Rakim is readying his first album in 15 years — and he’ll be joined by a host of fellow rap legends, past and present.
Making the announcement on Instagram, the project’s A&R/executive producer Matthew “M80” Markoff revealed the extensive guest list of artists, as well as the fact that the album, which is called God’s Network: Reb7rth, will be released on July 26.
AD LOADING...
The first single, titled “Rebirth” and featuring Kurupt and Masta Killa, will arrive roughly a month earlier on June 21.
The all-star supporting cast will also include Snoop Dogg, Method Man, B.G., Kool G Rap, Canibus, Skyzoo, KXNG Crooked, Chino XL, 38 Spesh and Planet Asia, as well as numerous fallen soldiers such as DMX, Nipsey Hussle, Prodigy and Fred the Godson.
AD LOADING...
“When you hear the INSANITY we’re cooking up for July 26th, you’ll salute to just like the G.O.D @thegodrakim,” M80 wrote.
He added: “The 1st Ever FULLY PRODUCED project + Featuring RAKIM ALLAH!”
God’s Network: Reb7rth will mark Rakim’s first album since 2009’s The Seventh Seal, which itself followed a 10-year hiatus from music.
The God MC, who largely stays out of the spotlight these days, recently issued a statement along with Eric B. after they were again snubbed for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
AD LOADING...
They said: “Congratulations to the diverse group of artists inducted into the Rock Hall this year. Seeing Tribe and Mary on the list besides Cher, Ozzy, Kool and the Gang and all of the other icons shows how inclusive the institution has become. Keep voting … we’ll join you soon!”
It was their second nomination for the Hall of Fame after initially being nominated in 2012.
The legendary MC was also recently forced to once again cancel his European tour.
In an explosive rant, a concert promoter criticized Rakim for pulling out of the tour for the third time in three years.
AD LOADING...
“That is pure bullshit,” he said, citing the reasons given by the rapper which included burnout. “Rakim just didn’t felt like going and manager tells us he tried to convince him since January, even know he cancelled in 2022 due to corona, 2023 due to Hip Hop 50 and didn’t [give] any proper excuse this time. Rakim destroys his legacy in Europe now.”
Rakim’s manager later said the cancellation was due to travel issues: “Rakim does not fly – he has not been on a plane since 1998 – and there were a [number] of problems related to that.
AD LOADING...
“Securing his travel by boat (the Queen Mary) was impossible and most of the suitable ground transport on the continent was either booked, simply too expensive or required re-routing dates.”
