Some people don’t know that top 10 best rappers ALIVE right now, Rakim has to be thrown in the conversation: 1. He’s still alive 2. He’s one of the best rappers to ever do it, period. His raw delivery and lyrics were way beyond his time. A lot of people had to play catch up when it came to him, so he is highly respected in the rap game, and a lot of the (what the 80s – 93 babies would consider old) rappers of today, listened to him growing up and was a source on inspiration. The 18th Letter is his first album, and  The Book of Life is a compilation album that was featured on a deluxe CD. It’s only right to have some Rakim in your life. I’m not a student of hip hop, but this is one necessary teacher to listen to. Enjoy.