Jay-Z and Eminem are set to reunite for the first time in 25 years as part of an upcoming collaborative album led by rap pioneer Rakim, alongside Kurupt and Wu-Tang Clan member Masta Killa. The joint appearance marks the first time Jay-Z and Eminem have been credited on the same track since 2001’s “Renegade,” a standout from Jay-Z’s acclaimed album The Blueprint.
News of the reunion surfaced after executive producer and A&R executive Matthew “M80” Markoff posted a handwritten track list from the project on social media, prompting widespread speculation among fans. Markoff later confirmed that the pair are featured together on an interlude that pays tribute to Rakim’s influence on hip-hop. He noted, “Em and Jay do not have verses on the interlude.” He also said, “The entire album with all its parts were recorded in the past two years.”
The still-untitled album, scheduled for release Aug. 28, brings together a lengthy roster of veteran performers. In addition to Jay-Z and Eminem, the project includes appearances from Snoop Dogg, KRS-One, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Buckshot, Daz Dillinger, Kool G Rap and others. Rakim’s first self-produced solo track in more than 15 years is also expected to appear on the release.
The album is being positioned as a celebration of hip-hop’s legacy and its architects, with pre-orders expected to open in July as anticipation builds for one of the genre’s most star-studded projects of the year.
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