Rakim:
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 Rakim18th Letter Release Date: 1997 11 04 Label: Uptown/Universal Rating:  |
It took Rakim five years to begin his solo career, but the wait was worth it -- The 18th Letter is one of the strongest records a veteran rapper released in the late '90s. Working with a variety of producers (Pete Rock, Clark Kent, Father Shaheed, DJ Premier), Rakim sounds sharp, focused, and strong, rapping with a force unheard of on his classic albums with Eric B. He still retains his knack for rolling, laid-back rhymes, but what's impressive is how he can switch between that style and a more aggressive technique. There are a few slow spots on the record, but in general, few latter-day albums by '80s rappers sound as powerful and vital as The 18th Letter. Leo Stanley, All Music Guide
Tracks:
| Title | Composer | Time | |
| 1 | Intro | :12 | |
| 2 | 18th Letter (Always and Forever) | Phillips, Griffin | 3:00 |
| 3 | Skit | :23 | |
| 4 | It's Been a Long Time | Martin, Barrier, Brown, Byrd, Griffin, Bobbit | 3:57 |
| 5 | Remember That | Franklin, Griffin | 4:40 |
| 6 | Saga Begins | Phillips, Griffin | 4:22 |
| 7 | Skit | :19 | |
| 8 | Guess Who's Back | Franklin, Sadler, Shocklee, Griffin, D., B. | 4:10 |
| 9 | Stay a While | Griffin, Sendall-Peters, McIntosh, Nichol, Franklin | 4:25 |
| 10 | New York (Ya Out There) | Martin, Chandler, Griffin, DeVoryn | 4:03 |
| 11 | Show Me Love | Griffin, Loizides, Knight | 4:18 |
| 12 | Skit | :18 | |
| 13 | Mystery (Who Is God?) | Davis, Griffin | 5:20 |
| 14 | When I'm Flowin | Phillips, Griffin | 5:04 |
| 15 | It's Been a Long Time [Suave House Mix] | Griffin, Jones | 3:58 |
| 16 | Guess Who's Back [Alternative Mix] | 4:10 | |
| 17 | Outro | 1:19 |
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