Avg Rating: 
4.3 ( 36 total votes )
Raving about how large an influence Rakim‘s had on hip-hop (extremely large), and how long heads been waiting for a new album (ever since The 18th Letter dropped in ‘99) would be a textbook case of preaching to the choir, so I’ll simply say that the rap legend’s return to the game after nearly a decade away will be a musical event of Biblical proportions. Fittingly, Rakim’s surrounded his third solo album, The Seventh Seal with plenty of weighty, Book-of-Revelations rhetoric, even going so far as to state, “I’m hoping to kill the old state of hip-hop and start with the new.” On the long-awaited LP’s official lead single, Holy Are You, he delves yet deeper into those Apocalyptic themes, passing judgment on the game over longtime collaborator Nick Wiz’ synth-fortified, fire-and-brimstone sample work. Is it blasphemous? Probably, but the lyrical lightning Rakim brings to this track leaves no doubt as to why he’s the only rapper who can get away with calling himself, “the God MC.” Though The Seventh Seal has yet to receive a release date, it won’t be hard to see it coming—even if you don’t notice the sun turning black and the stars falling out of the sky, the seven trumpet-playing angels are sure to get your attention.
This song first appeared on the
Independent Chart
on July 20, 2009
Listen to More: Rakim Written by richard
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Member Reviews and Ratings
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 11684 |
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 A friend of mine said he heard Rakim perform this record 2 years ago. Crazy. I want to hear this sh*t livE!
Welcome back, sir. 
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Damn, wanted to be the first one to rate. This song is tight no doubt!
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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This is what the music industry needs! Great lyrics, sick production and sample. Nothing else to say. Classic!
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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The microphone fiend still has it. One of my favourite MCs ever.
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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The production is dope and the hook is fitting. Rakim spits some heat..true hip-hop right here!
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2281 |
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It's a damn shame that aftermath thing didn't work out, Rakim on Dr.Dre beats woulda been insane. This is complete heat! Beat is on fire, and Rakim rather you agree or disagree with his logic, can not help but listen. Preach on!
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1642 |
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according to GreenThumb yesterday, im not supposed to listen. If the name is someone who's been out for awhile. it's automatically the best song ever.
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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yea this joint is kool..
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1077 |
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The magnitude of the lyricism goes without sayin. Although this flow and lyrics would sound great over any production, this production is particularly fitting. It has a dark feel that fits well wit Rakim's vocals, and I love the samples used. Great first single... I can't wait to hear more.
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 4267 |
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It's the perfect melody to be spitting some truths over ... and The 18th Letter as always flows like a lyrical Swiss watch - flawless timing ... BANGER!!!
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 319 |
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Hip-hop needs this man he is a god of lyricism, no doubt about that. Im so excited to see him back. The production compliments Rakims lyrics perfectly. Cant wait to hear more!
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 96 |
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Got.Damn!! Rakim killed this track. I'm gonna have to listen to it a good 3 more times, but this shit is gonna be a classic!!
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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What can u say... RAKIM! His flows still on point. Yeah I agree hearing him with Dre's Beats would have been monstrous ... Rakim still is the microphone fiend! Still hittin' his flow showing his timeless... Welcome back Rakim.
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 487 |
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OMG!!! Yes sir. The track catches you and Rakim's lyrics and flow are masterful. This is an instant classic. Way to bounce back on the scene.
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 181 |
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To: All You Younger-Heads... This Is What A Real LYRICIST Sounds Like!
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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I can't give this one anything less than 5 stars. The lyrics were tight, and how bout that production and sample? Sick all the way around.
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Bless the mic w/ the god. This is "Hip-Hop"
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 78 |
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| Posted on Jul 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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this shit brings me back.
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| Posted on Jul 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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You've gone main stream... This song is biteting off of Jay. ... He still has (Rakim) his skills but the beat is garbage.... CALL PUFF QUICK and remix this sh-t.
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| Posted on Jul 17, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 490 |
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Oh my god
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| Posted on Jul 17, 2009 |
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Welcome back Rakim.
it was a long time ago but he still got it. `C L A S S I C´ |
| Posted on Jul 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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@that1kid. hell yeah man, if you tried to listen you wouldnt know what you were hearing anyways and give something amazing like a star or two, so good man, good call :) Rakim is still that dude.
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| Posted on Jul 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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clasic...
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| Posted on Jul 18, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2919 |
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Rakim?
Thought you were still locked in my basement mate :) I've had a good two listens and I have come to a decision that this is by far, one of the best songs I've heard this month. Production is all up to shape, and I really just love this beat. Rakim? Still got it! When he spits on this it's like daisies are sprouting up from my toilet, so good xD |
| Posted on Jul 18, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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fresh
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| Posted on Jul 18, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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this song is alrite
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| Posted on Jul 18, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 544 |
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this song is dope right here. rakim is just a talented artist im glad to see him back. this isn't the best the song from him but whenever he steps on the mic i always like it.
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| Posted on Jul 22, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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dis go hard...rakim still killin it why cant this stuff be on tv now days...i hate this generation
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| Posted on Jul 26, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 477 |
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Dang, Rakim's back!
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| Posted on Sep 26, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 303 |
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The lyrics are the reason I give this a five but it would have easily been a four star banger with the production and sample. Rakim made this track really nice.
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| Posted on Nov 26, 2009 |
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| Posted on Dec 09, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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....wow.
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| Posted on Dec 15, 2009 |
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| Posted on Dec 29, 2009 |
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| Posted on May 27, 2010 |
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| Posted on Nov 21, 2012 |
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