rakim unwisely discarding the Dre beats in favor of a cast of mostly unknowns. Indeed, the "Seventh Seal" is undone by its boilerplate production -- rote drum patterns, predictable piano lines and antiseptic studio technique.

The rappers who have stayed artistically vital despite advancing age (Ghostface Killah, Scarface, Slick Rick) are champion storytellers who continue to burnish their craft. Rakim remains frustratingly opaque, with the brunt of his songs dedicated to rapping about rapping. The 41-year-old attempts to channel the ferocity of his Reagan-era rhymes while balancing a spiritual side ("Man Above") and romantic disposition ("You & I," "Psychic Love," "Still in Love.")

Of course, there are few better formalists than Rakim, and when the music matches the master ("Holy Are U," "How to Emcee") the album reaches the rarefied heights of long ago. Unfortunately, all too often the God sounds like a mere mortal.

-- Jeff Weiss

Rakim
"The Seventh Seal"
Ra Records/Tuscan Villa/SMC Recordings
Two and a half stars (Out of four)

Comments

[Samantha]

I respectfully disagree with the review. I actually thought that the album ushers in somewhat of a change to the genre as it has resorted to sing songy songs with lyrics that could have been written during a bathroom break. The album is not only filled with songs that show Rakin rapping about rap, there are the songs that as you say are spiritual but also songs that show rakims lyrical and flow skills. Then again when the public is exposed to so much lackluster sounds they wouldn't know good sounds even if it jumped into their iPods. Good review though.

[Lyric Leigh]

Jeff...you missed this one by a long shot! Rakim is and forever will be the God MC and the King of New York! I love that he remains true to who he is and is unmoved by misogynistic attitudes and the idoaltry of todays "rap"! Nas was right! "HIP-HOP" is dead. And, all what's left is noise polluted by cough syrup induced babble! Rakim is true Hip-Hop...the real deal...pure to its core. He will always be relevant, always have an audience, and always be Hip-Hop. Can't wait until the album drops!!

[cleve messerly]

You call yourself a journalist? Get the facts right buddy first of all he didn't disgard the beats. He walked away because he was being asked to sell out to how Dre put records out with Snoop and Eminem. Rakim write what he wants not what Dre wants. I bet you dont even own 5 rap records from the 80's. Any real hip hop head with know this album has taken lyrics to the next level. Imagine these lyrics being recited by a T.I. He would be heralded as the greatest modern rap artist to date. Listen to the second verse of Jay-Z'song with Rianna, he clearly uses obvious inuendo to say Rakim is the greatest.

[Steve Wallace]

This is a great review. Right on point. I can't stand rapping about rapping. Rakim has so much potential and market share in the hip hop world, but it's wasted. Great points. Thanks

[G]

I respect Jeff Weiss reveiw of the Seventh Seal album just like I'd respect anyone's opinion. However, I disagree with the review. I think it's a real solid album from beginning to end. The lyrics are on point (this should be no surprise - this is the man who is pretty much the blueprint of what a true lyricist should be), there are tracks that are for everyone on the album (i.e. tracks for the ladies, consience thought provoking tracks and underground/street tracks). I will admit that I wish Rakim was able to work with people like DJ Premiere, Pete Rock and some other producers that could've definetly given that top notch production that Rakim deserves. In fact Rakim stated that he did try to hook up with DJ Premiere but conflicts in their busy schedules didn't allow that to happen. However, I'm sure that in the future we'll definitely heare some new material from Rakim with production from DJ Premiere and other heavy hitter producers. However, honestly, overall I'm pleased with the production on the Seventh Seal. The album may have a different sound than what we would typically expect for a Rakim album. However, keep in mind that in several interviews Rakim stated that the Seventh Seal album is not so much a Rakim album but more a "listners" album. In the end I personally feel that he did remain true to himself as an artist which I believe he always will.

[DJ Dvyn Will]

It is funny, how cats get to write a review, and do not have a clue about the artist they write about... Oh sure, they can read a few liner notes about an artist, and think they got it down... I have to respectfully disagree with the review... Rakim is one of the specific examples of being a Emcee, no question... Lyrical content, flow, and supreme skills... You can hold class with his lyrics... He brings back the balance of the scales with substance and respect to the artform... Rakim is a manifestation of REAL HIP-HOP...

