Next February, Statik Selektah and KXNG Crooked—formally Crooked I—will release Statik KXNG, a collaborative project that pits the veteran Massachusetts producer alongside one of the most respected MCs from the left coast.

As a taste of what's to come, the newly-formed duo share the Jessica Quintero-assisted "Dead Or in Jail," which finds Crooked touching on societal ills from his side of town, and more importantly, how he was able to beat the odds. Over vintage Statik production, Crooked raps, "They only want me selling crack so they can give me a cell/But I spit crack to let my freedom ring, now that's liberty bell." He also throws a few jabs at his competitors: "This game made the word 'boss' so lame I prefer to be referred to as a check creator." If you're a self-described 'boss,' chances are he's talking about you.

Statik KXNG drops Feb. 12 through Showoff/Penalty Records. Stream "Dead or in Jail" below and purchase it on iTunes here.