The Juice Crew was already rap royalty when they converged in the ’80s, as Marley Marl corralled a collective of Queensbridge MCs who would end up as legendary solo rappers in their own right. RZA used their model to create the Wu-Tang Clan the following decade, so it’s perfect for him to return the favor for this new EP that reunites the crew that inspired him. It’s only seven songs long, but the concept and the mission are clear: In a flashback to the 1980s, the Juice Crew is slated to perform in Brooklyn, and a bad actor is determined to stick up the spot after the show. RZA is clearly excited about the prospect of working with all-time greats, and the rappers sound equally focused to show that they still have skills. Songs like “Open Ya Eyes” slap with the same dusty, cinematic flair as the Abbot’s ’90s productions for the Wu, and Big Daddy Kane sounds as sharp as ever with his assured baritone and multisyllabic Five Percenter bars. Craig G pays homage to largely undercredited crewmate Roxanne Shanté with the biographical “Lolita,” and Roxanne tells her own story with the following “Roxanne the Truth.” The former tells Roxanne’s story from the ’80s, and the latter finds Roxanne finally enjoying her proper respect in the present day. It’s a recipe hip-hop should take heed of for honoring its greats: tell the stories of the past with reverence, and continue to empower and appreciate them while they’re still here.