Of course Mobb Deep’s mini golden run couldn’t last forever. It was just too good to be true. Three strong singles had me amped for their Black Cocaine EP and then they let the cat out the bag with the most anticipated record, “Get It Forever,” co-starring Nasir Jones. If you, like me, were expecting something like “Dog Shit” from earlier this year, I’d recommend not even pressing play. Without saying it’s terrible, there is a letdown that occurs as “Get It…” just sounds like they’re forcing their rhymes on a largely overproduced beat. The trio’s Mafioso-esque lyrics go way better over minimalistic production, but maybe that’s just me clinging on the good old days.

I’ve accepted that Queensbridge pair will likely never reach their early career peak ever again. Still, their music this year has been a great throwback thus far in a a genre that’s otherwise been succumbing to electronic and pop influences. So here’s to hoping “Get It Forever” is just a hiccup in an otherwise solid project and hopefully the rest of Black Cocaine will be worth the Black Friday trip to iTunes.

Mobb Deep Feat. Nas – “Get It Forever”