The rapper Freddie Gibbs’ voice is a powerful, world-weary rasp. It’s a tool with a surprising amount of range: whether in his off-beat spurts or the brutal melodies that dominate most of his new mixtape, Freddie. That strength also works in unabashed homage: On “Death Row,” Freddie’s finest moment, the bass momentarily quiets as the familiar key riff of Eazy-E’s “Boyz-n-the-Hood” tiptoes in.

Gibbs specializes in street narratives, so it’s no surprise here that he elbows through with a barrage of sharp taunts (“Chicken bucket, chicken nugget/Bitch I feed the streets”) on this bombastic, retro-inspired track. “Death Row” also doubles as a coronation for Gibbs’ guest, L.A.’s 03 Greedo, the newest member of West Coast rap royalty. The impish howl that powers his lyrics—“Cruisin' through the city in my oh-eighteen”—evokes Eazy-E’s so well, it’s almost a sèance. The moment is a clear reminder that 03 is a part of that California hip-hop lineage, and his breezy performance swiftly takes us from tribute to rallying cry. The thrills of “Death Row” are clear, and it’s a potent matching of two of street rap’s rawest stars.