One of the focal points of J. Cole’s chart-topping 2018 gold album, KOD, is “1985 – Intro To ‘The Falloff.'” The song is a wisdom-drenched reply to Lil Pump, Smokepurrp, and others who had defamed Cole’s name in recent years. While Jermaine’s issues with Pump now appear to be squashed (sealed with an engaging sit-down interview before cameras this month), the lessons in the song remain for all to hear. Cole, who has patiently built an superstar Rap career over the last decade, encourages upstart peers to own their messages and be mindful about the impacts. This is true whether as it applies to promoting racial stereotypes, or unintentionally leading others to wild out with drugs or social media-aimed antics. J also lays out some financial advice while urging young rappers to re-think who they diss, or in Pump’s case—troll.

DJ Premier is a legendary producer who has not yet worked with Cole in the traditional sense. Undoubtedly, the member of Gang Starr and PRhyme influenced Jermaine—who recently made a stellar video collaboration with Royce 5’9. Preemo heard a message that he liked in “1985.” Thus, he made his “1966 Remix” (the year Christopher Martin was born) of the track. “I bought J. Cole’s KOD LP as soon as it dropped with no warning to the fans; which I too am a fan [of]. ‘1985’ resonated with me immediately, so I asked Cole if I could get the acapella and do an underground DJ version just for fun,” Preemo said in a press statement. “He sent it, and I just pieced some stab samples to keep it on some boom bap sh*t.” Thus, Cole knew this remix would happen, and authorized it.

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Heads who appreciate the vintage Preemo feel will enjoy the song. It uses some Run-D.M.C.-era studio drums, brass samples, and a gliding mix. Like so many great Premier productions, the use of silence between the stab sounds is impressive. He has a different production sound than Cole’s celebrated work behind the boards.

For a song that finds Cole schooling the new class on the long-term game, Preemo is a fitting guest professor. Few Hip-Hop artists have worked with great MCs from the ’80s, ’90s, 2000s, and 2010s to the extent he has. Recently, Premier has made songs with A$AP Ferg and Joey Bada$$.

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Even down to this remix, the O.G. continues to bridge the gaps in Hip-Hop’s evolution.

Just ahead of Cole’s KOD, Preemo released PRhyme 2 with Nickel. The LP used sounds courtesy of Philadelphia’s AntMan Wonder. As a note, Premier and Royce go on a seven-city tour this week, beginning this week (dates posted above).

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Last week, a Drake Instagram Live post suggested that Premier may provide some of his stinging sounds to the upcoming Scorpion album.