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By Andrew MartinRakim Allah (who I’ll refer to in a number of ways throughout this review) will always be known as one of the best to ever do it. His legacy can withstand even the most deadly blows to an artist, from album delays, of which he has suffered many, to a less-than-dynamic stage presence. Although he’s never done it, the God MC could even make an ass of himself in a slew of interviews. And, depending on what he says, it wouldn’t really matter. His impact on hip-hop is basically unprecedented. Prior to his becoming the self-professed Microphone Fiend, rappers weren’t even the focus of rap songs. That’s not a diss, of course, just a known fact—the focus was primarily on the DJ and his turntables. But this Queens native (and a few other legends) changed that when he linked up with DJ Eric B. as a hungry 18-year-old spitkicker. It is now 23 years later. Rakim, his fans, and hip-hop have all aged. Both on his own and with Eric B., the God MC has dropped a total of seven albums during that span. Almost all of them dropped within a more reasonable timeframe, though, of 12 years. That was a healthier, more stable era for hip-hop. Although albums were pushed back now and then, delays were never as prominent as they are now. And Ra’s latest, The Seventh Seal, is the perfect example of that. Anticipation for this album has peaked over and over and over. Dr. Dre went from being a major player to not appearing on the project at all. Like other almost-shelved records, this one also went through a name-change—its previous title was Oh, My God. Then, in mid-July, a single appeared seemingly from nowhere entitled “Holy Are You”, produced by longtime Rakim collaborator Nick Wiz. And, although the beat was a little over-the-top with its huge synthesizers, it was well received. Not only did it display that Ra still had the ability to rhyme like the sage he is, but he was doing it with a sense of hunger. He flows flawlessly over Wiz’s bombast production and minces words and syllables like the God MC we all know and love. The hip-hop world—well, those of us still checking for him—couldn’t wait to hear what Rakim had planned next. But a few months later, our appetites were only somewhat satiated by a less than stellar follow-up. “Walk These Streets”, featuring so-so rapper Maino and equally average crooner Tracey Horton, more or less lowered the expectations raised by “Holy Are You”. While not an awful song by any means, “Walk These Streets” was very confusing. It became clear through interviews that Ra chose Maino for a guest verse because he has faith in his ability. OK, that’s fair—though most will disagree. Rakim’s other reasoning was that he wanted to “keep it NYC.” Again, his statement makes sense in theory, but why would he not obtain a verse from a more talented, capable MC? Then there was Horton’s R&B-esque hook, which unfortunately foreshadowed a downfall of this entire record. The R&B/rap combination has begun to dwindle over the past few years. It might remain a staple of certain mainstream hip-hop acts, but Ra has never seemed like the kind of artist to abide by those rules. The hope for The Seventh Seal remained, though, if only because of Rakim’s immense track record. But “Walk These Streets” made that hope wane and questions arose surrounding this record. Could he still deliver his hardcore fans, many of whom have been there since ‘86, the album they so desired? Could he brush off the haters who say he is too old (41) and thus out of touch? Could he remain positive after watching his album get delayed over and over? No, he (disappointingly) could not. This record, though not awful by any means, is simply not up to the standards set by the God MC. It’s true that the aforementioned R&B hooks paired with above-average beats take this record done a few notches. These no-names, from Thornton to I.Q., aren’t the best vocalists and most of their hooks sound way too similar. Also, most of the production is surprisingly decent, except for the absolutely dreadful idea to sample No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak” for album-closer “Dedication”. Hearing Rakim speaking in his deep, gruff voice over Gwen Stefani’s vocals is laughable. And it’s primarily our host who is most to blame on here. You would assume and hope someone thought to throw water in his face or break out the smelling salts throughout his studio sessions. But, for whatever reason, that obviously never occurred. Instead, Ra sounds bored, perhaps even tired, across a majority of this effort. There is little enthusiasm from him in terms of his flow or voice, both of which remain static. The only exception comes on parts of “Message in the Song” when he awkwardly raps in double-time. It can be argued that he never was one to inject emotion into his words. After all, his gruff, somewhat-monotone voice is a bit of a trademark. And he was always able to maintain our intention with his lyrics and wordplay. But none of that really comes through on The Seventh Seal. Many of his topics are odd choices, such as the sex-filled “Psychic Love”. Or they are mere missteps like the weak storytelling heard on “Documentary of a Gangsta”. In his defense, Rakim does slay all of “Holy Are You” and a handful of other verses. His quotables might have dropped in number, but until he decides to hang it up, he is still the Microphone Fiend. He remains the one who taught every rapper in the game today how to move the crowd. And, to repeat a previous sentiment, his legacy can never be tarnished, even by this painfully average record.
— 19 November 2009
Rakim speaks on ‘The Seventh Seal’ 
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Comments
The problem with the aging MCs is that they don’t realize that the path the gold was paved by them as a collective. For Rakim to reclaim the heat he once had, the magic ingredients are KRS and Big Daddy Kane. Put those three head to head across some tracks. Sprinkle in some King Sun, some Melle Mel, some Brother J, some Erick Sermon, some G Rap, some LL, and some Queen Latifah, with Premier or Easy Mo Bee at the boards, and you’ll have a disk that’s vital and potentially legendary.
Why do they keep trying to roll solo?
Comment by adisa from Atlanta, GA — November 19, 2009 @ 10:10 am
Alright. So it is clear to me that whoever wrote this review knows nothing about Hip-Hop. I could go thru each song and tell you how wrong you are, but I think you probably wrote this review after only hearing the album once so I will let you go play it about 5 more times and you will take back everything you said about it. The only thing I agree with is the No Doubt sample, which I hate, but the verses are still sick and you can understand why he chose that sample when you understand the situation that he is rapping about in the song. I don’t know why I am even responding to this joke of a review since its on fuckin popmatters. Pop sucks. Allah is still the greatest lyricist of all time and you can ride thru the streets listening to almost every song on this CD and you can chill and listen to all of the lyrics. Documentary of a Gangsta is an ill song, I don’t know what you been smokin. Peace and stick to writing about Pop music
Comment by Jacob from Wilmington, NC — November 19, 2009 @ 5:33 pm
dude above me is right, but i disagree with the review of this album
i think this is a great album, he is still the god mc regardless of what this cat says. he always sounds like he does, its not monotone, thats just the way he is. if you listened to rakim since the beginning youd know how he sounds, the song walk these streets that “is sub bar/; like he says, is actually my favorite track. you can feel him on it
Comment by ANSER from PITTSBURGH PA — November 19, 2009 @ 9:32 pm
Great Review. “It might remain a staple of certain mainstream hip-hop acts, but Ra has never seemed like the kind of artist to abide by those rules.” Damn Right!
Comment by Morce — November 20, 2009 @ 7:36 am
This is great album. This guy doesnt know what to listen for and obviously cant follow Rakims ryms. Rakim is so subtle with his ryms and metaphors its amazing. Maybe you have to be an artist and writer like myself to understand but he is amazing and the writing on this album is great. The album has a great fell and flows from track to track. I agree some of the chorus’s arnt the greatest and sound sometimes predictable but i think that was done on purpose to make the album flow better and easy to listen to. The production overall is fantastic cause it all has the same feel. Rakim was going for a certain sound and he achieved it.
This reviewer just complained. Not once did he explain what it is he was looking for. What where you expecting?
Comment by Omen from Phoenix, AZ — November 20, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
I hate Rakim now.
What happens to the Don’t sweat the technique days…..
He must be broke because he as SOLD THE FUCK OUT!!!!
Comment by Jason Dottin — November 20, 2009 @ 5:31 pm
Review is correct… I’m a huge Hip-Hop fan and a huge Rakim fan, but this isn’t an album worthy of the God MC
If you think it is, then you have seriously low expectations and will put up with any old bullsh!t just because it’s from a legend.
Real Hip-Hop heads need to admit this is a weak album, so we can move on and Rakim can move on and hopefully deliver with the next LP
Comment by Jeff from USA — November 20, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
Honestly i think this CDs fucking amazing compared to the Blueprint3 and all the other GARBAGE pop hip ho bullshit thats been crammin the airwaves for consecutive years now ... Still In Love was a hot ass track, message in the song wasnt bad at all, I LOVED You and I, How to Emcee was decent, Holy are you = godly, i mean how much can people really ask from Rakim its been 20 something years and he still does it for the low amount of money he prolly makes wit all this audiohijackin internet shit, honestly i cant wait until the Dre/Rakim shit leaks =D
Comment by Lethal X from Philly — November 23, 2009 @ 9:25 am
Ra did it again! Do U know what its like to finally have a gem that u can just vibe with, in hip hop! This is Hip Hop grown up, relevant to the times and the audience that has aged along with it. I can understand the toddlers finding difficulty to relate to the depths in this album, but truth be told, it wasn’t meant for those who like rap or need to hear a particular singer along with their artist, or a music video to c how to dress or dance, no this was for the Purist!
For those who can visualise and understand the meaning behind the word play and relate to the variations and nuances in the beats.
Yip, this album released the Seals, but as usual those who can’t, won’t understand.
Peace.
Comment by Skullman from Trinidad & Tobago — December 4, 2009 @ 8:32 am
Well at least “Holy Are You” is on Seventh Seal, I was hoping for a Raekwon like return.
I’ll go back to listening to Paid In Full.
Respect the God, still.
Comment by Sound Verite from Minneapolis — December 4, 2009 @ 10:35 am
The Seventh Seal is definitely a great album which is not that surprising though. He’s been in top 10 in all charts I’ve seen about all time hip hop artists. It is like the the god of hip-hop is back. And the thing I like most is that almost all the songs in the album are good. I mentioned that because most of the other artists release shit albums built around a couple of good singles. Thanks a lot for the review!
Comment by Muzilla from Bulgaria — December 12, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
I feel this is a great album. I believe in the respect of artistry and when you’re an icon such as Rakim you strive, reach, and experiment in order to achieve.His journey is far from over!
Comment by Reginald Turner from Omaha,NE — December 22, 2009 @ 12:15 pm
Who ever thinks this is a “WAC” CD is WAC. Ra’s flow coupled with the music is once again legendary. Listen to what he is saying in all of the tracks. Just Listen. They way his lyrics comes off of the beats is sick, coupled with what he is saying is even sicker. Hip Hop or “Rap” has become so commercial and “money making” is suck the focus that it lacks orginality and “SUBSTANCE”. Everyone knows Rakim is the greatest to ever spit it, including the Rakim haters. Deep down, we all know, some come to grips with it.
Comment by David Lewis from Atlanta, Georgia — December 28, 2009 @ 11:01 am