This Friday, Boston, Massachusetts MC M-Dot is releasing his EgO anD The eneMy album. The follow-up to 2010’s Run MPC features the E.M.S. crew member working with a who’s who of Hip-Hop production giants. D.I.T.C.’s Buckwild, Reflection Eternal’s Hi-Tek, 7L, and Marco Polo make up some of the sound providers of the 17 tracks. However, for fans of Rap’s richest legacy of sound, the contributions from Marley Marl and Large Professor are milestones in M-Dot’s patient career. Premiering at Ambrosia For Heads, each of these songs is a testament to the quality and cosign of M-Dot on his true solo debut.

Method Man Is In Full, Raspy Form On A M-Dot Ensemble Cut (Audio)

The Marley-produced track, “Gleamin’,” features B.A.M. The Juice Crew leader freaks some old Soul vocals in his track, along with those signature drums. He sets it all against vibraphone sounds. M-Dot flips the bars fast, with nimble wordplay that aims to stick to your ribs as he proves himself to be a skillful lyricist. Meanwhile, the song is tagged up to let Heads know that this is coming from one of the certified G.O.A.T.s of Rap production, for more than 32 years. This is one of Marley’s first on-album productions since his LL Cool J reunion on Authentic back in 2013. That’s him on the cuts, too.

M-Dot May Be The First MC To Release A 360° Video. It’s A Lyrical Terror Dome (Video)

As for Extra P’s production, “The Empathy” sounds different than Heads may be used to from the hit-maker for Nas, Eric B. & Rakim, and Kool G Rap. The Main Source alum (who is reuniting with his former band-mates in less than two weeks) makes use of a chirped-up vocal. Here, M-Dot gets a bit more conceptual and soulful. He speaks to an estranged love interest in the first verse, a brother in the next, and seeks rekindling in both. Large Pro’ lets the song cry, as the MC lets those in pain know he feels it, too. This is evocative Hip-Hop, that maintains its hardcore presentation.

Speaking of “GOATs,” make sure you’re voting to seek the true Greatest in Hip-Hop Production in AFH‘s ongoing ballot series.

Method Man, Camp Lo, Krumbsnatcha, and Jaysaun (Special Teamz) are some of the guests on the January 27 LP.