photo credit: Power 106

Vin Rican is dropping another gem on you for the latest installment of the throwback vinyl series Wax Only.

This week, Rakim’s The 18th Letter gets the sample spotlight as we celebrate the New York native’s 51st birthday. Rakim’s debut solo album was released back on November 4th, 1998, following a much prolonged hiatus from his pioneering trek in the Eric B. & Rakim duo. The project includes production from Pete Rock, DJ Clark Kent, and DJ Premier.

Rican shines some light on the album featuring classic samples from Public Enemy, English rock band The Smith Connection, Bob James, and many more.

Watch the full Wax Only below: