The Master (Rakim album)

Last updated
The Master
Rakim - The Master Cover.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedNovember 30, 1999
Recorded1998–1999
Genre
Length1:02:07
Label Universal
542 082
Producer
Rakim chronology
The 18th Letter
(1997)
The Master
(1999)
The Archive: Live, Lost & Found
(2008)
Singles from The Master
  1. "When I B On Tha Mic"
    Released: December 14, 1999

The Master is the second solo album by American rapper Rakim, released November 30, 1999, on Universal Records. It serves as the follow-up to Rakim's debut solo album, The 18th Letter (1997), and would be Rakim's last studio album for nearly a decade, until 2009's The Seventh Seal .

Contents

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [1]
The Independent Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [2]
Los Angeles Daily News Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [3]
Los Angeles Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [4]
NME Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [5]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [6]
The Source Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [7]
USA Today Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [8]
Vibe (mixed) [9]
The Village Voice (unfavorable) [10]

The Master received generally positive to mixed reviews from music critics.

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro (The Master)"1:22
2."Flow Forever"
4:11
3."When I B on tha Mic" (feat. DJ Premier)
  • DJ Premier
3:42
4."Finest Ones" (feat. Clark Kent)
  • Griffin
  • Franklin
  • Yvette Davis
  • DJ Clark Kent
4:24
5."All Night Long"
  • Griffin
  • Michael Harper
  • Punch
4:27
6."State of Hip-Hop" (interlude)
  • Griffin
  • Rakim
0:39
7."Uplift"
  • Griffin
  • Ronald Lawrence
  • Victor Padilla
  • Amen-Ra
  • V.I.C.
3:09
8."I Know"
  • Griffin
  • Trevor Randolph
  • Benjamin Latimore
  • David Hinds
4:07
9."It's the R"
  • DJ Clark Kent
4:15
10."I'll Be There" (feat. Nneka Morton)
  • Naughty Shorts
5:10
11."It's a Must" (feat. Rahzel)
4:24
12."Real Shit"
  • Griffin
  • Lawrence
  • Padilla
  • Amen-Ra
  • V.I.C.
4:21
13."How I Get Down"
4:05
14."L.I." (interlude)
  • Griffin
  • Rakim
0:53
15."Strong Island"
  • Griffin
  • Barrier
  • Rakim
4:34
16."Waiting for the World to End" (feat. DJ Premier)
  • Griffin
  • Martin
  • Barrier
  • DJ Premier
4:05
17."We'll Never Stop" (feat. Connie McKendrick)
  • Griffin
  • Nicholas Loizides
  • Sylvia Robinson
  • Nick Wiz
4:19
Total length:1:02:07
Samples

Charts

Album

Chart (1999)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [11] 72
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [12] 7

Singles

YearSongChart positions
Billboard Hot 100 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks Hot Rap Singles
2000"When I B On Tha Mic"-53 [13] 20 [14]

Notes

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eric B. & Rakim</span> American hip hop duo

Eric B. & Rakim were an American hip hop duo formed on Long Island, New York, in 1986, composed of DJ Eric B. and rapper Rakim. They first received acclaim for their 1987 debut album Paid in Full, which featured versions of the popular singles "Eric B. Is President" and the title track. They followed with three successful albums: Follow the Leader (1988), Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em (1990), and Don't Sweat the Technique (1992).

<i>Life After Death</i> 1997 studio album by the Notorious B.I.G.

Life After Death is the second and final studio album by American rapper the Notorious B.I.G., released on March 25, 1997, on Bad Boy Records and Arista Records. A double album, it was released sixteen days after his murder. It features collaborations with guest artists such as 112, Jay-Z, Lil' Kim, Mase, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Too $hort, Angela Winbush, D.M.C. of Run-D.M.C., R. Kelly, the Lox, and Puff Daddy. Life After Death exhibits the Notorious B.I.G. further delving into the mafioso rap subgenre. The album is a sequel to his first album, Ready to Die, and picks up where the last song, "Suicidal Thoughts", ends.

<i>Doggystyle</i> 1993 studio album by Snoop Doggy Dogg

Doggystyle is the debut studio album by American rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg. It was released on November 23, 1993, by Death Row and Interscope Records. The album was recorded and produced following Snoop Doggy Dogg's appearances on Dr. Dre's debut solo album The Chronic (1992), to which Snoop contributed significantly. The West Coast style in hip-hop that he developed from Dre's first album continued on Doggystyle. Critics have praised Snoop Dogg for the lyrical "realism" that he delivers on the album and for his distinctive vocal flow.

<i>Stillmatic</i> 2001 studio album by Nas

Stillmatic is the fifth studio album by American rapper Nas, released on December 18, 2001, by Ill Will and Columbia Records. In contrast to his previous work's gangsta rap themes, the album contains socially conscious and philosophical themes similar to that of his 1994 debut Illmatic. Nas' lyrics address topics such as ghetto life, American politics, and his feud with rapper Jay-Z.

