The 18th Letter
Rakim · 1997
125 min · 32 tracks · hip-hop · gangsta rap · hardcore hip-hop
A masterclass in lyrical dexterity punctuated by soulful beats and rich storytelling.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- rich storytelling experiences
- wave-like pacing and flow
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1997, 'The 18th Letter' marked Rakim's first solo album after his influential partnership with Eric B. This transition came after a five-year hiatus since the duo's last album, showcasing Rakim's continued evolution as a lyricist and artist. The album reestablished him as a vital voice in hip-hop during a time when his style was being emulated by many.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nas· Kendrick Lamar· A Tribe Called Quest
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Intro 0:12
- 2 The 18th Letter (Always and Forever) 3:00
- 3 Skit 0:23
- 4 It’s Been a Long Time 3:57
- 5 Remember That 4:40
- 6 The Saga Begins 4:22
- 7 Skit 0:19
- 8 Guess Who’s Back 4:10
- 9 Stay a While 4:25
- 10 New York (Ya Out There) 4:03
- 11 Show Me Love 4:18
- 12 Skit 0:18
- 13 The Mystery (Who Is God?) 5:20
- 14 When I’m Flowin’ 5:04
- 15 It’s Been a Long Time (Suave House mix) 3:58
- 16 Guess Who’s Back (Alternative mix) 4:10
- 17 Outro 1:19
Disc 2
- 1 I Know You Got Soul 4:43
- 2 Follow the Leader 5:32
- 3 Eric B. Is President 6:15
- 4 Microphone Fiend 5:13
- 5 I Ain’t No Joke 3:52
- 6 Lyrics of Fury 4:11
- 7 My Melody 6:47
- 8 Know the Ledge 3:58
- 9 Move the Crowd 3:36
- 10 Let the Rhythm Hit ’Em 5:24
- 11 Mahogany 4:27
- 12 In the Ghetto 5:26
- 13 Casualties of War 4:02
- 14 The Punisher 4:06
- 15 Paid in Full 3:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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