JAY-Z has reunited with many of the key players from his past—even after bitterness or hostility. In 2005, Jay and Nas famously put beef to bed in New Jersey. The Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder has been photographed with Dame Dash multiple times since the artist and manager parted ways. Beanie Sigel and much of State Property has been involved in Jay shows, with Freeway joining Roc Nation. Dipset’s Jim Jones, as well as Fat Joe, are also now in business with Hov. Jay recently spoke about making peace with Prodigy some years back, ahead of the Mobb Deep rapper’s tragic death.

One of the people who JAY-Z has long been on the outs with is his rap mentor. Jaz-O (aka The Jaz) is the from the same Marcy projects as Shawn Carter. Dating back to 1986 the two men cut records together (part of the group, High Potent) with a complementary rapid-fire style. Jaz-O would sign with EMI Records, and put Jay in singles like “Hawaiian Sophie” and “The Originators.” By the time Jay’s Reasonable Doubt debut released in 1996, Jaz was involved. He produced the second single “Ain’t No Ni**a,” and rapped on “Bring It On.” He followed on In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, lacing “Rap Game / Crack Game,” and rapping on video single “Ni**a What, Ni**a Who? (Originators ’99)” after that. However, when Roc-A-Fella tried to bring Jaz-O (as well as Sauce Money) to the R-O-C under contract, things soured (according to Jay’s “What We Talkin’ About” verse in 2009). No longer teammates, disses quickly transpired in the early 2000s, on both sides. On a song many may have played yesterday in honor of JAY-Z’s birthday (“December 4th”), Jigga took shots at Jaz for providing free Rap services.

DJ Premier Gives The Inside Story On The Making Of JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt 20 Years Later

Tonight, a photograph changes that narrative. Longtime Roc associate Emory “Vegas” Jones posted a photo of JAY-Z, Jaz-O, and No I.D. The three men are backstage at the ongoing 4:44 Tour at Chicago’s United Center. It is unclear at this time if the two veterans will perform any of their collaborative songs. In any event, Jay and one of the people who has known him the longest appear to be in better standing.

Besides rapping, Jaz-O has produced for Rakim, M.O.P., and Kool G Rap.

#BonusBeat: This TBD video examines Jay’s “blueprint” for grown-man Rap:

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