By Odeisel
On one hand you have the standard bearer for Hip-Hop lyricism. On the other, you have a producer known more for pop-ish hit making music than any intricate musicality. Swizz Beatz and Rakim was an unlikely pairing…until now. The duo released a track as part of Swizz Beatz’ weekly song promotion Monster Mondays with “King Tut.” I can’t lie to you friends, this song THUMPS and Rakim hasn’t sounded this good in a very long time.
No intro, no horns and no dramatic intro help the songs cause and banging drums get to work immediately. A rugged bass line keeps the drums in line and digital horn sounds give it a grand feel This simple approach, without Swizz’ usual whistles make for a track you can take seriously and one not too difficult for him to flow over. Like Kanye’s recent work, there is too much beat. The song is over swiftly, leaving over a minute of empty space for pronouncements and adlibs.
Swizz opens the song and his verse is listenable. He weaves in multiple reference to Rakim’s music, interpolating famous lines from the legendary MC along with different song titles. It’s not the most original of devices but he handles it well given his limited rap skills. Swizz announces “Did you get the message that Hip-Hop is back?” He does his part to ensure that people get hip.
Rakim’s flow is smoother than it’s been in ages. The slow flow that made him famous is in full effect with pop culture reference and allegory that is razor sharp (roll green like Mike Vick and Big Shaq is doing). The hitch that evolved in his delivery during those Aftermath years is absent and he rolls though his voice like it’s ’87 again.
“King Tut” is a solid album-worthy track by Swizz and a strong performance from Rakim that shows a skill level still high enough to compete. It would be interesting to hear more from this duo. Call this song a win. Enjoy.
Swizz Beatz Feat. Rakim- “King Tut”
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Love this track, reminds me of what Swizz did on “WW3”. You’re right, Rakim hasn’t sounded this good since Aftermath!
Dope! Those horns remind me of the horns Pharell used on “Popeyes” by the Clipse.