KURT: On the comeback front, the influential rapper Rakim, who rose to fame as part of "Eric B. and Rakim," will release a new album in November, his first since the old duo broke up in 1992.

The album is called "The 18th Letter," and on Thursday, such noted rappers as Missy Elliot, Nas, Busta Rhymes, Run-DMC, and Yo-Yo gathered at the Public Theatre in New York City to recite some of Rakim's lyrics and discuss his impact on hip-hop for a documentary film that'll be released to promote the album. Another rapper, Coolio, taped a similar tribute in Los Angeles. One track from the upcoming Rakim album has already been leaked to some radio stations. It's called "It's Been A Long Time." [1.1MB QuickTime]