Rakim Announces First Project in 15 Years, Shares Video for New Song “Be Ill”: Watch

G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth), the legendary Long Island rapper’s follow-up to 2009’s The Seventh Seal, features Kurupt, Masta Killa, Method Man, late artists DMX, Nipsey Hussle, and Prodigy, and others

By Matthew Strauss

June 21, 2024

Rakim in “Be Ill” directed by Ray Westlyfe

Rakim has announced his first new full-length project in just about 15 years. The project, G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth), follows 2009’s The Seventh Seal, and it comes out on July 26. Leading the project is a new song with Kurupt and Masta Killa called “Be Ill.” Find the track’s new music video below (via Rolling Stone).

Rakim, the Long Island rapper known for his iconic albums with DJ and producer Eric B., handled his own production for G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth). The project has guest spots from Snoop Dogg, Method Man, Kool G Rap, 38 Spesh, Joell Ortiz, B.G., and others. Notably, there are also several late artists on the project, namely Nipsey Hussle, DMX, Fred the Godson, and Mobb Deep’s Prodigy.

Read about Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid in Full and Follow the Leader in Pitchfork’s feature “The 200 Best Albums of the 1980s.”

G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth):

01 Rakim / Kurupt / Masta Killa: “Be Ill”
02 Rakim / B.G. / Hus KingPin: “Now Is the Time” [ft. Compton Menace]
03 Rakim / Nipsey Hussle / Planet Asia: “Love Is the Message” [ft. Louis King, Snoop Dogg, Sally Green and Kobe Honeycutt & The L.A. Grand Choir]
04 Rakim / 38 Spesh / DMX: “God’s Playground [ft. Fred the Godson and Skyzoo]
05 Rakim / Kxng Crooked / Canibus: “Pendulum Swing” [ft. La the Darkman and Chino XL]
06 Rakim / Kool G Rap / Joell Ortiz: “International” [ft. Tristate]
07 Rakim / Prodigy / X-Raided: “Sign of Se7en” [ft. Method Man and Big Twins]