The 18th Letter is the debut solo album of American emcee Rakim, released November 4, 1997 on Universal Records in the United States. It is his first release of new material, following a five-year hiatus after Don't Sweat the Technique (1992) as duo Eric B. & Rakim. The album features production by Clark Kent, Pete Rock, Father Shaheed, Nick Wiz, and DJ Premier.