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Without a doubt, Eminem one of the nicest M.C.'s of our time. His unparrallell lyrical scheme of wit, humor and pure disrespectful disregard for anyone that he doesn't like is what puts this rap genius in a league of his own. In 2003, Slim Shady released this single from his 2002 album, The Eminem Show. Peaking at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100, this track is based upon failed relationships and multiple promiscuos girls that Em has had contact with in his life. In his autobiography Em revealed that the song - to an extent - is about his rumored relationship with, R&B Pop Diva, Mariah Carey. Enjoy

(Rating 5.0/5.0)
When I heard that the one of the most influential rappers of all time (Rakim “The God MC”) had returned, my eyes lit up and my heart began beating hastily. There was a loss for words as my eardrums anticipated hearing the rhythmically original, metaphoric, heavily stylistic and educational flow that first introduced me to hip-hop. “The 5 Percenter” has ascended from the depths of rap music’s turbulent ocean! Rakim’s lyrical periscope is basically responsible for turning simple rapping into an exceptional height of internal rhyming. His influence on the game is pretty much unprecedented. The colloquy genius has given us his blessing with another ground breaking and poetically astonishing LP. In an era where the integrity and quality of hip-hop has been questioned, Rakim has chosen to metaphorically title his 3rd solo album “The Seventh Seal”.
If you are yearning for 56.9 minutes of pure lyrical bliss, then this is the album that you’ve been longing for. Verbs, adjectives, synonyms, antonyms and run-on sentences have been constructed into unmarred poet grammar. Covering every subject from spirituality (“Holy Are You”/“Man Above”) to women (“Pyschic Love”) to criminal activity (“Documentary of a Gangsta”) this album measures up to what is expected from rap monarchy.
Ra chose to envelop his bars around the beats of mostly underground/local producers who further help to solidify this record. It’s not like he needs mainstreamers on his LP to make it jump anyway, so that move is well understood.
Rakim has been recognized on each and every avenue of hip-hop. Almost every trendsetting rapper (Jay, ‘Pac, Ghostface, Em, 50, Killa Priest, Wayne, Nas – to name a few) has paid him homage along the way. A lot of artist could the craft of cleverly dialoging 16-bars from the veteran rap guru; and he acutely reveals this notion on the opening track “How to Emcee”.
This release further reveals Kim’s uncanny ability to raise the bar at any given moment. Every “radio head” can identify with Rakim as he chants his unconditional love for music and conveys his genuine devotion to the rap game on this LP.
Being that the game is currently lacking enough emcees with level-headed content (part of the reason hip-hop had a heart attack) this album is much needed. That’s not a diss to anyone, just a reality. There are still some credible heavy hitters out there, Rakim has only returned to lighten the load.
Ra best describes his current release in the song “Satisfaction Guaranteed” by stating, [...I got what ya’ll need/phiens run up and ask where I been/nuthin’ to get ‘em high/ it’s a bag of Rakim….it turns fans to fanatics/hip-hop heads to addicts/phiens hit off that/deejays cut it/let the streets step on that/still a 100% pure…]
Well stated Rakim. Well stated. The "Seventh Seal" is a must have, great for the IPod or a wonderful stocking stuffer. Shout out to “The God MC” – thank you for helping to keep hip-hop alive.

# of songs on album: 14
# of songs worth a listen: 14

This particular TNN (That New New) Rap post is dedicated to the hip-hop we miss and the current songs that are trying to bring it back.

Method Man and Redman. The rap duo is coming back with the long awaited Blackout 2, and so far I haven't heard anything but heat! The main two tracks blowing up the internet are "City Lights" featuring UGK and "A Yo". "

City Lights" has Meth & Red rapping over a synth "southern-style" beat, complete with a chopped chorus, and the occasional use of the vocoder. While the production lacks something (originality), their verses ride it perfectly, UGK per the usual also comes correct.

"A Yo" is pure hip-hop hotness. Saukrates (Canadian hip-hop artist) supplies the chorus and Meth & Red, do a great job at reminding us why they are one of the top 5 rap duos. For a more laid back feel, check out "Mrs. International". I wish they were't releasing their album the same day as Eminem! I get the feeling they won’t get their due shine.

Click here to listen to all three songs.

The Clipse (also a Top 5 rap duo). They have an upcoming album entitled Till the Casket Drops, and if it is even a fraction of what their past albums have been, then we are in for a treat. The first single, "Kinda Like a Big Deal" grabs you from the first 10 seconds, blessed with DJ Khalil production, it is an instant hit!! To quote all of the hot lines in this track, we would have to basically give you the whole song's lyrics! Pusha's swag comes raw, uncut, and by the pound. Kayne is in rare form (rare-considering his recent work), and hopefully this is a preview of what’s to come. I have to include one of his lines "...I'm like the black Marshall meets Jay"....try and hate on it! Last is Malice and while he is not on the same level as his brother, he comes correct on this track. If you haven't heard it, cancel any plans you had that involved the next 10 minutes and give it listen here. I said 10 because you're going to play it at least 3 times!

Eminem. In case you haven’t heard, Marshall Mathers has an upcoming album entitled Relapse. So far, three songs have been officially released (the others leaked), and they each offer something different. "We Made You" is the MTV-ready track that fans have come to expect. Hip-hop fans may not like it, but the rap game is a business, and while BET will get you respect (to an extent), MTV will get you sales! It follows along the same lines as "The Real Slim Shady", "Without Me", and "Just Lose It" taking stabs at celebrities such as Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, and Amy Winehouse. If his past record sales are any proof, this formula (MTV-ready track, then the song that shows he is a lyrical beast) works. The track is catchy and if you watch the video you will get a laugh. "3 AM" is a tale about Eminem (the Slim Shady persona) being a serial killer, who begins to doubt his sanity (do you see the irony), while recounting some of his crimes. Just sit back and admire the flow, this is the Eminem we love! It's not as chilling as the other psycho-killer inspired tracks he has given us before, nor is it really unique when you think about it, but its 99% better than any of the other options you have in rap right now. Hopefully, the accent he picked up during the hiatus isn’t permanent, but if you loved him solely for the way he spit, never including what he spit, you only thought you were a fan. Our review of "Old Time's Sake" featuring Dr. Dre is forthcoming, check back! The videos for "We Made You" and "3 A.M." are below.


We Made You Video



3 AM Video