RAKIM'S "The Seventh Seal" Debuts at #3 on Billboard Rap Albums Chart

Rapper Rakim, from Eric B and Rakim, fame released his album, "The Seventh Seal" which went straight into the #3 position on Billboard's Rap Albums Chart, just behind 50 Cent and Jay-Z. Rakim's album also ranked #5 on Billboard's Independent Albums Chart and #9 on the R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums Chart.



"The Seventh Seal" opened on the iTunes Hot Rap Albums chart at the #2 position above releases from Jay-Z and Eminem. Currently, iTunes is the number one retailer for this project with 28 percent of all sales and is anticipated to increase over the coming weeks as Rakim prepares to launch the second leg of his national tour.



"We identified early on that digital retail, mainly iTunes, would be the leader on this project and with them, devised a great campaign that truly covered the gamut of Rakim's fans," said co-founder Will Bronson. "'The Seventh Seal' marks the second album we've released where iTunes was our #1 retailer."



"Rakim proves that a good brand is always valuable," says CEO Ralph Tashjian. "He can still relate to his fans while creating new ones, securing his legacy for years to come. We are confident we made the best choice in partnering with Rakim and look forward to a successful future together."



Rakim's solo career came about after he and Eric B split in 1992. He released The 18th Letter in 1997 which was certified gold. He followed with 1999's The Master. In 2000 Rakim signed with Dr. Dre's Aftermath label in 2000, with the hopes of releasing an album pairing the legendary MC with the legendary producer. But, due to creative differences, that album never materialized.