My step dad used to play Reminisce over and over when we were young....he passed away suddenly from cancer two years ago. I will never forget that song, or his memories. Fly in peace George Macer!
My sincere condolences brother. I love that your step dad put you up on game with “Reminisce” as I exposed my son his whole life and he is now 21. He has your similar story but more than that, your step dad turned you on the greatest hip hop song of all time. Respect.
@@jonathansoko1085 This argument is pretty pointless because a lot of rappers wouldn't have their best material if it wasn't for working with certain producers.....ALOT C.L. was the perfect compliment to Pete's beats & your hate can't take away those classics.
I can literally sit and listen to CL Smooth talk for hours. Even when he's talking he sounds like he's rapping. If you put a beat to this interview it would still sound better that every rap song today. His tone of voice is just impeccable. The perfect hip hop voice.
Sounds like Pete didn't make their group a priority. Pete's lame opened up because of his production value. More and more he started being pulled away from CL.
he broke it down really well ...they get a budget ,PR uses most of it by using samples but then refuses to go on tour ...Meanwhile their success makes other rappers call PR for beats so his main income is elsewhere while CL cant eat from it . PR has all the power Guru had a similar issue ,that´s one of the reasons why he created his jazzmataz series away from primo
I don't quite agree with that. Preemo always said Gang Starr was a 50-50 split with royalties from record sales, and touring. Guru created Jazzmatazz just to do something different, not because of income issues. Guru's situation is completely different from CL's.
@@Waynestarr i didnt say their business was funny but primo was taking time off to produce for others and i´ll bet he made more money that way Guru chose not to wait on him and created his own thing which was the best option.
@@whatudoin1I've always felt a certain type of way about Preem giving his most classic beats away to outside artists instead of Guru. Gang Starr has an immaculate catalog dont get me wrong but if Guru would've had beats like NY State of Mind, Bring It On, Boom, When I B On tha Mic and so on, they could've propelled even further
This is how it works for producers though, that's why they get paid so well. CL should've either learned how to make beats or pivoted to working with another available producer.
One of my favorite albums of all time. I wore that tape out till it had no visible letters on it, then bought another one and did the same thing again.
T.R.O.Y came out my senior year of hs. I remember the whole class attended a party after the graduation and when they played that song, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. It was like the realization hit hit us that we were all moving on and things were never going to be the same again. I miss when hip-hop could evoke that kind of emotion.
In a nutshell, if your producer is part of your group…Dre, Riley , Babyface ,Rock ,Swing …. That groups shelf life is set to expire by design (label exec)
This is a great, and very realistic comment. It's the same for the superstar lead singers that rarely shared the lead vocals with the rest of the group. Don't expect them to hang around. I'm not sure about the role Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis played in producing music for The Time, but they are another great example of finding greater fortune outside of the group dynamic
Exactly!!!producers who make music usually do not limit their production to one artist or group and that's historic!!! I think because CL's career was based around the group, he had a single minded expectation for Pete production career to cater to what they did together, and that never happens with producers, Common and Dilla had the same chemistry, but when Dilla passed ,Common moved forward and found other producer to facilitate his sound and style ,it just sound like CL waited too late to do that, and he is holding Pete accountable fort the sustainability of his rap career! They hit their peak of success together, and they are not in the same arena anymore! Life goes on!!!
@@diamondblack19 Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis got fired by Prince because he told them not to produce/write for anyone else. Then they wrote and produced Human by Human League. FIRED lol
I get what he saying as far as it being a business but bro sounds like he still mad..at himself. He sound like he thought he was limited to only using Pete.
Nah, sounds like he was upset Pete Rock had other artist he worked with. So we telling Dr Dre, Timberland and other talented producers to just work with one artist. Nope
@@Mister75199it was a different time remember illmatic broke the mold of producer rapper duos or groups, he had production from a lot of the top producers it literally changed the game for hiphop
Alot of ppl know them most for T.R.O.Y. But they had soooo many bangers, Lots of Lovin, Take You There, Mecca and the Soul Brother, Searching, In the Flesh, to name a few. They had a sound that few could duplicate.
