MYSTIKAL FEAT. LIL WAYNE AND BIRDMAN
“Original” (5:22)

Producers: Detail and King Midas
Writers: Various
Publishers: Various

Cash Money/Universal Republic
For hip-hop heads longing for the return of the Dirty South’s glory days, the ending of Mystikal‘s six-year prison sentence was a great day indeed. His last great singles (2000’s “Shake Ya Ass” and 2001’s “Bouncin’ Back (Bumpin’ Me Against The Wall)”) were released a decade ago, but the brass at Cash Money Records recognized the veteran’s remaining talent and inked a deal with the rapper in November. Working over a no-nonsense synth line, Birdman and Lil Wayne smartly leave the fast-talking man of the hour plenty of space to do his thing. “Stay out of that medicine cabinet!” Mystikal bellows less than a minute into the welcome-back party, returning to the sometimes-comprehensible, always-entertaining flow he perfected in the 90s. For those who first think of Lil Jon when it comes to rowdy Southern hip-hop, it’s a fine time to get re-acquainted with Mystikal.