A new sound is trickling through the radio stream of similar-sounding indie pop songs. With its techno-funk and flashback hip-hop vibe, it’s a retro-revolution kind of music bringing back the beat that once drove old school hip-hop.

Don’t get the wrong idea though: A Tribe Called Quest is a cast of veterans. “We Got it from Here – Thank You 4 Your Service” is the American hip-hop group’s first release after an 18 year hiatus, but the time apart doesn’t show – the EP debuted at number one on the Billboard chart.

After their performance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Nov. 13, 2015, the same night as the Paris attacks, A Tribe Called Quest started work on the politically and socially charged album. Recorded before the death of group member Phife Dog, the EP encapsulates themes such as racism and sexism within a sound that brings you back in time and throws you forward just like the rips of of a turntable. Commentary on American politics appears on the album with Trump-slamming songs such as “The Donald” and keeps with the album’s concept of shedding light on serious matters.

Flash back about 20 years ago when A Tribe Called Quest was a small hip-hop group coming up in Queens. They were involved in the East Coast- West Coast hip-hop feud. Now, several of their albums are regarded as classics. After 18 years with little news, the pioneers of alternative hip-hop have triumphantly returned to the musical scene.

“We Got it from Here” is an album I have blasted in my car and jammed to with friends. It is an album that you want to listen to on repeat, if only to decipher just what it is they’re saying, because when the lyrics finally hit you, they really hit you. Full disclosure: do not listen to this EP with your parents, your thoughts on it just may conflict.