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.

It’s what you think but better

Deep, Spiritual, and Thought Provoking. I always like Rakim, but now I respect him even more!!!!

This book is perfect.

The god MC's story narrated by Rakim himself, definitely a must listen. A repeat listen is warranted as well.

Thought provoking hip hop masterpiece

This book was amazing! I truly enjoyed the narration by Rakim himself.i have a profound respect for him as Emcee and now as a novelist. This book provides a behind the scenes look at what it takes to be a rapper and how to conduct yourself as an hip hop entertainer.

The God MC

Even when he’s just speaking about his life you hear the God in him. Rakim is still one of Hip Hops true heroes and a constant reminder that you can still succeed without selling out the art form. Hip Hop Saved My Life. PEACE

Better than expected!!!!

Listening to this book only solidifies why Rakim is one of the greatest MC’s of all time!!!