I went back and forth on this one, especially since I’m not really in the market for instrumental hip-hop as much these days. However, the sample on this one–and the chops–made me say “hell, yeah. Let’s get this one some shine on SOTB.” The first track from Muhammad, My Man, Das’ full-length beat tape, “Prize Fighter” samples a ’60s soul track and also reminds me of a mix between Dilla and Common’s “Testify”–minus the Kanye chipmunk sample. I’m here for this one, especially since the project in total is a tribute to ATCQ and Muhammad Ali. Anyone who can tie boxing, jazz-rap and boombap into one gets my props.

That’s exactly what Das does on “Prize Fighter.” The song is a thing of beauty and the only thing I’d change about it is that it had a few more seconds to it. However, I won’t knock it for that; “Waves” is my favorite Dilla beat and it’s not but two minutes long.

Check out the incredible chop below and remember to support dope music in all its forms.