William Michael Griffin, aka Rakim Allah, The God MC, makes a return after 15 years with his anticipated album God’s Network: Reb7rth. This album is the follow-up to The Seventh Seal. God’s Network features guest appearances from Kurupt, Hus Kingpin, Planet Asia, 38 Spesh, Kool G Rap, Joell Ortiz, Canibus, the late Fred The Godson, and Nipsey Hussle.

Rakim rose to prominence in the mid-to-late ’80s alongside his previous collaborator as the duo Eric B. and Rakim, releasing Paid in Full in 1987 as their debut to the commercial audience. God’s Network delivers Rakim’s smooth, hardcore flow from the golden era. Most rappers develop a different sound as the years progress, but Rakim maintains his distinctive, powerful flow that remains relevant.

The intro, “Be Ill,” starts off with a lyrically complex delivery, leading into “Now Is the Time” and “Love Is the Message,” which feature the hardcore sound Rakim is no stranger to. “God’s Playground” and “Pendulum Swing” bring back old-school production beats, delivered directly by Rakim himself. “Pendulum Swing” evokes the feeling of participating in a cipher while Rakim directs the mic. In all star Cypher with all spitters.

Over the years, Rakim faced challenges in producing new material. He was previously signed to Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment. While under Dre’s leadership, an Aftermath project was set to be released by the label but never came to fruition due to creative differences—Dre wanted to steer toward gangsta rap, while Rakim preferred to stay on a conscious route. After many years, Rakim was finally able to complete this project with the help of Mathew “M80” Markoff, who, in a previous interview, stated that he brought to life what Dre couldn’t finish.

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Review Score: 9/10

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Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com