Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth were a hip-hop duo from Mount Vernon, New York. They made their debut with their 1991 EP, All Souled Out and followed with 1992's Mecca and the Soul Brother LP.
As a producer, DJ Pete Rock (Peter Phillips) tended to prefer obscure soul and jazz sides for sample sources, frequently making use of horn-driven hooks. Lead vocalist CL Smooth (Corey Penn) tended to be philosophical in his raps, and he mostly avoided profanity. Their signature hit was "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)", a dirge for fallen friends--namely Troy "Trouble T-Roy" Dixon, a member of Heavy D & The Boyz, who died in 1990.
1994's The Main Ingredient was the follow up, and they appeared on a string of guest appearances for remixes, soundtracks, and other works. Public Enemy, EPMD, Heavy D and Johnny Gill were among the artists they collaborated with, and they can also claim credit for producing (and performing on) Run-DMC's 1993 comeback single 'Down with the King'. Despite all this, the duo failed to go gold on any of their own releases.
Separating in 1995 (shortly after a Sprite TV commercial), they eventually reunited on a handful of cuts from Pete Rock's solo recordings: Soul Survivor (1998), PeteStrumentals (2001) and Soul Survivor II (2004). They also went on a brief reunion tour as a warm up for their then-anticipated new album, which ended with a show at London's famous Jazz Cafe. Despite these intermittent collaborations, the pair has exchanged dismissive comments toward each other in separate interviews, disavowing plans for a full-fledged reunion.
Their best-of compilation, Good Life, was released on Elektra in 2003.
A deluxe CD box-set of Mecca and the Soul Brother was released in October 2010 by Traffic, a division of Elektra. The package includes a remastered CD of the original album, a second disc of remixes, instrumentals and acapellas, a fold-out poster and a detailed booklet with interviews and insights from Rock and Smooth.

Album "Mecca and the Soul Brother" (1992)

Rating:
  • Currently 5/5 stars.

Views: 71

Comment

You need to be a member of True Skool Network to add comments!

Join True Skool Network

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Subscribe to E-Blast

 

WIN TICKETS

Tower of Power
Saturday, Dec 21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Raheem DeVaughn
Friday-Saturday, Jan 10-11 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

ScHoolboy Q
Thursday, January 23 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Lalah Hathaway
Friday-Sunday, Jan 24-26 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Lettuce + GZA
Friday, Jan 24 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Tobe Nwigwe
Sunday, Mar 30 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted a discussion
7 hours ago
Artistpr posted a blog post

KBD Meeks Overcomes Adversity with New Album "King of Everything," Set to Drop This Thanksgiving

Hollywood, CA — Hip hop artist KBD Meeks, born in San Jose, CA, and raised in Sacramento, CA, is making waves as he emerges from Hollywood despite facing homelessness and numerous challenges. His highly anticipated album, **"King of Everything,"** is scheduled for release on **November 28, 2024**. Produced entirely by KBD Meeks, this project reflects his resilience, creativity, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.Fans who preorder **"King of Everything"** will receive an instant gratification…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Wednesday
TEAM BIGGA RANKIN posted a discussion

Tiger Lyn Drops Single "The Spirt Of Christmas"

Artist Tiger Lyn drops single for this holiday season titled "The Spirit of Christmas".Check it out today and supportClick Here to support via iTunesSee More
Wednesday
An event by Cali's Nightclub was featured
Thumbnail

Los Rakas Record Release Party at Club Cali

January 25, 2025 at 9pm to January 26, 2025 at 2am
Los Rakas wants to share their new record La Raka Zaza with the people. Come through January 25th for an official album release experience featuring Los Rakas w Live Band with support from Epicenter Sound live in the mix. The venue boasts 2 bars and a full menu plus bottle service and booths for those that want to take their night to the next level. We'll see you at Cali's.See More
Wednesday
3 events by Editor's Pick were featured
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted events
Wednesday
Artistpr posted a blog post

Spellbinding, Slow, and Chilled Out- Trapula Ase\' Unveils Late Night Anthem ‘No New Tearz’

Hip Hop finds a stunning and magnetizing new face through Trapula Ase’s enlivening new single, the latest from their upcoming EP, ‘Sighisora’chicago, illinois —June 14th, 2023 – Drawing listeners into a whole different dimension with their moving, captivating, and unique lyrical prowess, a formidable…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday
Cali's Nightclub posted an event
Thumbnail

Touch Friday NYE at Club Cali

December 31, 2024 at 10pm to January 1, 2025 at 2am
Celebrate New Years inside Berkeley's Club Cali with Touch Friday's DJ Townsend and DJ Westcoast providing the soundtrack for the mature 21+. Book Bottle Service by contacting Club Cali or calling 650 - 219 - 0255.See More
Sunday
Cali's Nightclub updated an event
Thumbnail

Los Rakas Record Release Party at Club Cali

January 25, 2025 at 9pm to January 26, 2025 at 2am
Los Rakas wants to share their new record La Raka Zaza with the people. Come through January 25th for an official album release experience featuring Los Rakas w Live Band with support from Epicenter Sound live in the mix. The venue boasts 2 bars and a full menu plus bottle service and booths for those that want to take their night to the next level. We'll see you at Cali's.See More
Dec 21
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Dec 21

© 2024   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service