Today marks a historic moment in hip-hop as Rakim, celebrated as The God MC and one of the most influential lyricists of all time, returns with his new project The…
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This is the 2nd EP from pioneering Long Island, New York emcee/producer Rakim. Notable for being 1/2 of the seminal golden age duo Eric B. & Rakim, they put out 4 classic albums together from the mid-80s to the early 90s, with their debut Paid in Full & the sophomore effort Follow the Leader laying out the groundwork for future generations of hip hop to come. Kid Wizard eventually went solo in late ‘97 signing to Universal Music Group for an acclaimed debut The 18th Letter & the follow-up The Master while not as acclaimed still received positive feedback. Reception to The 7th Seal a decade after The Master was more mixed due to the lackluster production although the lyricism was certainly praised & G.O.Ds Network (REB7RTH) was a step in the right direction despite the heavy features, but Big Ghost Ltd. producing 3 new tracks on The Re-Up minus the 6 remixes raised my expectations greatly as a fan of both him & The God.
“Now is the Time” featuring Hus Kingpin was a great boom bap single finding the New York lyricists coming together to talk about the game becoming more complicated following the COVID-19 pandemic while “I’m Good” makes makes for the only track of the 3 piece that doesn’t have a guest on it, but The God still delivers on the mic nonetheless. “Not to Be Defined” featuring Lazarus is also the sole moment that Big Ghost didn’t produce leading it up to Dem Jointz showing the rhythm of the souls in their hearts.
I’m only gonna rate this purely based on the short batch of material that we got from The Re-Up because 1 thing that I wanna make clear is that the 6 remixes from G.O.Ds Network (REB7RTH) rival the original versions from the previous EP that I prefer more since that was all new material. Nevertheless, I still believe that the 3 newly recorded cuts are worth mentioning because they continue to exemplify that Rakim is still The God almost 4 decades later. G.O.Ds Network (REB7RTH) 2 has been said to have lesser guests than the predecessor & if that’s true, it could be on The 18th Letter caliber.
Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com
The latest set of Kendrick Lamar bars is on Clipse’s “Chains & Whips” single. In the verse, the GNX legend saluted another Hip-Hop icon in Rakim, for his being a…
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Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his new 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, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career; and his first project in 15 years. G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is now available.
“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. And while he’s produced some of his previous work—notably “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” “Juice (Know The Ledge),” and “Paid In Full”—this 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 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.
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.
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William Michael Griffin, aka Rakim Allah, The God MC, makes a return after 15 years with his anticipated album God’s Network: Reb7rth. This album is the follow-up to The Seventh Seal. God’s Network features guest appearances from Kurupt, Hus Kingpin, Planet Asia, 38 Spesh, Kool G Rap, Joell Ortiz, Canibus, the late Fred The Godson, and Nipsey Hussle.
Rakim rose to prominence in the mid-to-late ’80s alongside his previous collaborator as the duo Eric B. and Rakim, releasing Paid in Full in 1987 as their debut to the commercial audience. God’s Network delivers Rakim’s smooth, hardcore flow from the golden era. Most rappers develop a different sound as the years progress, but Rakim maintains his distinctive, powerful flow that remains relevant.
The intro, “Be Ill,” starts off with a lyrically complex delivery, leading into “Now Is the Time” and “Love Is the Message,” which feature the hardcore sound Rakim is no stranger to. “God’s Playground” and “Pendulum Swing” bring back old-school production beats, delivered directly by Rakim himself. “Pendulum Swing” evokes the feeling of participating in a cipher while Rakim directs the mic. In all star Cypher with all spitters.
Over the years, Rakim faced challenges in producing new material. He was previously signed to Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment. While under Dre’s leadership, an Aftermath project was set to be released by the label but never came to fruition due to creative differences—Dre wanted to steer toward gangsta rap, while Rakim preferred to stay on a conscious route. After many years, Rakim was finally able to complete this project with the help of Mathew “M80” Markoff, who, in a previous interview, stated that he brought to life what Dre couldn’t finish.
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Review Score: 9/10
Keep up with Rakim on Spotify
Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com
Rakim, hailed as “The God Emcee,” has announced his first new project in 15 years, G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth). This highly anticipated album, set to release on July 26, 2024, showcases Rakim’s extensive talent in lyricism and production, marking his first project entirely self-produced.
The album’s lead single, “Be Ill,” features notable artists Kurupt and Masta Killa and has already garnered significant attention with its powerful lyrics and dynamic video. Following this, Rakim released the second single, “Now Is The Time,” featuring B.G., Hus Kingpin, and Compton Menace. This track is now available on all major streaming platforms, further building excitement for the full album release.
G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth) is set to include an impressive lineup of collaborations featuring the likes of Nipsey Hussle, DMX, Method Man, Prodigy, 38 Spesh, Skyzoo, Kool G Rap, Joell Ortiz, KXNG Crooked, and Planet Asia, among others. This extensive list of featured artists promises a diverse and rich listening experience, blending classic and contemporary hip-hop influences.
Rakim’s return to the music scene with G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth) is a momentous occasion for fans worldwide. The album will be available in multiple formats, including Digital, CD, Cassette, and Vinyl (both 12” and 7”), ensuring accessibility for all music enthusiasts. Fans can purchase the album through www.rakimpresents.com, courtesy of Holy Toledo Productions, Compound Interest Entertainment, RRC Music, and 1332 Records.
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Iconic MC Rakim is set to make a groundbreaking return to the music scene after 15 years with his highly anticipated new album, G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth). Partnering with cutting-edge Web3 music platform Gala Music, select songs from Rakim’s album release is available exclusively on Gala Music today before
hitting digital streaming platforms (DSPs) on July 26th. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the fusion of music and technology, offering fans a unique and immersive listening experience.
“Partnering with Gala Music allows me to reach my fans in an innovative way, combining the best of music and modern technology. I’m excited to share my newest tracks with my loyal fans for the first time on web3,” says Rakim.
The exclusive release includes three new tracks, minted and listenable on Gala Music. These tracks went on sale Friday, July 5 at 1 PM PT. Additionally, seven instrumentals from the album will be released exclusively on Gala Music on July 12th.
The three exclusive tracks available on Gala Music are:
“Love is the Message”: described as “one of the most beautiful and complete pieces ever created” in the modern hip-hop landscape, showcasing Rakim’s vocal and production talents. The track features the likes of Nipsey Hussle (RIP), Planet Asia, Gala Music’s Louis King, Snoop Dogg, and a choir led by Sally Green and Kobe Honeycutt. This powerful piece, backed by a violin quartet, sends a poignant reminder that love conquers all amidst the violence and crime plaguing the streets.
“Gods Playground”: a thought-provoking piece demonstrating a roller coaster of emotions, with Rakim taking on vocal, scratches, and production duties. Featuring underground legends .38 Spesh, Fred the Godson (RIP), and Skyzoo, the track focuses on maintaining composure through life’s obstacles to achieve true success. The song concludes with a heartfelt prayer from the late DMX (RIP), reminding listeners of his profound impact on the hip-hop world.
“Pendulum Swing”: this track marks Rakim’s first-ever fully orchestrated posse cut, featuring a stellar lineup including Kxng Crooked (Slaughterhouse), LA the Darkman (Wu-Tang), Caninus (Refugee Camp), and Chino XL. With Rakim handling vocal, scratches, and production duties, this track delivers a powerful display of lyrical mastery. Hip-hop enthusiasts will be captivated by this track’s lyrical dominance.
Rakim’s partnership with Gala Music represents an organic bridge between generations, showcasing how a pioneering artist can continue to innovate and connect with new audiences through non-traditional distribution channels. This collaboration highlights the attraction of legacy artists furthering their career by embracing new technologies and platforms like Gala Music, which pave the way for future musical endeavors and unprecedented fan experiences.
The post Rakim Partners With Web3 Music Platform Gala Music For Exclusive Single Releases From Upcoming Album ‘G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth)’ first appeared on The Source.
The post Rakim Partners With Web3 Music Platform Gala Music For Exclusive Single Releases From Upcoming Album ‘G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth)’ appeared first on The Source.
Click Here to Discuss in the Forums
Iconic MC, Rakim is set to make a groundbreaking return to the music scene after 15 years with his highly anticipated new album, G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth). Partnering with cutting-edge Web3 music platform Gala Music, select songs from Rakim’s album release is available exclusively on Gala Music today before hitting digital streaming platforms (DSPs) July 26th. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the fusion of music and technology, offering fans a unique and immersive listening experience.
“Partnering with Gala Music allows me to reach my fans in an innovative way, combining the best of music and modern technology. I’m excited to share my newest tracks with my loyal fans for the first time on web3,” says Rakim.
The exclusive release includes three new tracks that are available to stream now on Gala Music starting today. These tracks will go on sale on Friday, July 5 at 1 PM PT. Additionally, seven instrumentals from the album will be released exclusively on Gala Music on July 12th, available indefinitely.
