For Brooklyn rap O.G. Sonny Seeza (formerly known as both Suavé and Sonsee), Hip-Hop culture knows no boundaries—physical or otherwise. As one of the founding members of Onyx, he’s been “rockin’ overseas since ‘93” and found inspiration in that continued support from his international fanbase while creating his sophomore solo album, Bridges.

“Hip-Hop music now is the universal language spoken worldwide,” he said. “So the album constitutes linking to my listeners, my supporters, and my colleagues the world over, hence…Bridges.”

The concept of connection is felt throughout the record’s 16 tracks. That goes for whether he’s showing love to his fans on standout slappers “Rrraaoww!” and “AllSkool,” or the simple fact that he collaborated with a slew of European producers for this album’s instrumentals. Being from the Boom bap era, Sonny was excited to work with artists who embraced the roots of hip-hop’s sound.

“So when I met the rest of the team from Empire Music and heard what they were doing with the music,” he said. “I knew we could do some big things.”

Those “big things” include the absolute banger of a lead single, “Everywhere,” which finds Swiss producer DJ Def Cut flipping a familiar sample amid Sonny’s slick talk. The DJ Tray-produced title track is just as heavy with its shadow boxing-ready beat and guest verses from Greg Valentine of All City, Trubbs, Grave Digger of The Flatlinerz, and Dyrect Disciple. And then there’s Dr. G’s snarling facelift of Sonny’s 2012 single, “Doc Help,” which gets that much crazier on the album.

But it’s not all bravado and massive production, as Sonny lets his guard down on the DJ Idem produced “Mama’s Crying,” as well as “Life” and “Fight,” both of which are produced by Jakebeatz. These are important, emotional records for the artist and our culture at large, with Sonny capturing his passion in both his gruff vocals and hooks that reflect on fighting to stay alive.

With its cohesive sound and raw lyricism, Bridges, like Sonny himself, embodies the best of what hip-Hop can offer. Bridges is now available for download through all major digital retailers, via Empire Music.