Hip-Hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his latest project, “G.O.D.’s Network (REB7RTH),” by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards. Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, Rakim is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career and his first project in 15 years.
“I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized,” Rakim said about his new project, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., “Paid In Full.” Since then, he’s continued to shape the landscape and culture of Hip-Hop as we know it, inspiring rising artists with his hype live shows and incredible studio albums.
“G.O.D.’s Network (REB7RTH)” is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we’ve known, not just in Hip-Hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album.
“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,” Rakim declared.
Rakim is more than an official triple-threat as an artist, because he’s also showing off skills as a curator. On “G.O.D.’s Network (REB7RTH),” Rakim enlists a who’s-who of top Hip-Hop talent, including the dearly departed Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson, DMX, and Prodigy (of Mobb Deep). Rakim also linked with many of his contemporaries, such as Snoop Dogg, Method Man, KXNG Crooked, and Kool G. Rap, among others.
The album’s first single, “Be Ill,” is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakim’s raw rhymes and head-nodding production with slick guest features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. Elsewhere, Rakim slows it down for the soulful “Love Is The Message,” which features Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt, and the LA Grand Choir. And then there’s the chest-thumping “International,” a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.
