Rakim

Rakim plays City Winery Atlanta on Friday, October 30, with two showtimes: 6 PM and 9:30 PM. He's the sole name on the bill, so it's just him taking the stage.

If you're not familiar, Rakim is one of the most influential emcees in hip-hop. He changed the art of rap with a style built on complex internal rhymes and a calm, commanding delivery. He first burst onto the scene alongside Eric B. with the single "Eric B. Is President," and he set a standard that continues to shape the genre. His catalog includes celebrated albums like Paid In Full, Follow the Leader, and The 18th Letter, all praised for their intellectual depth, jazz-influenced sensibility, and timeless impact. He's worked with artists as varied as Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Alicia Keys, and Damian Marley, earned a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and was named The Source's number one lyricist of all time.

He's still active, too. In 2024, he released his fourth studio album, G.O.D.'s Network: Reb7rth. Between the early records and the new material, there's a lot to draw from for a single night.

City Winery Atlanta is at 650 North Ave. N.E., 30308. With the 6 PM and 9:30 PM slots, you can pick whichever fits your night better.