Jay-Z and Eminem Reunite on Rakim’s Upcoming Album Interlude

Rakim’s collaborative album with Kurupt and Masta Killa will include an untitled interlude listed as the sixth track. The interlude features both Jay-Z and Eminem, marking their first joint appearance in 25 years. According to executive producer Matthew “M80” Markoff, the two artists do not deliver verses; instead, they pay homage to Rakim’s legacy. The entire album was recorded over the past two years and is slated for release on 28 August, with pre-orders opening in July.

Rolling StoneEminem & JAŸ-Z To Appear On The New Rakim, Kurupt, & Masta Killa Album

The last time Jay-Z and Eminem shared a track was on “Renegade,” featured on Jay-Z’s 2001 album *The Blueprint*. At the time, the collaboration was hailed as a benchmark for lyrical prowess, framing the two as leading lyricists in hip-hop.

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• Rakim – pioneering MC, primary artist on the project.

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• Kurupt and Masta Killa – co-artists and collaborators.

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• Matthew “M80” Markoff – A&R, executive producer, President of Holy Toledo Productions, and primary source of album details.

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• JD – A&R partner on the project.

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• Oliver “Power” Grant – posthumous executive production credit from Wu-Tang Clan.

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Beyond the Jay-Z/Eminem interlude, the album features Snoop Dogg, KRS-One, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Buckshot, Daz Dillinger, and additional artists. The trio previously collaborated on “BE ILL,” the lead single from Rakim’s 2024 album *G.O.D.’s NETWORK – REB7RTH*. All tracks were recorded within the last two years, and the project will be available for preorder in July before its 28 August release.

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Markoff confirmed that the track will be an official release and described it as an interlude honoring Rakim. He emphasized that neither Jay-Z nor Eminem contributes verses, and that the interlude precedes Rakim’s first solo production in over 15 years.

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Following the track’s preview, fans debated which artist delivered the stronger performance, despite both Jay-Z and Eminem publicly stating their approach was non-competitive and focused on the song’s theme and production. The discussion underscores the lasting impact of their earlier collaboration.

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Sources differ on the precise nature of the interlude: while Markoff asserts no verses are present, other commentary notes uncertainty about whether the artists are sampled, perform a skit, or appear in another capacity. No definitive description has been released.

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• 25-year gap since last joint appearance (2001 -> 2026).

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• Track listed as #6 on the album.

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• Album recorded over the past two years.

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• Release date: 28 August 2026; preorder begins July 2026.

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The reunion of two of the genre’s most celebrated lyricists on a tribute to Rakim highlights the enduring influence of early hip-hop pioneers and generates renewed interest in legacy collaborations.

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• “AOTY 2026,” — Matthew “M80” Markoff, President of Holy Toledo Productions

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• “PUT SOME COT DAMN RESPEK ON MY NAME.” — Matthew “M80” Markoff

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• “Em and Jay do not have verses on the interlude,” — Matthew “M80” Markoff

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Pre-order for the Rakim-Kurupt-Masta Killa album opens in July 2026. The full project, including the Jay-Z/Eminem interlude, will be released on 28 August 2026, after which promotional activities and potential follow-up singles are expected.

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