Rakim Set To Release ‘God’s Network: Reb7rth,’ First Solo Album In Nearly 15 Years

Rakim is set to release his first solo studio album in nearly 15 years.

According to Matthew “M80” Markoff, the album is titled God’s Network: Reb7rth and will be released on July 26. God’s Network: Reb7rth will include guest appearances by DMX, Nipsey Hussle, Snoop Dogg, Prodigy, Method Man, Planet Asia, B.G., Canibus, and more and marks the first full-length album entirely produced by Rakim.

The project’s first single, “REB7RTH (N.M.A.)” featuring Kurupt and Masta Killa, is set to be released on June 21, coinciding with the pre-order launch of the album, which will include autographed posters, vinyl copies, CDs, cassettes, digital downloads, merchandise, and more.

God’s Network: Reb7rth will be executive produced by Markoff and marks Rakim’s first studio album since dropping The Seventh Seal in November 2009. Rakim previously spoke with VIBE about his plans to release new music, pointing to veterans like JAY-Z, Nas, and Busta Rhymes remaining active despite all three rappers being at least 50 years in age.

“‘There’s no limit to greatness, keep going.’ And that’s what Hip-Hop listeners gotta understand, man,” the Long Island native said at the time.

“If we still have the passion and we still love Hip-Hop and the music is good, there’s no reason to put a limit on age. Hip-Hop, we have people that’s over 60 that were born under Hip Hop, that still listen to Hip Hop, today. So do they have to keep listening to old school music or can we facilitate music for the listeners that’s still [fans].”

Ra continued, “You know, I’m 55 and I’m sure there’s plenty of people that’s far older than I am that love Hip-Hop. So there’s a market out there, we just gotta stop limiting ourselves and thinking it’s young music, it’s culture. If we keep saying Hip-Hop is culture then there’s no limit on it.”