Rakim Returns With First Album In 15 Years & His Role Is A Surprise

Rakim returned on Friday (July 26) with G.O.D’s Network – REB7RTH, his first album since 2009’s The Seventh Seal — but his primary role on it may shock even devoted listeners.

While the God MC provides vocals (verses and/or hooks) on six of the project’s seven songs, his main job on the project was not as a rapper, but as a producer. He also provided scratches.

“I always was attached to making beats,” Ra told Grammy.com. “But I got to the point where I’m confident with my production now. I got the chance to produce the album and jumped at the opportunity.”

G.O.D’s Network — REB7rth features a boatload of guest artists, including Kurupt, Masta Killa, Method Man and B.G. In addition, there are contributions from four deceased rappers, courtesy of executive producer Matt “M80” Markoff.

Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson and Prodigy all have rhymes, and DMX shows up by way of a prayer. All of the vocals, Markoff explained, were “in my stash or under my ownership.”

Check out the album below.

In other Rakim news, he recently responded to Will Smith‘s admission that Will “was trying to sound like” the Paid In Full icon on the hit song “Summertime” by asking for a collab.

Smith made the admission last year during CBS’ A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop TV special while he was chatting to the legendary rapper backstage.

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“I was absolutely trying to sound like you on ‘Summertime,’” he told Rakim. “‘Cause I had been screaming all night, and I couldn’t get my ‘happy-go-lucky’ high voice. And [the producer] just said, ‘Yo, just gimme that Rakim shit.’”

After Smith reposted the clip on Instagram on Tuesday (July 23) to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of his and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s album Homebase, Rakim slid into the comments section with an exciting request.

He wrote: “Peace Will !! Keep rockin bro, it’s time for SUMMERTIME PT 2 wit me on it !!!! lol.”

While Smith has yet to respond, many of his followers were on board with the idea, with one writing: “yesssss @willsmith & @djjazzyjeff please make this happen!!!”