Tag: 1332 Records

Video by William Ruben Helms

New Video: Rakim Teams Up with Dem Jointz and Detroit’s Lazarus on Hard-Hitting Anthem “Not To Be Defined”

The legendary God MC, Rakim will be releasing his fourth solo album, The Re-Up on August 29, 2025 through 1332 Records on all digital streaming platforms with physical copies — that’s right, vinyl, CDs and cassette tape — available right now.

The Re-Up‘s first single, the Dem Jointz-produced “Not To Be Defined,” is a collaboration with Detroit-based emcee and certified physician Lazarus, who was featured in the US Library of Congress for being the first artist to premiere a song from space. “Not To Be Defined” marks a first for the beloved, hip-hop legend, who has helped make the genre a global phenomenon — the first time that he has worked with a Detroit-based artist, ever.

Rakim and Lazarus deftly trade inspired, lyrically packed bars over Dem Jointz’s broodingly cinematic, thumping boom-bap Preemo-meets-Pete Rock-like production. While serving as a meeting of like-minds across different generations, “Not To Be Defined” is a forceful reminder of hip-hop’s artistry and power when true lyricists with something to say grab the mic. And for those, who think that they can’t find that real shit, it’s out there; you just have to make more of an effort to find it.

Directed by Matt Alonzo, the accompanying, slickly edited video features the two emcees on a Detroit rooftop and a studio, spitting bars. Fittingly, the video is no-filler, no bullshit — just real shit.

Single Review by William Ruben Helms

Alongside Eric B and as a solo artist, Rakim “The God Emcee” has released seven studio albums during his lengthy and massively influential career. His long-awaited, highly-anticipated,eighth album and first full-length studio album in 15 years, the self-produced G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth) is slated for a July 26, 2024 release through all formats — yes, digital, CD, cassette and 12″ and 7″ vinyl through www.rakimpresents.com in collaboration with Holy Toledo Productions, Compound Interest Entertainment, RRC Music and 1332 Records.

The album will feature guest spots and collaborations with the late Nipsey Hustle, DMX and Prodigy, as well as B.G., Method Man, 38 Spesh, Kurupt, Masta Killa, Skyzoo, Kool G. Rap, Joell Ortiz, KXNG Crooked, Planet Asia and a lengthy list of others.

G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth)‘s second and latest single “Now Is The Time” sees the legend teaming up with B.G., Hus Kingpin and Compton Menace. Anchored around a menacing Rakim production pairing tweeter and woofer rattling boom bap with an eerily looping, twinkling synth line, the Preemo-like production is roomy enough for Rakim, Hus Kingpin and Compton Menace to trade swaggering and bullying street shit-inspired verses. While capturing Rakim at his most inspired and vital in some time, the song also serves as a reminder that real hip-hop — dope emcee spitting real lyrics over dope and soulful production — is still out there and will always be necessary.

With “Be Ill,” Rakim holds down vocals, production and cuts, and he is joined by Dogg Pound and Wu-Tang contemporaries Kurupt and Masta Killa. “Be Ill” is now available at all DSP’s. The video for “Be Ill” will be released on 6-21.24 at 9am EST and will be premiered by Rolling Stone at 8 am EST. The video provides the viewer a golden-era esque time capsule for when all you needed to showcase your skills were two turntables and a microphone. Rakim, Kurupt and Masta Killa all shine in their very unique ways throughout the Rakim produced soundscape, and it serves as a further reminder that it was Rakim’s production that brought to life previous classics such as “Juice” (Know The Ledge), “Don’t Sweat The Technique,” “Paid In Full,” and so many others.

Now Is The Time (feat. B.G., Hus Kingpin & Compton Menace),” taken from his first new project in 15-years, G.O.D.’s Network (Reb7rth).