Legendary rapper Rakim has confirmed the forthcoming release of his highly anticipated third solo LP, The Seventh Seal, which will be released independently through his own Ra Records imprint on Tuscan Villa and SMC Recordings.
The album, which will be distributed via Fontana/Universal Music Group, is set to hit stores on November 17, just two weeks shy of the ten year anniversary of his last release, The Master.
While the new album stays true to Rakim’s New York roots, the Microphone Fiend has reached out to several newer producers to provide a more contemporary backdrop for his legendary lyricism, creating an album that brings together the best of regional, underground and mainstream sounds.
In addition to musical contributions by Needlz, Nottz, Jake One, Nick Wiz and Ty Fiffe, Rakim has brought together an impressive group of guests on the album, including his daughter Destiny Griffin.
Also appearing on the album are Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Maino, and Styles P, to name a few.
“When you’ve been blessed with a career like mine, you develop a deep relationship with the music,” Rakim told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “That love is recognized by the true heads that share it with you. The Seventh Seal is my own revelation, my way of taking the best of what Hip-Hop has to offer, what we as a culture and a community have to offer, putting my stamp on it and leading us forward while constantly respecting what we’ve already accomplished.
“You’ll see us keep building as we break through each Seal, showing the best of what I can do in many forms, bringing the energy and having fun. But first I’m laying that foundation and giving my longtime fans the conscious fire they expect.”
With a discography that spans two decades and includes four groundbreaking, classic albums as part of the duo Eric B. & Rakim and two previous solo, Rakim has still managed to mark a career milestone with The Seventh Seal.
This will be his first release on his own imprint.
