Sweat the Technique: Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius Hardcover – September 24, 2019

Thirty plus years after his debut, Rakim invites readers to follow the leader into his literary universe Sweat The Technique: Revelations On A Creativity From A Lyrical Genius. Billed as "part memoir-part writing guide," Ra goes behind the rhyme and explores the technique and inspiration behind his conceptual genius. He also shares perspectives on his spiritual views and offers motivational jewels for the reader.Offering rare reflections of his life and career, Rakim still holds the literary reigns tight like a grudge. Leaving topics previously touched on in social media blogs and old interviews on the cutting room floor, Rakim bypasses wild-style stories of his younger days when he and DJ Eric B rolled deep with the infamous Paid In Full posse. Ditto for the obligatory mouth-dropping industry confessions and untold stories recounting the late Eighties' testosterone-filled rap industry.Technique really comes alive when Rakim reflects on his early days as "Popo" and "Lil Griff"---the scrappy kid from Wyandanch, Long Island, part music/sports prodigy----part gun-toting hard rock, nurtured by his mother's support and guided by his father's wise and steady hand. Recounting the oft-told story of his entry in the rap game, Rakim shares how an unexpected visit from Eric B puts him on the fast track to becoming the teen-aged hip hop prodigy---automatically better than every rap peer and pioneer.Technique captures the dizzying highs: the big money paydays and rapid career ascent requiring Rakim to drop out of school. The bidding war that led to him signing the first million-dollar rap contract at the tender age of twenty. ("Just two years earlier, I had no thought of making money as a MC and now I was out buying a Benz, a Jeep Cherokee, jewelry, clothes and sneakers."). It reveals the lows: the pressures of young fatherhood and his grandmother's passing. Rakim expresses the guilt of reluctantly tending to a hot careers while his hero---his beloved father succumbed to bone cancer.Momentarily pulling back the veil of discretion, Rakim shares stories of his first love and briefly unpacks his sometimes conflicted relationship with his partner. He celebrates the accomplishments of their unlikely partnership while revealing his desire to be independent of it at the start of their journey. He revisits the growing pains, creative and business differences that would lead to their breakup as well as their tension filled and triumphant reunion. Sweat The Technique's circular prose at times can be thematic. Like Rakim's syncopated flow, it swings back and forth, both discreet and revealing all at once. Recollections capture the GOD MC's many moods and grooves. Bold and testy like Miles. Enigmatic like Monk. An ember-like spirit stoked by competition and self-mastery. A soaring rap deity whose family is the wind beneath his wings. More EP than a full-length player, Sweat The Technique still has enough soul to move the crowd.

I've now read KRS 1, RZA, U God and some other stuff from hip hop artists and this is a good one. Rakim breaks down his main events in his life and things a MC might want to know and relish. I really dig how he is a mystic, because that speaks to me much more than gangster rap and young/sex/drug/money stuff...which I can enjoy like a small desert from time to time without it warping my spiritual way of thinking; all that stuff is kind of like succumbing to shallowing exciting temptations when the greatest stuff is simple inner wisdom and a life that isn't a circus of being a big somebody, pleasure and bragging. Rakim makes being a nobody...but yet one who serves in the capacity that he does, something that many MC's (including many of the greats) won't ever achieve with all the women and cars out there to hijack their pen for a whispering shadow dangling fantasies....Good book:)

I consider Rakim as one of the greatest emcees of all time. If he's not on your Mount Rushmore of emcees, i don't know what you're thinking. I truly enjoyed the honor and privilege to read and learn more about "The R"!

This week’s book 📖 was phenomenal! Sweat The Technique: Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius Rakim! What a mind! I have LOVED this man’s music 🎶 lyrics, swag, energy and everything since the first time I heard his music on the radio! His prose in this book which is a lesson and memoir is enlightening! I enjoyed reading how he creates and his insight of history, religion, mathematics, architecture and so much more! Artists always amaze me, Rakim is..... whew DEEP! Love this in a #BlackMan I’m a year younger than him and grew up in the NYC area! It was nostalgic reading about the places he performed in like the LQ Latin Quarters club in #NYC! Yass! I cut my party club life in those same places! Thank you @officialrakimallah for yet another master piece! As-salamu ‘alaykum A MUST READ #Reading2020

I'm speechless. This was a GREAT read. I will definitely read it again. Rakim takes on a trip through his life & journey to becoming The God MC. A true Master of his craft. Simply put... Lyrical Genius.

The God MC has always been a gifted writer. I've listened to his music for over thirty years. After reading this,it gave me deeper insight to one of the realest,and humble Brothas in the game. Peace, God.

I very much enjoyed your book. I've been listening to your music for years and have always thought you were the best, even modeled my flow after you. Hard as can be with no profanity has always inspired me and I thank you for that. Learning about your life, how you grew up, and how you blew up, connects me more to your music. How "Follow the Leader" came to be gave me chills. Hearing you discuss "The 18th Letter" gave me great insight into what I believe is your best work, good to know you felt totally free to be yourself on that record. "Roam through battle zones with chrome for chaperone," just unreal Ra. Very much appreciate you sharing your life with me, thank you for letting me in. -Flamer

Very well written, entertaining and educational for both hip hop fans, artists, and really anyone else. I had already heard a lot of his music but I listened to or re-listened to the tracks he mentioned and/or dissected as he told his story and I think that will enrich the experience of reading this book for others as well

Great read definitely recommend rakim goes into amazing detail on his life and career and gives incredible insight must read for any aspiring artist

Es súper bonito, texto está en inglés

ハードカバー、ペーパーバッグも選べて送料込で安いと思います。オーディブルで彼の生声で朗読も楽しめます。

I really enjoyed reading this book, I love how he explains his writing techniques and I was intrigued the whole time I was reading it.

Intrigued by Rakim's story and the early days of hip-hop. Learned from his creative technique and example of a principled path in life. I'll be reading this one again and again.