Papoose and DJ Premier go back. When the Brooklyn, New York MC was famously a top-dollar signing at Jive Records, he reportedly called upon Preemo. After those delays led into The Nacerima Dream, the Works Of Mart producer was there to support Pap’s idie foray.

Coming up to next week’s You Can’t Stop Destiny (July 17), the Gang Starr great and the veteran wordsmith come together once more. “The Plug,” like Jay Z, The Notorious B.I.G., and Jeezy, takes the drug-rap metaphor and extends it. For lovers of Papoose’s signature style, this will surely meet the standard. However, for beat-driven Heads, Preemo’s use of guitars, brass, and hard drums excite the moment—similar to his work with ONYX proteges All City, way back when.

Note in the lyrics that Pap’ shouts out Kool G Rap, who was among his first mentors, and a source of early lyrical appearances (see 1998’s “Home Sweet Funeral Home” from Roots Of Evil). See, it’s all relative…

Related: Havoc Makes A Rumbling Beat Evoking Papoose & Troy Ave’s War Cries (Audio)