Danger Mouse and Black Thought, “Cheat Codes.”

The last time audiences were graced with an official collaboration between renowned producer Danger Mouse and a prominent hip-hop artist was in 2005 with MF DOOM (as DANGERDOOM). The wait is finally over, as Black Thought joins forces with Brian Burton and takes center stage on the duo’s first collaboration, Cheat Codes.

The album opens with a soul music sample on “Sometimes,” with Black Thought examining the nature of high risk and high reward. A rapper of Thought’s caliber has no trouble throwing caution to the wind, especially when he knows that he’s one of the best as he boasts, “Threw the rhyme book in the fire this time.” The bold lyric ultimately pays off, as he drops gem after gem of quotable lyrics throughout the runtime of the album.

The title track kicks things off with bombastic horns, plinking tones and rattling snares. Black Thought raps about navigating his way from the streets all the way up to the top. The metaphor of a cheat code comes into play with how the knowledge and experience he’s built led him to get a leg up on the competition. “The Darkest Part” features an appearance by Wu-Tang alumnus Raekwon, as well as Kid Sister on the chorus. Black Thought explores the darker recesses of his psyche and past. The washed-out piano chords and backing choir that Danger Mouse implements help to deliver the haunting quality of his prose.

Echoing piano chords carry on into “No Gold Teeth,” paired with a deep bass melody. Black Thought shows no intentions of slowing down and taking a backseat as he punches away at any perceived lyrical competition. Dylan Cartlidge takes over singing on the hook of “Because,” as Danger Mouse samples “You Don’t Have To Worry” by Doris & Kelly—an excellent choice. Black Thought once again reflects on how his development in his youth shaped him, while Joey Bada$$ delivers a verse to flex on listeners. Russ manages to stand out with verses focused specifically on his own deep-rooted insecurities relating to family trauma he experienced.

We then get a reunion of sorts for DANGERDOOM on “Belize,” with a posthumous vocal performance from MF DOOM following Thought’s punchline-heavy verse over the shimmering organs and heavy bass. “Aquamarine” features the most in-depth lyricism on the album, where Black Thought weighs on the evolution of humanity as a whole while contrasting it with his own evolution as a person and artist.

“Identical Deaths” has Thought examining a crisis of both psyche and spirit with the hypnotic sounds of xylophone pings and woodwind instruments over snare and bass. “Strangers” has Danger Mouse delivering the grimiest instrumental on the album as Black Thought raps about his need to keep adapting and trailblazing to stay ahead. A$AP Rocky hops in to flex as well, followed by El-P and Killer Mike of Run the Jewels coming in at the end to tear it up like they always do.

On.”Close to Famous,” a synth organ guides Black Thought in as he displays his sharp wit and delivery as a wordsmith. Horns and a funky electric guitar offer bright vibrance on “Saltwater,” with Thought exploring the necessity of knowledge as a tool for survival—nearing the adage of “live fast, die young.” Conway the Machine also hops on for this song, relaying how his experiences in the trenches has been reflected in his experience working in the music industry.

Cheat Codes is a must listen to any fan of Danger Mouse’s or Black Thought’s previous work. Both continue to deliver high quality music.

Follow hip-hop critic Tim Hoffman at Twitter.com/hipsterp0tamus.