Top tracks — play these first
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Flow Forever — This track demonstrates Rakim's signature rhythmic flow and intricate wordplay, serving as a testament to his lyrical prowess and technical skill.
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When I B on tha Mic — Here, Rakim reflects on his legacy and confidence in his craft, intertwining autobiographical elements with universal themes of perseverance.
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State of Hip Hop (interlude) — This brief interlude critiques the state of the hip-hop genre at the time, showcasing Rakim's role as both an artist and commentator within the music landscape.
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I Know — This track features a more introspective side of Rakim, delving into personal insights while maintaining a smooth flow, reflecting his growth as an artist.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate lyricism with jazzy production, though its lengthy tracklist affects cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of jazzy samples and laid-back beats, creating a smooth backdrop for Rakim's intricate lyricism.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- thoughtful lyrical exploration
- smooth background ambiance
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1999, The Master marked Rakim's return after a lengthy hiatus following the breakup of Eric B. & Rakim. This album came nearly a decade after his previous studio effort, showcasing his evolution as an artist and solidifying his influence in hip-hop during a time when the genre was shifting towards commercial sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nas· Kendrick Lamar· A Tribe Called Quest
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 1:22
- 2 Flow Forever 4:11
- 3 When I B on tha Mic 3:42
- 4 Finest Ones 4:24
- 5 All Night Long 4:22
- 6 State of Hip Hop (interlude) 0:39
- 7 Uplift 3:09
- 8 I Know 4:07
- 9 It’s the R 4:15
- 10 I’ll Be There 5:09
- 11 It’s a Must 4:23
- 12 Real Shit 4:21
- 13 How I Get Down 4:05
- 14 L.I. Interlude 0:52
- 15 Strong Island 4:33
- 16 Waiting for the World to End 4:05
- 17 We’ll Never Stop 4:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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