The God MC Teams Up with Hus Kingpin for a Grimey, Big Ghost-Produced Banger Ahead of The Re-Up Album Release
Rakim, the legendary rapper hailed as one of the greatest MCs of all time, has dropped a powerful new single and video titled “Now Is The Time,” marking the second release from his much-anticipated project The Re-Up, out August 29. The track features a collaboration with fellow Long Island native Hus Kingpin and brings a much-needed return to the gritty, raw energy that defines classic Hip-Hop. Produced by Big Ghost and Dem Jointz, who have crafted beats for heavyweights like Griselda, 38 Spesh, and Ghostface Killah, the track delivers an unrelenting grimey soundscape that showcases Rakim’s unmatched lyrical prowess.
“Now Is The Time” brings the essence of golden-era Hip-Hop back into the spotlight. Big Ghost’s production is a perfect match for Rakim’s complex wordplay and delivery, setting the stage for a collaboration that gives fans that “winning feeling” when real Hip-Hop steps into the building. Rakim’s verses are a masterclass in lyricism, his flow as precise as ever, while Hus Kingpin adds his own gravitas to the track. The video amplifies the track’s raw energy, reinforcing the message that now is the moment for authenticity in Hip-Hop, and Rakim’s words have never sounded more urgent.
This marks the latest chapter in Rakim’s legendary career, which has been pivotal in shaping Hip-Hop as a genre. Emerging in the mid-1980s as part of the duo Eric B. & Rakim, he quickly established himself as a trailblazer with albums like Paid in Full (1987) and Follow the Leader (1988), redefining rhyme and rhythm while solidifying his place as one of the most innovative figures in the genre. His influence is felt across Hip-Hop, inspiring a range of artists from Nas to Kendrick Lamar, who cite him as a key inspiration. Rakim revolutionized rap by transforming the structure of lyrics, pushing the boundaries of complexity and lyricism with his intricate, multi-syllabic flows and mastery of rhyme schemes and wordplay, elevating the genre from simple expression to a true art form. He also pioneered a shift towards more introspective and deeper themes in his music, as demonstrated in The Re-Up, an album that further cements his legacy as a Hip-Hop icon.
In addition to his lyrical contributions, Rakim’s collaborations with producers like Big Ghost and Dem Jointz represent a return to the soulful, hard-hitting production that characterized his earlier work, while also exploring new, experimental sounds. “Now Is The Time” is a testament to his adaptability, proving that Rakim remains at the forefront of Hip-Hop, even after more than three decades in the game.
As The Re-Up gears up for its full release later this month, Rakim continues to prove that his influence is undiminished, and his voice is as relevant today as it ever was. With tracks like “Now Is The Time,” Rakim is showing that he’s not just a legend of the past, but a force still pushing the culture forward. Hip-Hop, it seems, will always be his domain.Fans can catch the video for “Now Is The Time” now, and stay tuned for the full album release on August 29. The God MC is back, and as always, it’s his time.
Watch the official video for Now Is The Time here.
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