The three exclusive tracks available on Gala Music are:
“Love is the Message”: described as “one of the most beautiful and complete pieces ever created” in the modern hip-hop landscape, showcasing Rakim’s vocal and production talents. The track features the likes of Nipsey Hussle (RIP), Planet Asia, Gala Music’s Louis King, Snoop Dogg, and a choir led by Sally Green and Kobe Honeycutt. This powerful piece, backed by a violin quartet, sends a poignant reminder that love conquers all amidst the violence and crime plaguing the streets.
“Gods Playground”: a thought-provoking piece demonstrating a roller coaster of emotions, with Rakim taking on vocal, scratches, and production duties. Featuring underground legends .38 Spesh, Fred the Godson (RIP), and Skyzoo, the track focuses on the importance of maintaining composure through life’s obstacles to achieve true success. The song concludes with a heartfelt prayer from the late DMX (RIP), reminding listeners of his profound impact on the hip-hop world.
“Pendulum Swing”: this track marks Rakim’s first-ever fully orchestrated posse cut, featuring a stellar lineup including Kxng Crooked (Slaughterhouse), LA the Darkman (Wu-Tang), Caninus (Refugee Camp), and Chino XL. With Rakim handling vocal, scratches, and production duties, this track delivers a powerful display of lyrical mastery. Hip-hop enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the lyrical dominance showcased in this track.
Rakim’s partnership with Gala Music represents an organic bridge between generations, showcasing how a pioneering artist can continue to innovate and connect with new audiences through non-traditional distribution channels. This collaboration highlights the attraction of legacy artists furthering their career by embracing new technologies and platforms like Gala Music, which pave the way for future musical endeavors and unprecedented fan experiences.
The post Rakim Partners With Gala Music For Exclusive Web3 Releases first appeared on The Source.
The post Rakim Partners With Gala Music For Exclusive Web3 Releases appeared first on The Source.
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“The God Emcee,” Rakim returns with his first official single, “Be Ill,” and project in 15-years, showing the world his “G.O.D.” status extends to more than just lyricism.
Alongside, Eric B and as a solo-artist, Rakim has released a total of seven studio albums. Now, along with the release of his new single, Be Ill,” featuring Kurupt and Masta Killa, Rakim has also announced his new project, G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth), will be released on 7-26-24. G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth) is also the first project that is entirely produced by the God himself.
With “Be Ill,” Rakim holds down vocals, production and cuts, and he is joined by Dogg Pound and Wu-Tang contemporaries Kurupt and Masta Killa. “Be Ill” is now available at all DSP’s. The video for “Be Ill” will be released on 6-21.24 at 10 am EST and will be premiered by Rolling Stone at 8 am EST. The video provides the viewer a golden-era esque time capsule for when all you needed to showcase your skills were two turntables and a microphone. Rakim, Kurupt and Masta Killa all shine in their very unique ways throughout the Rakim produced soundscape, and it serves as a further reminder that it was Rakim’s production that brought to life previous classics such as “Juice” (Know The Ledge), “Don’t Sweat The Technique,” “Paid In Full,” and so many others.
G.O.D.s’ Network (Reb7rth) will feature collaborations with Nipsey Hussle, DMX, B.G., Method Man, Prodigy, 38 Spesh, Kurupt, Masta Killa, Skyzoo, Kool G Rap, Joell Ortiz, KXNG Crooked, Planet Asia and more.
Rakim fans worldwide can rejoice that G.O.D.s Network (Reb7rth) will be released in all formats; including Digital, CD, Cassette, and 12” and 7” Vinyl via www.rakimpresents.com and courtesy of Holy Toledo Productions/Compound Interest Entertainment/RRC Music and 1332 Records.
While the world enjoys the first new Rakim single, and eagerly awaits the release date for his new project, fans can catch him performing live throughout the U.S. until the end of the year in support of G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth). In addition, to debuting new material, Rakim will also be performing all of the classics from his beloved catalog.
Rakim’s G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth) will be released on 7-26-24.
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This past Wednesday, May 15th 2024, Slum Village, Talib Kweli, and Rakim Allah Tha God Emcee shut down the house at DTLA’s 1720 venue. The Detroit duo and East Coast emcees hit the Los Angeles stage and delivered an epic show, performing classics. With Rakim headlining, LA anticipates his upcoming project ‘Gods Network,’ set to drop later in July, brought to you by Holy Toledo.
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Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com