It took Rakim 10 years to finally prep another solo album, but if "Holy Are You" is any indicator, The Seventh Seal may be worth the wait. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you "Holy Are You."

Single art © Ra Records/UMG

After several false starts, Rakim is finally ready to release his long-awaited new album, The Seventh Seal. I know what you're thinking, "Yeah, yeah, I've heard that before." I know because I felt the same way when I stumbled upon this Billboard.com interview with Rakim.

According to the report, Rakim plans to drop a new single, "Holy Are You," on July 28th. The Seventh Seal LP will follow sometime this fall. The New York rap legend opted for a multi-label release and distribution. The album will be issued on Ra Records in a joint venture with Tuscan Villa Entertainment, which will in turn, enter in a joint venture pact with SMC Recordings. Distribution for will be handled by Fontana/Universal Music Group.

Asked whether he's concerned about reaching the new generation of hip-hop fans, Rakim answered in a charismatic that's typical of iconic lyricists.

"I don't accept that the new generation is looking for anything different than what we've always been looking for," says Rakim. "Depending on the moment, they want bangers that make them crack their neck, they want tracks that put them in a zone where they can sit back and chill. The ladies want something that makes them feel sexy and loved. And everyone wants something that makes them think a little bit-at least sometimes. Every generation wants that real hip-hop. And I've always been able to bring that."

None of the material from Ra's shelved collaborative album with Dre is expected to make the cut. Rakim's 7th Seal is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 15th.

*Fingers crossed.*

2009 has produced more duds than any other year in recent history, which makes picking the best rap albums of the year a big challenge. That said, there were still a handful of albums that managed to sustain our faith in hip-hop through the first half of the year. Here are the Top 10 Rap Albums of 2009 (so far).

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