Known for his uncanny vocal and lyrical innovation, Rakim Allah guided his duo, Eric B. & Rakim, to platinum with their 1987 debut album, Paid in Full. This was followed by 3 gold albums which spawned such hits as "My Melody," "Move the Crowd" and "I Ain't No Joke." Heralded as a legend by fans and peers alike, Rakim returns as a solo artist with the album the 18th Letter. Following the release of the preview track "It's Been a Long Time," this album's 1st "official" single/video is "Guess Who's Back."