Sweat the Technique

Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius

By: Rakim

Narrated by: Rakim

The musician and Hip Hop legend—hailed as “the greatest MC of all time” and compared to Thelonious Monk—reimagines the writing handbook in this memoir and guide that incorporates the soulful genius, confidence, and creativity of a master artist.

When he exploded on the music scene, musical genius Rakim was hailed for his brilliant artistic style, adding layers, complexity, depth, musicality, and soul to rap. More than anyone, Rakim has changed the way MCs rhyme. Calm on the mic, his words combine in a frenzy of sound, using complicated patterns based on multisyllabic rhymes and internal rhythms. Rakim can tell a story about a down-on-his-luck man looking for a job and turn it into an epic tale and an unforgettable rhyme. He is not just a great songwriter—he’s a great modern writer.

Part memoir, part writing guide, Sweat the Technique offers insight into how Rakim thinks about words, music, writing, and rhyming as it teaches writers of all levels how to hone their craft. It is also a rare glimpse into Rakim’s private life, full of entertaining personal stories from his youth on Long Island growing up in a home and community filled with musicians to the clubs of New York and the studios of Los Angeles during his rise to the top of popular music. Rakim celebrates the influences that shaped his development, including the jazz music of John Coltrane and the spirituality of the streets, and shares anecdotes spotlighting personalities such as L. L. Cool J. and Dr. Dre, among others.

Filled with valuable lessons for every writer, Sweat the Technique reveals the heart and mind of an artist and his love for great storytelling, and always, the words.

The 18th Letter

Loved it...my first listening is the new reading on auidible as told by Rakim. This is complete. What a gift for the generations of future eMCees. No other way I would've wanted to access this story than as told and read through the mind & voice of Rakim. No interview could capture how Rakim organized his life story than in Sweat the Technique. Loved to experience this text while revisiting the music and unpacking the word play. One of the greatest stories ever told in Hip Hop. And this time, Rakim told me forreal. Essential reading for anyone that's serious about embracing the art of eMCeeing & the beautiful culture that is Hip Hop. Peace.

PS: @amazon Y'all need to create a way for us to review and rate on Amazon music app too. Especially after one completes listening to an entire album.

Rakim is... The G.O.A.T.

There is nothing to debate because there is no need to debate. Rakim is your favorite rapper's favorite rapper!!!

The Truth

The God hasn't lost anything. Still sharp as ever. I can appreciate the way his mind works. His description on how he puts his raps together is amazing.

The God Rakim!!!

Rakim was always a deep lyricist. It's great to see a groundbreaking Hip Hop artist from the Golden Era of Hip Hop to get his just do and write a book on his career. This is a great audio book to listen to if you want to learn from one of the best to ever touch a mic.

Dope

It's Rakim the best rapper withte best voice telling his story. It's a no brainer if you love hip hop.