"Universal Records will release The 18th Letter, the highly-anticipated solo debut of legendary rap lyricist Rakim on November 4. After a four year hiatus, "The R" returns with the fiery lead single from his forthcoming album, "Guess Who's Back." The track was serviced to radio this week and was the #1 Most Added rap record at urban and crossover radio stations across the country. Last month, hip-hop fans got a sneak preview of The 18th Letter with "It's Been A Long Time." The DJ Premier-produced track was leaked to mix-show DJs and subsequently became a #1 hit on the Hits and Gavin radio airplay charts. Other standout songs on the album include the first single, "Guess Who's Back" produced by Clark Kent; "Stay A While," "New York," "Show Me Love" and "The Saga Begins" - which was sonically orchestrated by Pete Rock. The 18th Letter will also contain a bonus track, "It's Been A Long Time (Suave House Remix)". With his former partner Eric Barrier, William "Rakim" Griffin was instrumental in the artistic and commercial breakthrough of rap music in 1986 with the hit single, "Eric B Is President." The song introduced audiences to Rakim's subdued, intensely rhythmic rapping style. The Long Island-based duo released four ground-breaking albums including the Platinum-selling Paid In Full; and three Gold albums Follow The Leader, Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em and Don't Sweat The Technique. Universal Records is also making The 18th Letter available to consumers as a double CD. This special double CD will include The 18th Letter packaged with The Book Of Life, a collection of fifteen Eric B & Rakim classics including: "I Know You Got Soul," "Paid In Full," "In The Ghetto," "I Ain't No Joke," "My Melody," "Lyrics Of Fury," "Move The Crowd" and more. Look for Rakim to appear on an hour-long special on BET's Rap City next Wednesday, October 29 at 4:30PM EST." - Press Kit, 1997. Revisit The 18th Letter and The Book Of Life from Rakim below...
Two original press releases from The 18th Letter are available below...
