While I’m a bit late on celebrating it like most of you did, hip-hop quite literally saved my life a few times. It didn’t change my life (as a Black man, I am hip-hop), but it helped keep my head on straight. That said, I’m a fan of all facets of the genre. That’s despite the fact that I’m not really a drill fan, subject-wise. Pseudo-condemnations of drill aside, hip-hop has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Because of that, I’m always willing to put a cut on and vibe. That’s especially if it’s got that vintage 1990s-meets-2020s sound. Case in point, Teflon’s collaboration with DJ Premier, “Out the Gate.”

One of five Premier-produced tracks from Teflon’s 2 Sides to Every Story album, “Gate” features the veteran rhymesayer letting us know where he’s been and where he’s headed. From featuring on M.O.P. cuts to returning to the game after a hiatus (and not losing an ounce of his sharpness), this one lets listeners partake in fire lyrics and gritty flows all over an excellent Preemo production. Age, as hip-hop has shown, is literally just a number. I say that because the duo create music here that’s timely and quite timeless in its execution. If you like what I’ve said about Teflon over the last year (I featured another 2STES track, “Contraband,” at the end of 2022), I recommend checking out the project proper.

Through fourteen tracks, the Brooklyn native spits grown man raps with an edge. He makes it known that he’s been on his grind for decades so that the younger generation(s) could learn from the experience. Plus, Teflon lets it be known that he’s still got crisp bars and friends who can still go in on a track. The brother has M.O.P. on a few cuts along with beats primarily by Preemo and fellow beatsmith/student-of-the-game Jazimoto. If you’ve never experienced Jazimoto’s work, the daughter of jazz legend and bandleader Wilber Morris, I recommend doing so as soon as possible. These veterans have not and seemingly will never lose a step. After all, it helps to have experience in the game, so you won’t get caught slipping (either musically or otherwise). It’s also great to see growth from an artist, which is what Teflon delivers here.

Give hip-hop its flowers, check out “Out the Gate” above and support dope music in all its forms.