Between 2008’s Black Milk-produced The Preface and last year’s celebrated Lead Poison album, Elzhi made a conceptual mixtape that stood as tall as any during those eight years. Elmatic paid tribute to Nas, and his Illmatic, with El’ making himself comfortable in homages to the lyrics, while reworking them for his own agenda. To match the original beats made by Large Professor, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and others, Detroit, Michigan band Will Sessions put down the dusty Funk.

Elzhi and Will Sessions have reunited for “Knowledge Of 12th.” While this record is free of any Nas/Illmatic connection, the quality carries over. With wavy Funk, El’ raps moving images of his neighborhood, and its evolution. From stray bullets and Miller Lites and Thriller to the craziness that made 12th Street was it is throughout the MC’s life. The chorus is all Will Sessions, with some brassy Jazz that captures the essence of 12th through the decades.

KXNG Crooked, Elzhi, Rapsody, Nick Grant & More Will Take The AFH Stage At SXSW

This song belongs to Will Sessions’ April 21 album, Deluxe.

Page Kennedy & Elzhi Are Microphone Assassins From The Murder Mitten (Audio)

Next Wednesday (March 15), Elzhi will be among headliners at Ambrosia For Heads first South By Southwest event. This song premiered at 2 Dope Boyz.