Rakim: The legend proves 'Love Is The Message' with Nipsey Hustle, Planet Asia and Snoop Dogg

Legendary vibes much? Turns out rap icon Rakim is staying extra busy these days putting out a full-fledged new studio album along with must-hear songs like his ‘Love Is The Message’ audio gem.

It’s all about celebrating greatness and Rakim proves he’s still for The Culture with his newest audio and visual offerings.

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.

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. 

For fans of hip-hop, and especially of Rakim’s storied discography, there is so much to love on G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH).  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.

G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is available now through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms. Vinyl, cassettes and CDs can be purchased now for pre-order via RRC Music, with shipping set for 9.20.24. In addition, an alternate cover edition may be purchased along with various merch bundles through RakimPresents.com. G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is released in partnership with Holy Toledo Productions / Compound Interest Entertainment / RRC Music and 1332 Records.

Rakim’s G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth) is now available!  

You can now purchase, stream, add and favorite G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth) at your preferred DSP: https://compoundinterest.lnk.to/RAKIM_REB7RTH

Watch Rakim ft Nipsey Hussle, Snoop Dogg & Planet Asia “Love Is The Message” Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQnmT9T5TUA

G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth) TRACKLISTING:

Be Ill FEAT Kurupt & Masta Killa

Now Is The Time FEAT B.G., Hus Kingpin & Compton Menace

Love Is The Message FEAT Nipsey Hussle, Snoop Dogg, Planet Asia, Louis King, Sally Green, Kobe Honeycutt & The L.A. Grand Choir

God’s Playground FEAT 38 Spesh, Skyzoo, Fred The Godson & DMX

Pendulum Swing FEAT KXNG Crooked, Canibus, LA The Darkman & Chino XL

International FEAT Kool G Rap, Joell Ortiz & Tristate

Sign Of Se7en FEAT Prodigy, Method Man, X- Raided & Big Twins

***All Tracks Produced By Rakim