Jay-Z and Eminem Reportedly Set for Rakim Collaboration
Rap icons Jay-Z and Eminem are reportedly slated to appear on a new interlude for Rakim’s upcoming collaborative album, marking their first joint appearance in 25 years.
Rap legends Jay-Z and Eminem are reportedly slated to appear on a track from Rakim‘s forthcoming album. This highly anticipated project would mark the first time the two icons have shared a track in 25 years, following their seminal 2001 collaboration, “Renegade,” from Jay-Z’s The Blueprint.
The untitled song is expected to appear on a collaborative project featuring Rakim alongside Kurupt and Masta Killa, currently targeted for an August 28 release. News of the potential reunion surfaced when Matthew “M80” Markoff, the A&R and executive producer for the project, shared a glimpse of the tracklist on Instagram. The sixth track on the album notably features the names of both Jay-Z and Eminem handwritten beside it.
Markoff confirmed to Rolling Stone that the track will serve as an official interlude on the album, intended to pay homage to Rakim’s enduring legacy. He clarified that while the artists do not have traditional verses on the track, the material is fresh, noting, “The entire album with all its parts were recorded in the past two years.”
Despite the buzz, representatives for Eminem have stated that there has been no outreach to his team regarding the project. A representative for Jay-Z did not immediately return requests for comment.
The anticipation surrounding this potential reunion highlights the lasting impact of “Renegade,” a track that remains a touchstone in hip-hop history. As fans await further confirmation, the upcoming album is also set to feature contributions from other heavyweights, including Snoop Dogg, KRS-One, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah.