For more than two years, listeners have been anticipating the return of PRhyme, the collective of DJ Premier and Royce 5’9. The duo’s surprise formation in 2014 led to one of the year’s best projects, bringing out the best in both Royce and Preemo, as they mined the sounds of producer Adrian Younge. They also packed the album with an all-star cast of features, including Common, Jay Electronica, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q, Slaughterhouse and more. A year later, they expanded the offering, and added Black Thought, DOOM, Phonte, Logic and Joey Bada$$ into the mix.

The strength of PRhyme’s first album set expectations sky high for their new project. When “Era,” their first single from PRhyme 2 (March 16) was released, it was a significant departure from the sound of its predecessor, with its minimalist beat and Dave East feature, and it left some hankering for that old Preemo sound. Now, Royce and Preem’ release the album’s second single, and, as the title states, it leaves no doubt that they can still “Rock It,” in any way they choose.

DMX, KXNG Crooked & Royce 5’9 Show King Kong Ain’t Got Nothin’ On Them (Audio Premiere)

From the second the song opens, it’s clear that the production is vintage DJ Premier. It is filled with the legendary producer’s hard Boom Bap drums, and signature scratches. Royce is not about to let such a choice beat go to waste. From the outset, he sets the track on fire, rapping “I write for Sean Price and Dilla. My mic is thriller / My ratchet blows is trapping souls like Bryson Tiller,” and it only gets better from there.

PRhyme 2 will be released on March 16.