Ever since the Firm disbanded in the late nineties, Heads have voiced a desire for an AZ/Nas collaboration album, though one has never materialized. However, a new mixtape has been released which may prove to be the next best thing. Thanks to DJ Rhude (who is also a contributing writer for XXL) and Daydog (AKA Vibe‘s Editor-in-Chief Datwon Thomas), we now have NAZ: The Flyest Essence, a 25-track collection of remixes of the two rappers’ material against a backdrop of production from the likes of the Alchemist, Large Professor, Pete Rock, and more.

While a true full-length album from Nas and AZ “may never happen” according to Rhude, this mixtape serves as a reminder of what a powerful combination the two MCs make in the studio. Check it out.

Related: Large Professor Details His Role in Bringing Nas to the World on In the Scrolls (Video)