Rakim reigns as one of hip-hop’s most transformative artists. His inimitable lyrical style, which has drawn comparisons to jazz icon Thelonious Monk, has been cited as an influence on a wide range of top-selling musicians. Rakim's masterful delivery and innovative approach to rapping defined a new era in the genre, and his impact is still evident in the work of many contemporary artists. His work continues to resonate and shape modern hip-hop culture.
Exploring the artistic depth of Hip-Hop, this writing guide from renowned musician Rakim offers insights into the craft of lyricism. Following Kendrick Lamar's Pulitzer Prize, Rakim shares his expertise, emphasizing the creative process and lyrical storytelling. It serves as a valuable resource for aspiring artists looking to elevate their writing and understand the nuances of the genre through the lens of one of its most celebrated figures.
When Rakim exploded on the music scene, he was hailed for his artistic style, adding layers, complexity, depth, musicality, and soul to rap. Calm on the mic, his words combine in a frenzy of sound, using complicated patterns based on multisyllabic rhymes and internal rhythms. This book, both a memoir and a guide on creativity, offers insight into how Rakim thinks about words, music, writing, and rhyming as it teaches writers of all levels how to hone their craft. -- adapted from jacket