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Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his album 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, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career.

I feel like the battery in my back has been reenergized, Rakim said about his new album, which arrives nearly four decades after the release of his classic debut with Eric B., Paid In Full. Since then, hes 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. And while hes produced some of his previous worknotably Dont Sweat the Technique, Juice (Know The Ledge), and Paid In Fullthis feels like new territory for the 18th Letter, whose production and scratching talents are nothing short of remarkable.

G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists weve 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, he said.

Rakim is more than an official triple-threat as an artist, because hes also showing off skills as a curator. On this albums seven tracks, he enlists a whos-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, B.G., and Kool G. Rap, among others.

The albums first single, Be Ill, is the perfect introduction, as it pairs Rakims 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 theres the chest-thumping International, a straight-up slapper with hard-hitting rhymes from Kool G. Rap, Tristate, and Joell Ortiz.

For fans of hip-hop, and especially of Rakims storied discography, there is so much to love on this record. You can hear his hunger as an emcee and producer on every track, as well as his desire to collaborate with so many respected artists. Despite having decades in the game and many classics to his name, it feels like Rakim is just getting started.

TRACKLIST
1 – Be Ill feat. Kurupt & Masta Killa
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
2 – Now Is The Time feat. B.g, Hus Kingpin & Compton Menace
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
3 – Love Is The Message feat. Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King & Snoop Dogg
Additional Vocals By: Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt & The La Grand Choir
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
(Violin Quartet Courtesy Of Nino Chikviladze)
4 – God’s Playground feat. .38 Spesh, Fred The Godson & Skyzoo
Additional Vocals: DMX
(Prod + Cuts By Rakim Allah)
5 – Pendulum Swing feat. Kxng Crooked, La The Darkman, Canibus & Chino Xl
(Prod. & Cuts By: Rakim Allah)
6 – International feat. Kool G Rap, Tristate & Joell Ortiz
(Prod. Rakim Allah)
7 – Sign Of Se7en feat. Prodigy (Of Mobb Deep), Method Man, X-raided & Big Twins
(Prod. Rakim Allah)