I used to play ‘Anger in the Nation’ endlessly back when ‘Mecca & the Soul Brothers’ 1st came out, but there wasn’t anything less than a dope track on that entire album. Some tracks were very good & the rest were straight up GREAT! Their sophomore album was dope aswell. It wasn’t as good as their debut but it still holds up well to this day. Us Hip Hop Heads were truly spoiled for choice in the early through to the mid ’90s. There will never be another era in Hip Hop like it.
Exactly but people don't wanna take the time to listen to what doesn't get radio play, look at Dilla and Doom, I remember listening to these dudes 20 yrs ago and it wasn't til after they passed that their name got out there and people started fucking with them. There's so much talent out there, people just don't take the time to discover new music on their own, they just wanna listen to what the mainstream feeds them
@ByronLopez-bo4zl Very, very good point. Some of my favorite artists best songs you never heard on the radio. But if you were a true fan u knew about those gens.
Damn CL was talking with so much wisdom I was totally captivated and thats what it takes to reason with him wisdom and understanding without it you want comprehend 🙏🏽💪🏾🙏🏽 I hope all your endeavors are Blessed Brother
I can relate after Seeing this ! I have a best friend / brother I’ve had since I was 9 ( 31 years ago ) . There’s things I didn’t know about him that I know now that has somewhat tarnished our relationship. He will always be my brother , but you never really know someone the way you think you do.
Pete responded to this. He said he feels that CL is better by himself and that there's plenty of producers out there that are willing to work with him.
hi.. no not really.. anybody.. who cant form thought.. without using.. the nword... is.. not a good communicator... yes!...and its a shame.. because.. he has sense!...be blessed
Sounds similar to the split between guru and Dj Premier (gang Starr). Premier was producing beats for all the East Coast artists and Guru wasn’t eating like Premier. And sometimes premier held his best beats for others.
thats not true cause Guru used to give titles of songs to Preem before they were even written completely yet and he would make a beat for him based off the title.
I remember growing up in the hood and the older dudes were in the corner parked at the pump, they were blasting reminisce from a topless mustang and I absolutely fell in love. Hearing that saxophone blasting out of the speakers was so exhilarating. The good old days man.
I get what CL is saying but as a producer he’ll be busy making beats, recording and making tracks. That’s why it’s always good to have multiple producers on tab
when they came in the game it was them 2 and what CL is saying is Pete was able to make it off of Sampling back then and those 2 albums and EP they made cost money and writing credits had to be given which came out their budget so since he paid for that he's saying how do I make money back.
I heard CL put hands on pete,from Pete's response he definitely had animosity in his message...saying "Dude"......"Im cool"......"I wish dude the best"
Yeah I seen this. Whenever a grown man says he's good or cool . .that's it. Nothing else to it. To hear how CL speaks .... Makes me feel like it could be worked out for us, but... If the producer wants zero parts.... We gotta respect that
@dgz1979 exactly, they were amazing, Main Ingredient forever...both are cool brothers, but like dude said, Pete says he's cool, believe him...The Auditorium is about to be Pete's magnum opus and Com is his man now, leave it be...of course, a reunion NOW would be in CL's best interest...his timing is a little too convenient and impeccable...
Man--I was 10 years old in 1992 when Mecca and the Soul Brother dropped. Big bro was 17 and put me on game. Much love to you CL, thank you for sharing what happened. Well-paced explanation with pregnant pauses to let your words soak in. Very insightful wisdom from The Heavster. I love your work with DJ Krush, "Only the Strong Survive," by the way. 👍🏽❤✊🏽 thank you my brother for your everlasting legacy and contribution to the culture.
Mecca and the Soul Brother - undeniable classic. The Main Ingredient - instant classic. Respect both PR & CL - would be dope for them to link again....
CL…. Madlib, Alchemist, Soundwave and many other producers will make you some 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥shit ask Q-Tip he will definitely get you a hefty bag. The world doesn’t stop because Pete Rock focusing on his production career. He just provided the music you gave it life. Wish the both of you nothing but love and positivity
What a pitty. Is this what a man looks like in 2024? Perhaps thats the hump the AA community can't overcome because their defination of a man differs from every other.
As a producer that samples I understand where CL is coming from. