Royce 5’9 and DJ Premier’s PRhyme group announced a March 16 release date for PRhyme 2 earlier today (February 1). The news came with the arrival of first P2 single, “Era,” featuring Dave East. Only hours later, the visual, directed by Jacob Arden McClure is unveiled. The dark aesthetic is an ideal fit for Preemo’s plucky doomsday-style production, and barbed bars from Nickel Nine and East.

Punctuating his imprisonment “in the wrong era,” Harlem’s Dave East is standing in formation in a dim warehouse surrounded by characters each representing for former epochs. The representatives include a preacher, who exclaims the refrain, “You supposed to be the future of the world!” alongside military personnel, riot cops, a B-boys, suited politicians, strippers, a hooded Ku Klux Klan member, and more all quietly standing in line.

PRhyme’s Joy Ride Continues. DJ Premier & Royce Release “Courtesy” In Full (Video)

Royce wears a money-themed suit in one sequence, and covers himself with an American flag (touching the ground) in another. Patriotism is on his mind when he spits, “F*ck you your national anthem, that sh*t don’t concern me / ‘Cause it’s your country, I’m smoking Montecristos, discussing bitcoin and cryptocurrency / That’s probably why white people stay connected / My people stay corrected, white people stay protected / From the same dangers in life that my people stay subjected / The USA got a race obsession, hatred / I hope you know that’s why I race my possessions / I treat my Porsche like Oprah, and my Wraith like Stedman.” The Slaughterhouse member weaves through the people, proclaiming the injustices that are happening today and name-dropping current MCs.

Meanwhile, Premier is both a face in the crowd and the DJ at the controls. Much like his 2017 videos for MC Eiht, Heads can watch the hands on the turntables and mixer from one of music’s most sought-out producer/DJs.

The visual can be interpreted as grim, even apocalyptic, much like the message in the song. Groups like PRhyme fight to wave the Hip-Hop flag, despite it being a period that often seems to celebrate sensationalism, simplicity, and vibe over substance. They say hope is lost, but this collective is fighting the fight to shape the present era.

Mickey Factz & Royce 5’9 Serve Lyrics That Make Other MCs Say Their Prayers (Audio Premiere)

Spotted at XXL.

#BonusBeat: The newly-released PRhyme 2 trailer and artwork:

The March 16 album is currently available for pre-order on PRhyme Records.