<i>The Blueprint</i> 2001 studio album by Jay-Z

The Blueprint is the sixth studio album by American rapper Jay-Z, released on September 11, 2001, through Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. Its release was set a week earlier than initially planned in order to combat bootlegging. Recording sessions for the album took place during 2001 at Manhattan Center Studios and Baseline Studios in New York City. Contrasting the radio-friendly sound of Jay-Z's previous work, The Blueprint features soul-based sampling and production handled primarily by Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Bink, as well as Timbaland, Trackmasters, and Eminem, who also contributes the album's sole guest feature.

<i>The Score</i> (album) 1996 studio album by Fugees

The Score is the second studio album by the hip hop trio Fugees, released worldwide on February 13, 1996, on Columbia Records. The album features a wide range of samples and instrumentation, with many aspects of alternative hip hop that would come to dominate the hip-hop music scene in the mid- to late-1990s. Primarily, The Score's production was handled by Fugees themselves, Jerry Duplessis and Warren Riker, with additional production from Salaam Remi, John Forté, Diamond D, and Shawn King. The album's guest verses are from Outsidaz members Rah Digga, Young Zee, and Pacewon, as well as John Forté, and Diamond D. Most versions of the album feature four bonus tracks, including three remixes of "Fu-Gee-La", and a short acoustic Wyclef Jean solo track entitled "Mista Mista".

<i>Follow the Leader</i> (Eric B. & Rakim album) 1988 studio album by Eric B. & Rakim

Follow the Leader is the second studio album by American hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, released on July 26, 1988. Following their debut album, Paid in Full (1987), Eric B. & Rakim left 4th & B'way Records and signed with Uni Records, a subsidiary label of major label MCA Records. They recorded Follow the Leader at Power Play Studios in New York City. The duo produced, composed, and arranged the album with additional contributions from Rakim's brother Stevie Blass Griffin, who contributed with various instruments. Eric B. & Rakim worked with audio engineers Carlton Batts and Patrick Adams on the album. In a similar manner to their first album, a "ghost producer" was brought in for two songs. In a 2007 interview with Unkut.com, The 45 King said he produced both "Microphone Fiend" and "The R". "Microphone Fiend" was originally made for Fab 5 Freddy, until 45 King gave it over to Eric B., the group's "DJ".

<i>Tha Last Meal</i> 2000 studio album by Snoop Dogg

Tha Last Meal is the fifth studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released through No Limit, Doggy Style, and Priority Records on December 19, 2000. It was his third and final studio album released on No Limit, marking this record his first album on his newly founded label, called Doggy Style, alongside Priority in the United States. The album title makes reference to being the last record partially owned by his former label, Death Row Records. The album was produced by Dr. Dre, Timbaland, and Soopafly, among others. The album includes four official singles: "Snoop Dogg ", "Lay Low", "Loosen' Control", and "Wrong Idea". The album was generally met with positive reception.

<i>The Tipping Point</i> (The Roots album) 2004 studio album by the Roots

The Tipping Point is the sixth studio album by American hip hop band the Roots, released July 13, 2004 on Geffen Records. It is named after Malcolm Gladwell's book of the same name (2000), and is the follow-up to Phrenology (2002). The album is a musical departure from their previous work, featuring a more diverse, yet pop-oriented sound, and it contains lyrics associated with rapping-prowess, political insight, and social commentary. The Tipping Point has been noted by music writers for exhibiting and emphasizing soul, jazz, and funk influences as well. The song "I Don't Care" was featured on the soundtrack of the game Gran Turismo 4.

<i>Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss</i> 2002 studio album by Snoop Dogg

Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss is the sixth studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on November 26, 2002, by his Doggystyle label, alongside Priority and Capitol Records. Following his departure from the No Limit Records, he later signed a recording contract to Capitol through Priority Records. The album was supported by two singles, both featuring Pharrell: "From tha Chuuuch to da Palace" and "Beautiful", the latter also featuring Charlie Wilson.

<i>Paid in Full</i> (album) 1987 studio album by Eric B. & Rakim

Paid in Full is the debut studio album by American hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, released on July 7, 1987, by Island-subsidiary label 4th & B'way Records. The duo recorded the album at hip hop producer Marley Marl's home studio and Power Play Studios in New York City, following Rakim's response to Eric B.'s search for a rapper to complement his disc jockey work in 1985. The album peaked at No. 58 on the Billboard 200 chart, No. 8 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and produced five singles: "Eric B. Is President", "I Ain't No Joke", "I Know You Got Soul", "Move the Crowd", and "Paid in Full".

