The Seventh Seal
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The Seventh Seal Image
Metascore
59

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

User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

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  • Summary: The rap artist releases his first solo album in ten years.

Top Track

Walk These Streets
(Rakim) La-da-da-dah, la-da-da-dah La-da-da-dah, la-da-da-dah (Uh... yeah...) (This is for the haters... keep hatin) La-da-da-dah,... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. RapReviews.com
    80
    He's still solid with the flow and constructs rhymes that are both interesting and intense, making The Seventh Seal a worthy purchase and return for a man who was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, God without end--Rakim. Amen
  2. Mojo
    80
    He sounds as raw and vital as ever. [Feb 2010, p. 105]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Billboard.com
    63
    Overall, the God MC can still carry the throne as one of the greatest rappers of all time, but he'll need stronger production the next time around.
  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.
  5. 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.
  6. Spin
    50
    Too bad that the production here is decidedly mortal.
  7. PopMatters
    40
    This record, though not awful by any means, is simply not up to the standards set by the God MC.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. DJTIME
    Nov 26, 2009
    9
    I'm glad this album doesn't sound like the current Hip Hop. Great return for Rakim.
  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. TenI 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
  4. [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 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
  5. 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.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.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Most Shared Album of 2009

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