In the early-’90s, Chi-Ali created a buzz for himself as a child rapper rolling with the Native Tongues family. (He was the voice behind the Jeff character on certain De La Soul b-sides.) By the time of the new millennium though, Chi’s name was better associated with an appearance on America ’s Most Wanted after he went on the run following the fatal shooting of someone his sister was dating. It was a rise and fall that resonated strongly with another young New Yorker, Skyzoo, who invoked Chi-Ali’s story on his plucky 9th Wonder-produced single “Jansport Strings.”

Now Sky’s pulled off a creative coup by getting Chi-Ali, who was recently released from jail, to rhyme on the remix of “Jansport Strings.” The remix showcases Chi-Ali’s first freedom rap since he was locked up and has him declaring how the track’s “got me feeling myself like it’s a throwback from 9-2,” while Sky tailors his own lyrics to welcome home his new guest. MTVHive caught up with Skyzoo to learn how the “Jansport Strings” remix went down.