The Master cover

The Master

Rakim · 1999

62 min · 17 tracks · hip-hop · gangsta rap · hardcore hip-hop

A confident blend of intricate wordplay and smooth, jazzy beats that captures Rakim's lyrical mastery.

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 long hiatus since the duo Eric B. & Rakim disbanded in 1992. This album represented an attempt to redefine his identity as a solo artist while staying true to his roots in East Coast hip-hop.
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