Rakim's 'The Seventh Seal' Debuts At No 3 On Billboard Rap Albums Chart

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ SMC Recordings) - SMC Recordings (PINKSHEETS: SMCE), the independent record label headquartered in the Bay Area, is celebrating more than the holidays with the success of their latest project by legendary rapper Rakim. His highly anticipated album, "The Seventh Seal," charged out the gate and straight into the No 3 position on Billboard's Rap Albums Chart, just behind 50 Cent and Jay-Z. Moreover, the momentum does not stop there; Rakim also ranked No 5 on Billboard's Independent Albums Chart and No 9 on the R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums Chart.

Experiencing a surge in digital sales, "The Seventh Seal" opened on the iTunes Hot Rap Albums chart at the No 2 position above such noteworthy releases from Jay-Z and Eminem. Currently, iTunes is the number one retailer for this project with digital sales making up an astounding 28 percent of overall sales and 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 No 1 retailer."

Rakim's legacy as one of "The Greatest Rappers of All Time," according to several sources, has ensured the success of his current album. A strong sales history and iconic status among rap aficionados and critics alike propelled Rakim back to the top despite a near decade-long absence. "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."