The Seventh Seal
by Rakim
  • Record Label: SMC
  • Release Date: Nov 17, 2009
User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 5 out of 21

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. BIGMAN22
    Dec 18, 2015
    7
    as a long time fan of Rakim. the production doesn't stand out on this like his previous albums. his lyrical prowess however remains flawless. he shows us why hes still one of the greatest MC's to embrace the mic.
  2. NicoDaFlagburna
    Jan 25, 2011
    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 andI 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]
    Dec 7, 2009
    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.
  4. DJTIME
    Nov 26, 2009
    9
    I'm glad this album doesn't sound like the current Hip Hop. Great return for Rakim.

Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. PopMatters
    40
    This record, though not awful by any means, is simply not up to the standards set by the God MC.
    Read full review
  2. Slant Magazine
    50
    Suffice to say there's nothing very compelling here, though Seventh Seal is made interesting by the paucity of Rakim's material.
    Read full review
  3. Spin
    50
    Too bad that the production here is decidedly mortal.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »