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Sweat the Technique

Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius

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Sweat the Technique

By: Rakim
Narrated by: Rakim
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About this listen

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 LL 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.

©2019 Rakim (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers
Biographies & Memoirs Music Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing Inspiring Thought-Provoking
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What listeners say about Sweat the Technique

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Great listen from the God MC

If you're a hip-hop fan you owe it to yourself to listen to this. Wickedly entertaing and insightful memoir from one of the greatest to ever grace a mic.

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I love Rakim, he is so wise🥺

Amazing book, thank you Rakim for the knowledge in this book, hope to meet you one day.

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A must read from Hip Hop's supreme lyricist, Rakim. Its a fantastic and historical journey.

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Wisdom, Strength and Beauty

I could see it all through the lens of his words. Insights to the Master.

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Spiritual, emotional, inspiring

Rakim connected with me as if I he was in the room. His spoken word rhythm perfectly compliments the universal concepts and knowledge dropped in the book!

The most original MC and most original autobiography!

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Compelling, integral for the culture

Live this book, I didn't expect it to be so introspective into the life, skill and technique of an emcee with knowledge of self. The importance that plays a young inspiring MC and man overall. Its like listening to someone's growth and transition from boyhood to manhood, with so many relatable moments and key components with adverse affects from local, national and societal issues at large.
Nothing short of compelling.

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Well Worth Waiting 4 30 years ago

Well Worth Waiting 4 30years 2 find out how y n wat inspired Rakim .

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Hip Hop Legend and Rap Master

Really interesting listen to Rakims creative process and writing style. Some really inspirational themes about life, knowledge and humanity

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Rakim 🐐 what a well put together book

I really admire the way Rakim never strayed from his path or sacrificed his art for money. I have learned an abundance of wisdom for my musical journey and would highly recommend this book what ever level you are at, I am a complete beginning but as he said your only competition is your self and should be the only ever be the true Bench mark 😎

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great to hear Rakim reflect

Really enjoyed hearing his reflections on the golden era of hip hop… and appreciate his honesty and emphasis on integrity,consciousness and spirituality…hoping he returns with new music soon…

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