Widely considered to be one of the most influential rappers ever, Rakim Allah is preparing to explode upon the hip-hop scene once again by releasing The Seventh Seal, his first album of new material in 10 years, on November 17 via Ra-Tuscan Villa-SMC Recordings. (Yes, we know Rakim released The Archive: Live, Lost, And Found last year, but that was a compilation of live performances and rare material.) Rakim intended for this new album to be released in 2002, but conflicts with Dre's record label, Aftermath, delayed the release. The Seventh Seal features guests Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss and Rakim's daughter, Destiny Griffin, as well as others. The collection's first single, "Holy Are You," was released in July to overwhelmingly positive reviews. www.rakim.com