<i>2000 B.C. (Before Can-I-Bus)</i> 2000 studio album by Canibus

2000 B.C. is the second studio album by American rapper Canibus, released on July 18, 2000, through Universal Records.

<i>Death Certificate</i> (album) 1991 studio album by Ice Cube

Death Certificate is the second studio album by American rapper Ice Cube. It was released on October 29, 1991 through Priority Records. The production on the album was primarily handled by Sir Jinx, DJ Pooh and Ice Cube. The album was supported by two singles: "Steady Mobbin'" and "True to the Game".

<i>Amplified</i> (Q-Tip album) 1999 studio album by Q-Tip

Amplified is the debut studio album of American rapper Q-Tip, released November 30, 1999, on Arista Records. It became his first solo release after the disbandment of his former group A Tribe Called Quest in 1998. The production was primarily handled by Q-Tip and Jay Dee of the Ummah. The album spawned the Billboard Hot 100 hits "Vivrant Thing" and "Breathe and Stop".

<i>Venni Vetti Vecci</i> 1999 studio album by Ja Rule

Venni Vetti Vecci is the debut studio album by American rapper Ja Rule. It was released on June 1, 1999, by Def Jam Recordings and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. It was the first album to be released on Murder Inc. Production was mostly handled by Irv Gotti, with additional work provided by Lil Rob, Ty Fyffe, Erick Sermon and Self Service. The album features guest appearances from Jay-Z, DMX, Case, Memphis Bleek, Black Child, Ronald Isley and Erick Sermon, among others. The album title alludes to the Latin phrase "veni, vidi, vici", meaning "I came, I saw, I conquered".

<i>Let the Rhythm Hit Em</i> 1990 studio album by Eric B & Rakim

Let the Rhythm Hit ’Em is the third studio album by hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, released on June 19, 1990. The group's sound develops further, with Rakim adopting a deeper, more aggressive tone of voice, and more mature and serious subject matter. Musically, the production ranges from smoother soulful tracks such as "In the Ghetto" to the hard-edged assault of the title track "Let the Rhythm Hit ’Em."

<i>The 18th Letter</i> 1997 studio album by Rakim

The 18th Letter is the debut solo album of American emcee Rakim, released November 4, 1997, on Universal Records in the United States. The album features production by DJ Clark Kent, Pete Rock, Father Shaheed, Nick Wiz and DJ Premier. It contains lyrical themes that concern hip hop's golden age, Rakim's rapping prowess, and the state of hip hop.

<i>Strictly Business</i> (EPMD album) 1988 studio album by EPMD

Strictly Business is the debut album by hip-hop duo EPMD. It was released on June 7, 1988, by Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records around the world and BCM Records in Germany. It peaked at No. 80 on the Billboard 200 soon after release, yet it earned an RIAA gold album certification within four months of its release. In addition, it has received much positive critical attention since its release. In 2012, the album was ranked number 453 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

<i>Tha Block Is Hot</i> 1999 studio album by Lil Wayne

"Tha Block Is Hot" is the debut studio album by American rapper Lil Wayne. Released on November 2, 1999, it was brought to audiences by Universal Records and Bryan "Baby" Williams' Cash Money Records. The recording sessions took place at Cash Money Studios in Metairie, Louisiana, with the executive production from Bryan "Baby" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams. All tracks on the album were produced by Mannie Fresh himself. The album was initially intended to be titled "I Ride At Night."

<i>Nastradamus</i> 1999 studio album by Nas

Nastradamus is the fourth studio album by American rapper Nas, released on November 23, 1999, by Ill Will and Columbia Records. It was originally intended to be composed entirely of material from sessions for I Am... and released October 26, but in response to bootlegging of that material, release was postponed one month for Nas to record new material for Nastradamus.

References

  1. Bush, John. "The Master - Rakim". AllMusic . Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  2. Perry, Tim (27 November 1999). "Pop: ALBUM REVIEWS" . The Independent . Archived from the original on 2022-06-18. Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  3. "SOUND CHECK. - Free Online Library". Los Angeles Daily News . 3 December 1999. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  4. Baker, Soren (25 December 1999). "DMX Delivers Harsh Reality on 'Then' - Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  5. Columnist (12 September 2005). "The Master - NME". NME . Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  6. Hoard, Christian (2 November 2004). "The New Rolling Stone Album Guide - Google Books". Rolling Stone . ISBN   9780743201698.
  7. Parker, Erik "Mr Parker" (January 2000). "Record Report: Rakim – Rakim". The Source . No. 124. New York. p. 191.
  8. Jones, Steve. "Review: The Master". USA Today : 04.D. November 30, 1999. Archived from the original on 2009-08-21.
  9. Mao, Chairman (February 2000). "Vibe - Google Books". Vibe .
  10. Lewis, Miles Marshall (18 January 2000). "The Passing of the Mic - Village Voice". The Village Voice . Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  11. "Rakim Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  12. "Rakim Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  13. "Rakim When I B On Tha Mic Chart History - Billboard". Billboard . Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  14. "Rakim When I B On Tha Mic Chart History - Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved 1 February 2020.