Rakim reviewed
Rakim
The Archive: Live, Lost & Found
(Koch)
I could kick Koch Records in the balls for this CD. Four unreleased tracks, 18 live cuts, and no production notes.
A collection for one of hip-hop’s greatest-ever MCs needs expansive liners, because the footage might go back 20 years. But then that might foil Koch’s ruse, because this “archive” is of particularly recent vintage — the live tracks are most likely from the tour behind 1997’s The 18th Letter. While the set is filled with classic Eric B. & Rakim cuts (“I Know You Got Soul,” “I Ain’t No Joke,” “Microphone Fiend”), it’s a tepid roll through the hits by an MC who doesn’t sound very hungry. As for the “new” studio cuts, he’s clearly invested in chasing trends and handicaps his liquid flow by trying to sound more gangsta. It’s just another weak show you’ll sleep through.
— Steve Forstneger
Your review is half ass. Yes they skimp’d on tha liner but U don’t buy CD’s to read tha four trax R tight. Rock soild RAKIM flow Love 4 Sale is by far tha hottest joint drop’d in years that does not disrespect woman to tha core and Rakim still gets the point thru. I quess cats R so use to this fast food garbage they been feedin’ us when when a home cook’d meal is placed in front U don’t know how to take it. Trying to sound gangsta, please Rakim is so above that gutta’flo 4banga’ only 4 and they darwf everything drop’d this year, I’ll give U Lupe his joint is hot.