[Attenergy]

I have the CD ... it is on point ... as echoed here through many of the sentiments, this is what Hip Hop was supposed to be about ... the guns and the violence that "spits" through all these so called "gangsta's" just causes more violent attitudes amongst some if not most of the audience. A licence to "ill" if you will. Rakim's album makes me feel good while I listen to it. I am proud to put it on. I do not have to worry about my "psychie" being disturbed. It reminded me of the good days of rap/hip-hop ... Maybe I am "old school" or just "too old" but I love this effort!!!

[SPUD]

this album is a classic RAKIM (the god) really put his thoughts on wax, he stayed true to form and is a master of his craft. the one thing that RAKIM gives us on this album is that original feel good and make sense hip hop, no gimmicks and no washed down lyrics. by far the greatest lyricist ever!

[MiguelAntonioC3]

Rakim is a mysterious cat to say the least and it is hard to figure out what he is thinking often times. His long hiatus, the move from ny-to-cali-and back again? What I do know is that he is standing on his principals and trying to fit it into hip hop,and Im ok with that. He said the 'Seventh Seal' was his revelation on life AND hip hop. This album addresses both topics from his point ofview and his way of doing things. Remember, Ra never did things very orthodox and that is what makes him great.

What I love.....

1. Lyrical spittage....
-How to emcee is a manual- peep 3rd verse my dudes and dudettes ,
-Doc. of a gangsta is like a movie that we seen in every urban hood
-Satisfaction Guarenteed-fire every verse 'Is he MOSES or Drugs? either way its a Prophet" damn thats tight..........
-Still in love, is just 3 straight verses of fire

2. Very little Profanity, which means he has a great vocabulary people...You dont have to hide from anyone while listening for fear 8000 curses....
3. He succeeded in painting the picture of the hood and how to overcome the END TIMES....aka the 7th seal.....

-Man above '2nd verse'
'to get a buck its getting rough,and my lady friend beefin, ends aint meeting, we just an arguement away from splittin up...its gets lonely, my fam disowned me, call me the black sheep, cuz i act street'.....fyi peep let the rhythm hit em...for the black sheep line(go to the hip hop archives)

-Wont be long' Mic sick lyrics is still locked in the brain, like Mike Vick, sittin in jail watchin the game'

Does the album have flaws yes...lets look at them

a) Message in the song: chipmunk is off beat (BUT lyrics are butter..2nd verse
'latin kings and black gorillas, government sitback hoping either that or crack will kill us' who is spittin that?????? Damn he even put his daughter on(one love)

b) You and I, Psychic Love or Working for you....ok I will give you one maybe two , but lyrics on Working for you-2nd verse is craZy...give him credit though its not the same ol' i wanna f*uck you or get out my car b%tch'
-------Biggest dissappointment there was no Jada or Styles???? Bonus track otw.....
---Very Nice album, solid 4 give or take your preferences---

[owen]

the reviewer here is an idiot.... rakim aint rappin like rapping.. he tells stories on almost every song.. he does use alot of metaphores about rap to explain life.. idk if you dont like this and think you know hip hop you need to wake up cause you dont understand or know hip hop

[vargucci]

Jeff Weiss gets the gasface. Let me guess, you probably think Will I Am is a genius. Stay in your lane dun.

[Rick]

What happened to Eric B.!?!

Before there was a will.i.am there was R (to the) A (to the) K I (a)M, Rakim, and so many of his raps are foundation of the rap game. The man is Rap Royalty, demanding respect and coming correct!! He ain't no joke!!

Glad your back, R. Hate to see you fade away....

[Timosenco]

I heard the album. Not what I expected of Rakim. The skills are still there but like Jeff said, these producers are unknown and the mediocre beats take the shine away from Rakim skills. When you listen to the album, since the first song you could notice the "creative differences" between him and Dr Dre that cause their separation. It s like the same thing that happened to GURU once he separated from DJ Premier he became average.

[Perceiver]

To be fair the reviewer tries to be fair, but he just sounds like someone who just has no business reviewing a Rakim album, certain statements in his review indicate an ignorance of Rakim's general approach to subject matter.

