The Seventh Seal - Rakim
  • Band Name: Rakim
  • Record Label: SMC
  • Release Date: Nov 17, 2009
The Seventh Seal Image
Metascore
59 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.9 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The rap artist releases his first solo album in ten years.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Mojo
    80
    He sounds as raw and vital as ever. [Feb 2010, p. 105]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. The New York Times
    60
    He still commands the discipline, skills and microphone presence he brought to hip-hop in the 1980s. But if he’s only going to get around to releasing one album per decade, it should be more than a holding action.
  3. Pitchfork
    56
    This album still falls way short of what it could be, and I have to wonder how this even happened.
  4. Prefix Magazine
    55
    The Seventh Seal is perhaps the most stale, thoroughly unremarkable album of 2009, and confirms a sad fact: Some comebacks are better left unexecuted.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. DJTIME
    9
    I'm glad this album doesn't sound like the current Hip Hop. Great return for Rakim.
  2. NicoDaFlagburna
    9
    I can completely understand the mixed reviews regarding production however the critics are too quick to overlook Rakim's lyrical prowess. Ten years may have passed since his last record yet his words are still timelessly relevant and his street teachings carry as much weight as they ever have (he was once considered the greatest MC of all time). The record is distinctly personal and therefore won't strike a chord with those who are used to the disposable records that are so widely produced. Rakim's unique angle characterises his artistic direction and exposes his substantial talents. 'How to Emcee' is one of the few standout tracks though his unassuming gangster style does him no favours in appealing to those who have never heard of him. 9/10 85/100… Expand
  3. [Anonymous]
    9
    This is a very good album. The lyrics are good and he stays on topic in all of the songs. The beats are good and fit the subject matter of the songs. People who are giving this album low ratings really need to sit an listen more closely to the beats and lyrics.… Expand

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