Black Sheep, proud members of the legendary Native Tongues movement, are returning to the fold with a new EP entitled 'The Black Pool of Genius: The Prelude.' Hitting your favorite online outlet on Dec. 1, the EP serves as an appetizer for a full record in 2010 that promises to carry an absolutely insane roster of MCs.

The group's core duo -- MC Dres and DJ Mista Lawnge -- are kicking off the effort with a slick-sounding single called 'Forever Luvlee'. The track's sound is about what you would expect: a classic Black Sheep beat mixed with a sheen of maturity. "Don't put things before people," said Dres when explaining the new song. "Keep God in your heart always (whatever you call him). Try to find balance in these chaotic days. Be Luvlee."

The group's conscious, party-rocking message will be bolstered on the upcoming full-length by production from a wide range of beatsmiths, including Bean One, Showbiz, Tough Junkie, P. Locke, Urban Soul Music Group and Willie Evans. Rhymefest, De La Soul and members of A Tribe Called Quest are among the album's many guest vocalist.

In other Sheep news, 'The Choice Is Yours' was recently featured in Young Dro's video for 'I Don't Know Y'all.' This classic, ever-danceable track always finds its way back into our world every few years. It remains Black Sheep's greatest achievement.