Legendary lyricist Rakim, known as “The God Emcee,” makes a triumphant return after a 15-year hiatus with his new single “Be Ill” and upcoming project, showcasing his versatility beyond his renowned wordplay.
Throughout his career with Eric B. and as a solo artist, Rakim has released seven studio albums. Now, he’s back with “Be Ill,” featuring Kurupt and Masta Killa, and has announced his new project, G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth), set for release on July 26, 2024. This marks Rakim’s first fully self-produced project.
On “Be Ill,” Rakim handles vocals, production, and turntable work, joined by Dogg Pound’s Kurupt and Wu-Tang Clan’s Masta Killa. The single is available on all digital streaming platforms. The music video will premiere on Rolling Stone’s platform at 8 AM EST on June 21, 2024, with a wider release at 10 AM EST. The video captures a golden era hip-hop aesthetic, showcasing the artists’ skills with just turntables and microphones.
“G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth)” will feature collaborations with an impressive roster of artists, including Nipsey Hussle, DMX, B.G., Method Man, Prodigy, 38 Spesh, Kurupt, Masta Killa, Skyzoo, Kool G Rap, Joell Ortiz, KXNG Crooked, and Planet Asia, among others.
This project serves as a reminder of Rakim’s production prowess, which has been instrumental in creating classics like “Juice (Know The Ledge),” “Don’t Sweat The Technique,” and “Paid In Full.”
