Rakim: The Archive: Live, Lost and Found

In a climate where discussions of the greatest MC of all time seem to ignore the fact that people rapped in the '80s and '70s, a live album can relay the excellence and excitement associated with one of the most revered and seminal rappers in hip-hop history. Rakim's latest output, The Archive: Live Lost and Found, does just that. Simply put: there is nothing that compares to a collection of classics from the GOD MC. "Don't Sweat the Technique," "Follow the Leader" and "Eric B. For President" are just a few of the classic cuts that are featured on the album.

Situated among these tried and tested gems are a few new tracks. "It's Nothing" follows a current trend of career-tracing rhymes that we've seen from Kanye West and Freeway. But when Rakim recounts his journey to greatness, one must really take heed and listen. As much history as state of the field, "It's Nothing" touches on all the pertinent issues topping the tongues of rap critics worldwide.

The song appears in two forms -- studio and live -- and the balance of the two makes for great listening. Rakim's contrasting deliveries allows listeners (old and new) to appreciate the brilliance of his MCing. On the live version, his shifts in pitch brings the song to life. With so many MCs wheezing and stumbling through performances, Rakim's command remains staggering. He can do it on record, do it on stage, and nothing is lost. The feeling of a live performance is different, however, and hearing how he interacts with the crowd is a lesson in hip-hop excellence.

Live hip-hop albums are often a bit mundane and misguided, with rare exceptions like BDP's Live Worldwide and Jay-Z's Unplugged set, but when done correctly, as this Rakim compendium is, the result is sublime. Live albums back up all Rakim's G.O.A.T MC claims, and without performance one can never move the crowd, and in the end, an MC that can't enthrall his audience is nothing.

All respect due to the god, this release is an education in how to rap.

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