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Rakim makes a grand comeback with his first fresh body of work in 15 years.
On Friday, July 26, the veteran MC out of New York City shared his new project G.O.Ds NETWORK - REB7RTH. Rakim flexes his skills as an MC, producer, and curator on the seven-track he produced himself. It begins with "BE ILL" featuring Kurupt and Masta Killa and continues with other rare collaborations with B.G., Hus Kingpin, Compton Menace, Kxng Crooked, Canibus, Kool G Rap, Joell Ortiz, and more.
“I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized,” Rakim said about the project.
“Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards, coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for, alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled,” he added.
Deep within the album, fans will also find his previously released single "LOVE IS THE MESSAGE" featuring Snoop Dogg, Planet Asia, Louis King, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt and an unreleased verse from the late Nipsey Hussle. The following track "GOD'S PLAYGROUND" has Rakim rapping alongside deceased rappers DMX and Fred The Godson along with Skyzoo and 38 Spesh. He wraps up the album with "SIGN OF SE7EN" with the late Prodigy, Method Man, X-Rated and Big Twins.
G.O.Ds NETWORK - REB7RTH serves as the follow-up to Rakim's 2008 solo album The Seventh Seal. Since then, the Long Island, NY native has released scattered singles with the likes of Maino, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss and others. Back in December, he reconnected with Will Smith at the "Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" TV special, and recently joked about making an updated version of "Summertime."
Listen to Rakim's new album below.
WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE