Sweat the Technique: Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius – A Hip Hop Memoir and Songwriting Guide from a Master Artist
Language: English
Published by Amistad, 2020
- Softcover
- Used

Seller: Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, Richmond, VA, U.S.A.Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
AbeBooks seller since May 29, 2026
Condition: Used - Fair
£ 2.84
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketSeller Inventory # CCVV.0062850245.A
- Title
- Sweat the Technique: Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius – A Hip Hop Memoir and Songwriting Guide from a Master Artist
- Author
- Rakim
- Publisher
- Amistad
- Publication year
- 2020
- Condition
- acceptable
- Binding
- Soft cover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0062850245
- ISBN 13
- 9780062850249
On the heels of Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize, as the world begins to recognize the creative side of Hip-Hop, comes a writing guide from a musician and "The greatest MC of all time," 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 musiciansto 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.
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Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
Richmond, VA, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since May 29, 2026
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Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia is a nonprofit dedicated to changing lives through the power of work. Every book purchased from our page helps fund job training programs, education, and employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work. From career coaching to skills development, we empower people in our community to build brighter futures. When you shop our books, you are not just finding your next great read, you are supporting a mission that has strengthened Central and Coastal Virginia since 1923. Give a book a second life and help someone start a new chapter of their own. Our mission is changing lives…helping people help themselves through the power of work. Through an earn while you learn approach, we provide hands-on experience, supportive services, and access to training that leads to real careers. Every purchase plays a role in advancing that mission and creating opportunities across the communities we serve.…
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