Eminem and Jay-Z’s rumored collaboration might not happen after all.
While the rap icons were recently listed as collaborators on Rakim’s upcoming album, Eminem’s team says they haven’t even been approached about the project, per USA today.
The speculation began after executive producer Matthew “M80” Markoff shared a handwritten track list for Rakim’s upcoming album on Instagram on June 7. The chart appeared to feature Jay-Z and Eminem together at number six, raising excitement for what would be their first musical collaboration since 2001’s Renegade from Jay-Z’s sixth studio album Blueprint.
But in a surprising twist, a representative for Eminem told USA today that no one had contacted the rapper’s team regarding the Rakim, Kurupt and Masta Killa album.
Even if the look does eventually materialize, fans shouldn’t expect a full-fledged Renegade sequel. Markoff told Rolling Stone that neither Jay-Z nor Eminem contribute a verse to the track. Instead, their involvement comes through an interlude that celebrates Rakim’s legacy and influence.
The tribute will reportedly lead into Rakim’s first self-produced solo track in 15 years. Markoff added that “The whole album with all its parts was recorded in the last two years.”
