The 18th Letter dream pop Pianist-conductor Paich gives the ensemble

Pianist-conductor Paich gives the ensemble ample space to shine

but does not include all of their great songs

A great leap forward from their funeral debut album Movement

they explore guitar-driven rock on "Nightingale

The Epic blends spiritual jazz

The 18th Letter dream pop Pianist-conductor Paich gives the ensembleIt took Rakim five years to begin his solo career, but the wait was worth it The 18th Letter is one of the strongest records a veteran rapper released in the late '90s. Working with a variety of producers (Pete Rock, Clark Kent, Father Shaheed, DJ Premier), Rakim sounds sharp, focused, and strong, rapping with a force unheard of on his classic albums with Eric B. He still retains his knack for rolling, laid back rhymes, but what's impressive is how he