The “God MC” Rakim Signs New Deal, Project Being Prepped

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via Its Another One

After a much hyped, yet failed stint with Dr. Dre and Aftermath, Rakim has found a new home. Although there was talk of Rakim planning to sign to Talib Kweli’s Blacksmith label some time ago, only one label can state that they have finally inked Rakim to a deal. Bay Area based SMC Recordings – home of Killer Mike, San Quinn, Mistah Fab, Pastor Troy and others – can now lay claim that the “God” emcee has officially signed with the label.

A release went out stating that “SMC Recordings signs the largest act in the history of the company,” as the signing sends a message to the many labels that have long been after the legendary emcee. What this signing also means is that the long awaited The Seventh Seal album will finally see the light of day – although it won’t be before the end of 2008. Continue reading →

The “Legend” Rakim Preps Fall Release

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via HipHopDX

After a brief stint on Aftermath Records that saw his highly anticipated collaborative album with Dr. Dre permanently shelved, it would be easy to assume Rakim picked up that nasty habit of only releasing a new album every six years. While most us of were scrambling to hear the limited amount of leaked material from Oh My God via the Internet, Ra promised what he felt was a less compromised sound via his own label.

With Hip Hop’s Digital Age in full effect, Rakim Allah has the arduous task of proving he can continue to evolve and adapt. During a brief encounter backstage at Rock The Bells, Ra explained the delay with The Seventh Seal and the process of seeing sounds. Continue reading →

Fear of a Muslim Planet: Hip-Hop’s Hidden History

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hip hop & islam

via The Daily Star

Journalist Harry Allen once called Islam “hip-hop’s unofficial religion.” This theme is echoed by Adisa Banjoko, unofficial ambassador of Muslim hip-hop, who says: “Muslim influence was at the ground floor of hip hop. Hip hop came from the streets, from the toughest neighborhoods, and that’s always where the Muslims were.”

Hip-hop’s Muslim connection came initially via the 5 Percenter sect, and later expanded to embrace Nation of Islam (NOI), Sufi, and Sunni Islam. Since the 1980s, there have also been shifts where 5 Percenters have moved to NOI or Sunni beliefs. The same artists’ back catalog may reflect both his 5 Percenter beliefs and his later NOI faith. Islamic iconography, philosophy, and phrases are in fact so widespread in hip-hop, they show up regularly even in the works of non-Muslim rappers.
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$1 Million Rap Battle To Be Judged By Pioneers Of Hip Hop

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New York, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Furqaan Clover Official Website)

Today in New York City, the World Series of Hip Hop released some of the names of judges who will oversee the championship matches of this year’s multi-million dollar tournament, scheduled for August 5-9, 2008 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

Rappers and dancers from all corners of the world are expected to converge on Atlanta this summer for the opportunity to be judged by some of hip hop’s pioneers.

The tournament’s championship matches will be aired live on pay-per-view Saturday August 9, 2008 at 7 p.m. EDT and will be hosted by radio personality and legendary female rapper Monie Love, New York City DJ and MTV host Cipha Sounds and nationally syndicated radio talk show host Wendy Williams.

The judges who will decide who wins the Million Dollar Grand Prizes include: DMC of Run DMC, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Yo-Yo, Dougie Fresh, Roxanne Shante, Slick Rick and Keith Murry

We want to make sure the judges are so official, that their decision as to who is the better rapper is beyond reproach. And the list is still not done,” said Furqaan Clover the events organizer.
A detailed list of celebrity judges and Registration information can be found on the event’s web site wsohh.com

Rock The Bell Tour Has All-Star Hip Hop Lineup

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Rock The Bells Tour Will Be Rockin This Summer

[Source: SOHH]

Editor’s Note: Oh, I’m rocking with Rock The Bells this summer!

Hip-Hop fans can look forward to a star studded line up at this year’s Rock The Bells festival, as the long list of impressive performers was recently announced.

This year’s line-up of artists include A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Mos Def, De La Soul, Rakim, Method Man & Redman, Raekwon & Ghostface, Immortal Technique, dead prez, Murs and Kidz In The Hall, with a special reunion performance by The Pharcyde.

The jam packed festival will also feature a slew of up and coming acts taking the stage as well including Spank Rock, Santogold, Kid Sister, Wale, Flosstradamus, Jay Electronica and The Cool Kids. Cypress Hill front man B-Real and battle rhymer Supernatural are set to host the festivities.
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Rakim Releasing Live Album on March 4th

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rakim-775216.jpg

Source: Sucker Free 

Rakim, perhaps the best lyricist of all time, will be releasing a collection of his live performances entitle Live, Lost and Found on March 4th. The album, which is dropping on Koch Records, will include four previously unreleased tracks, including the new single “It’s Nothing,” and 17 Rakim favorites performed live in concert.

Not exactly The 7th Seal album we’ve been waiting for since forever. Plus if you’ve ever seen Ra live, you know it’s pretty underwhelming (I will hear no arguments on that). I can only hope just listening to live tracks will be a better experience.

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