De La Soul and Snoop Dogg have enjoyed constant careers since their introductions. While both acts have overlapping collaborators (B-Real, Slick Rick, Devin The Dude, Redman, etc.), they have never cut tracks together. August 26’s And The Anonymous Nobody, De La Soul’s forthcoming album changes that. As a parting shot for the same month they celebrated 25 years of De La Soul Is Dead, the Long Island, New York trio unleashes their cross-country collaboration.

“Pain” is the type of record that stands by the catalogs of both De La and Snoop (especially the Dogg’s music, post-Ego Trippin’). On a percussion-driven, Jazz-tinged track, the three MCs and one DJ preach that “pain gon’ make it better.” With a warm, melodic chorus and the group dropping straightforward repetition, the song fits its themes.

De La Soul Move And The Anonymous Nobody Release Date & Give Fans A Snack.

These artists are collectively products of label deals that they spoke out against, some critical lampoon, and movements that broke up—with close affiliates no longer present (especially in Phife Dawg, Nate Dogg, and Tupac Shakur).

For two staples of the Hip-Hop sound for decades, this song shows that the music they make right now is resonant, wise, and still can move crowds.

De La Soul Is Alive & Working On The Album Of Its Career (Interview)

Other confirmed guests on A.T.A.N. include Pete Rock, Usher, 2 Chainz, Roc Marciano, and Estelle.