Rakim made a comeback on Friday, July 26, releasing G.O.D’s Network – REB7RTH, his first album since The Seventh Seal in 2009. However, even the most ardent fans may be surprised by his main position on the album.
Although the God MC contributes vocals (verses and/or hooks) to six of the project’s seven tracks, his primary role was as a producer rather than a rapper. He supplied scratches as well.
“Making beats was always a part of me,” Ra said to Grammy.com. However, I’ve now reached a stage where I feel secure with my output. I leaped at the possibility to produce the album when it presented itself.
Numerous guest artists, including Kurupt, Masta Killa, Method Man, and B.G., are featured on G.O.D.’s Network — REB7rth. Additionally, four rappers who have passed away have contributed, thanks to executive producer Matt “M80” Markoff.
Prodigy, Fred the Godson, and Nipsey Hussle all have rhymes, and DMX appears via a prayer. Markoff clarified that all of the voices were “in my stash or under my ownership.”
Check out the album below:
In other Rakim news, he recently asked for a collaboration in response to Will Smith’s admission that Will “was trying to sound like” the Paid In Full star on the popular song “Summertime.”
Smith revealed the information last year when speaking with the renowned rapper backstage at CBS’ A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop TV special.
He said to Rakim, “I was really trying to sound like you on ‘Summertime.'” Because I was screaming the entire night and was unable to get my ‘happy-go-lucky’ high voice out. “Yo, just gimme that Rakim shit,” the producer said.
Rakim snuck into the comments section with an intriguing request when Smith published the video on Instagram on Tuesday, July 23, in honor of the 33rd anniversary of his and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s album Homebase.
He penned, “Peace Will! It’s time for Summertime PT 2 with me, so keep on rockin’, dude! LOL.
Many of Smith’s fans agreed with the proposal, with one writing: “Yesssss @willsmith & @djjazzyjeff please make this happen!!!” Smith has not yet responded.
