Pitchfork

After a long- assed leave of absence, Mr. Old School himself has "come back to bless the mic." So how's it sound? Not too shabby. The beats are fresh, the rhymes are solid, the samples are perfect. Rakim is still a master lyricist and he proves it with lines like "I used to roll up/ This is a hold up/ Ain't nuthin funny/ Stop smiling, be still/ Don't nuthin move but the money." R also brings back a true old- school trend: talkin' shit. Man, if this guy really thinks of himself the way he talks, he's the most confident motherfucker on the planet. ("Nobody been this long awaited since Jesus.")

The 18th Letter comes packaged with The Book of Life, a kick ass introduction to the music of Eric B. and Rakim. It contains 15 of their early essentials, including "Follow The Leader," "Eric B. is President," "Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em" and "Paid in Full." Even if you're just sitting down for your first listen to these early hip-hop classics, you'll feel like you already know 'em. Rakim's been sampled more times than Pizza Rolls at Sam's Club.

Remember, kids. The sign of a truly important rap release is that it comes with two discs. Don't let this one pass you by.