Hip-hop history was reborn this past August as Rakim, widely regarded as the “God MC,” returned with ‘The Re-Up’. The project, a collaborative effort with elite producer Big Ghost, serves as a powerful rebirth of boom bap mastery and precise lyricism. The rollout was spearheaded by the cinematic single “Not To Be Defined,” featuring Detroit artist and physician Lazarus, which has rapidly climbed toward seven million views on YouTube. Beyond the collaborative tracks, the album also features a standout solo performance from Rakim on “I’m Good,” showcasing that his pen remains as sharp as ever four decades into his legendary career.
The release of ‘The Re-Up’ follows a historic year for Rakim, who continues to break barriers for the genre. In May 2025, he became the first rapper to receive the prestigious George Peabody Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Music and Dance in America. He accepted the honor while serving as the commencement speaker for the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University, where he also received an honorary degree. Joining an elite roster of past recipients like Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder, Rakim’s academic and musical achievements in 2025 solidify his status not just as a foundational figure in hip-hop, but as a global cultural icon.
