Moments ago, members of Wu-Tang Clan released Wu-Tang: The Saga Continues. Executive produced by RZA, with strong role-playing from Method Man, the LP also features Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, and Masta Killa. Redman appeared on the album’s first two singles (including one video), adding to a 20-plus-year bond with the killer bees of Rap, while the late Sean Price, Chris Rivers, and Cappadonna also support the cause.

The Saga represents a breakthrough for DJ Mathematics (fka Allah Mathematics). The Queens, New Yorker designed the Wu’s iconic logo, produced gems like Ghostface’s “Mighty Healthy” along with handfuls of independent projects. However, as RZA hands him the production torch with a sacred Hip-Hop legacy, Method Man puts that transaction into perspective.

“For me, [Mathematics represents] my DJ who has deserved to be more prevalent in the Wu-Tang [Clan] catalog. I think it gives room for him to breathe and be seen as a producer that people can come to and maybe get some of those beats that they hope that maybe RZA will start making again,” the Grammy Award-winning MC tells Ambrosia For Heads while speaking about his acting role on The Deuce. Committed to his DJ (and frequent Wu-Elements producer dating back to 1998’s #1-charting Tical 2000: Judgement Day), Method Man gives The Saga Continues his all. “[I am] showing my dedication to [DJ Mathematics’] vision [which] became mine after hearing a few joints [and] how well we were meshing together, because he’s my DJ on the road,” Meth’ says. “We do shows together and sh*t. I don’t know, something just clicked. At the last leg of the race, where you’re trying to complete things and sh*t, I kinda wrapped up those loose ends for him, lyrically. And he did all the loose ends as far as the production and engineering and things of that nature.”

Method Man, who has previously abstained from some of the recent Wu compilations, stepped in with authority. “If there were songs that maybe the dude didn’t put enough bars on it and things like that, I come in and maybe add a couple of bars to his sh*t and [put] a lil’ hookie and and throw a verse, just to make it mesh together better, just so it doesn’t sound like a bunch of dudes recording at different times in different studios.”

The Saga Continues does mesh, and showcases a chemistry that’s more than 25 years old. Songs like “Pearl Harbor” with G.F.K., Meth’, RZA, and Sean Price show that the microphone personas are as menacing as ever. On “Why, Why, Why,” RZA applies the survival tactics of 1993’s “C.R.E.A.M.” to 2017 police profiling and lethal force against Black people. “My Only One” is trademark Tony Starks Love Rap, holding back no details in serenading his romantic companion. By the RZA chorus, the track takes a cold turn, with Mathematics’ pounding drums leading the charge.