He sounds like a white guy with a yen for Hip Hop trying to see into a culture he dosen't fully understand (and I am talking about the old school culture, the new school isn't hard to understand, it is just for the most part commercialism).

The album's production is disappointing and appears to be an attempt not to integrate new elements and techniques, but to appease new tastes. We can imagine the kind of advice Ra has been getting from people probably not worthy to shine his shoes artistically, telling him that he needs to get with the times and he has unwisely listened.

Compared to what the industry has been producing this album is classic and one of the best of the year, and infact of several years. Compared to his own catalogue, the album is an absolute disappointment.

[second opinion]

It feels like a lot of these commenters here haven't actually heard this album. I think Rakim is the greatest mc of all time, but I couldn't believe how bad the beats on this album are. Follow the Leader and Paid in Full are classics, but this record just isn't any good.

Just because an mc is the GOAT doesn't mean he can't drop a bad album -- especially when you think it took him 10 years to make it -- and reviewers gotta be able to call him on it. It's not about being "real hip-hop" or history or any of that ish, it's about dropping a good record.

[STONEY XL]

I gave the album a 7 on my first listen, then I turned up the volume, put it on the big speakers in our studios and played it 3 times in a row before giving it a 9/10. Who cares if the producers are unknown to the masses. I've been hearing heat rocks from Needlz, Nottz and Neo for 4 years now. The other cats I never heard of but they killed it. They're all dope, if not crack. The GOD MC doesn't have to Revolutionize the game every time he drops. He was 20 years ahead of his time. This is some grown up Hip Hop and I LOVE IT!!! His best album since Paid In Full, maybe even better overall.

[real talk]

Rakim is real hip hop ,but his new album isn't good at all. It was boring in fact. You could know your history about hip hop and all the legends. Still, Rakim was boring on this album. I aint feelin it.

Legends: Nas, Jay Z, AZ, Scarface, Slick Rick, etc.........

Lil Wayne iono son

[SigandaPrayer]

Hmmm, I bought the album and at the sound of the first chorus thought what have I done with my $10. After that chorus this album is stellar and far above par, but it is a matter of taste. Simple beats, no obviously signature sounds and Rakim measuring and killing every one of them. What's missing is that agressive trio of songs that just march forward into lyrical battle, but until someone tells you you don't miss it. It's all about taste and I would have given it 3.5 mics if I was a reviewer, but 4 mics as an average hip-hop listener. Nothing wrong with rapping about rapping anyway. Because and album full of heroin and cocaine sales means that you are commercially viable doesn't mean you are still a nice artist.

[smith]

U r crazy, this is what rap is, should be and we love this cd. sorry if there is no swearing, killing and drug selling. this is the blue print< get with it.

[Teach 1]

You should never call Rakim a mere mortal. What give any reviewer the right to do as such. I am 100% sure that most reviewers don't understand the depth of most of Rakims lyrics. You must be versed in history and scripture from all three holy books to pull the meaning from them. So unless you are a real scholar, it is unfair for any of these so-called reviewers to make any comments. Until you can break down every verse and its meaning PLEASE MAKE NO COMMENT FOR YOU HAVE NOT THE WISDOM TO DO SO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jaime]

Rakim's Seventh Seal album is among - if not - his most cohesive to date and one of the best albums in general of 2009/early 2010. It's arguably the best rap/hip-hop album of 2009 but that's debatable only because tastes differ. He is a master at storytelling whether it's the storyline is told in first or third person. The Seventh Seal masters machismo, melody, matrimony and message with no track or lyric sounding out of place. It's hard to listen to listen to 14 tracks and not want to skip over some of them but not in this case. The Seventh Seal is vintage rap as well as a modern jewel. But folks who only listen to greatest hits type stuff or are only accustomed to crunk and snap music as well as vulgarity and glorification of mysogny, gang crap, jewels and cars probably won't take to this. Ra ground this album out having to be beholden to a bunch of ego-maniac, million-dollar producers spitting their name and cliques all over his art. The Seventh Seal is the word true indeed. 5 stars

[Jaime]

Let me correct: Ra ground this album out NOT having to be beholden to a bunch of egotistical, million-dollar charging producers spitting their names and the names of their cliques all over his art.