Arguably one of the most underrated MCs in Hip Hop history, Rakim is someone real fans know and respect. Highly intelligent and a master of rhyming, Rakim is famously recognized as one-half legendary Hip Hop duo Eric B. & Rakim. A group that produced albums like 1987’s Paid in Full and 1988’s Follow the Leader, no one can overlook them as all-time Hip Hop classics. Last putting out an album together in 1992 with Don’t Sweat the Technique, where there was a historic reunion tour in 2017, Rakim has largely been blazing his way solo for three decades.
A new chapter that began for Rakim back in 1997 with the stunning The 18th Letter, songs like “Guess Who’s Back” stick with you forever. A solo career that has continued with 1999’s The Master and 2009’s The Seventh Seal, now in 2024 Rakim returns with G.O.D.’s Network: Reb7rth. His fourth album, G.O.D.’s Network: Reb7rth arrived on July 26th after the emergence of the cuts “Be Ill,” which features Krupt and Masta Killa, “Now is the Time,” with B.G., Hus KingPin, and Compton Menace, right before “God’s Playground” where he was joined by 38 Spesh, DMX, Fred the Godson, and Skyzoo. Great ways to grab your attention, each track has a potent message, tight rhymes, and classic beats. However, these are only the beginning of what G.O.D.’s Network: Reb7rth offers.
An album that is strong on messaging, Rakim and each contributor deliver strong verses that flow seamlessly, but most importantly provoke thought. This could be seen as something different for everyone, but by and large, it is about hope and faith. It is about breaking down life’s trials, overcoming them, and being humble enough to realize the gifts in front of you. Something that hits hard in times when it feels the very fabrics of humanity are breaking, each song on G.O.D.’s Network: Reb7rth reminds you how effective a solid Hip Hop album can be.
With seven songs altogether, while it may seem to go by rather rapidly, it is not without leaving a lasting impression. For example, “Love Is The Message” takes you in with a smooth R&B vibe, “Pendulum Swing” with a rough beat, and “International” has an ultra-classic ‘90s sound. You can tell that Rakim was deeply invested in every moment of this album, and in a way, it feels like on G.O.D.’s Network: Reb7rth he has rekindled a passion for his craft. A Hip Hop album that hits all the right cords, Cryptic Rock gives Rakim’s impressive return 4.5 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment