It was just two weeks ago, when Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes shocked hip hop with the news of their collaborative mixtape, The Abstract and The Dragon. Two nights ago, they took their surprising news a step further into the unbelievable territory, announcing that not only was the mixtape currently being worked on, but that it would be released next Thursday, December 12.

What made this information especially exciting was the pair’s prior long working history. Perhaps, Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes have never done a full project with one another, but they always seemed to travel in the same circles or find their way onto each other’s albums. Their close friendship started when both were breaking into the music scene; Q-Tip was heading A Tribe Called Quest, as Busta Rhymes was making a name for himself in Leaders Of The New School. The latter were Native Tongue affiliates, and the former were a part of the collective’s foundation. This alliance fostered one of hip hop’s storied friendships,which will enter its third decade with a bang, thanks to the upcoming mixtape release.

Before we all enjoy their new music, we should take a quick look back, at some of their best partnerships through the years. In a way, their collection can represent hip hop’s general path, from jazzy boom bap to the modern computer perfected digital sound. There is a lot to cover, both artists seemingly live in the studio, but it is all great music.

Jimi (@Nativejimi)