August 15 [12:00 EDT] -- The highly influential rapper Rakim, of Eric B. and Rakim fame, is making a comeback.

In November, Rakim will release "The 18th Letter," his first album since 1992 when he parted ways with Eric B.

As evidence of Rakim's lasting influence, Nas, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Run DMC, Yo Yo, and others turned up at New York's Public Theater on Thursday to recite Rakim's lyrics and discuss his impact.

The proceedings were filmed for a documentary that will also include testimonial from Coolio (who taped his comments in Los Angeles) and will be released in conjunction with "The 18th Letter."

One of Rakim's new tracks, "It's Been A Long Time," [1.1MB QuickTime] has already been leaked to some radio stations, but that track will not be the first single from the rapper's new album.