In the mid-2000s, C.L. Smooth released two independent solo albums. The New Rochelle, New York MC had previously dropped three acclaimed projects with his partner Pete Rock and feature work with Johnny Gill and DJ Krush before cultivating his own catalog. In the last decade, The Mecca Don has chosen his spots to display an incredible voice and flow.

Blu flexes his wordplay about time, space, and nature over a Rock beat with drums, guitar, and ambient noise from a boxing match. In the second half, the beat breaks, allowing C.L. Smooth to play the role of the fighter. “Comin’ out to my favorite song with my hoodie on / Say less: we don’t get along, we gon’ get it on,” begins the buttery-voiced MC. “Listen here: you’ll be the next young fool I punish / If you ever think to come between me and how I flourish / I’m all about study — study film, study habits / So when it comes to that moment under the lights, I’ma smash it / And ya people know I’m not to be played with, I’m serious / Trippin’ if I need to be tested or curious.” The guest shot ends with a T.K.O. with 10-count.

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