Kool G Rap, whose intricate rap style is frequently cited as an influence by artists such as Nas, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon, plans to release a new album on Rawkus Records in October.

The rap legend told MTV News he was recently signed to the New York-based independent label and began working with producers such as Buc Wild, Roc Wilder, and DJ Scratch on an album he described as "G Rap, only updated.

G's last full-length studio album, 1998's self-released "Roots Of Evil," failed to find an audience and led to the 32-year-old father of three keeping his name alive by appearing on other artists' albums. "I must have appeared on over thirty songs by other artists," G said.

After appearing on Big Pun's "Capital Punishment," Pete Rock's "Soul Survivor," Funkmaster Flex & Big Kap's "The Tunnel," Mobb Deep's "Murda Muzik," and more, G Rap was asked to contribute the opening verse on the all-star single "Hip-Hop For Respect," which protests police

brutality. The critically acclaimed turn led to a deal with Rawkus, which had released the single.

Rawkus Records executive Mike Heron told MTV News, "G Rap saw what was happening here and said, 'Yeah, this is where I wanna be.'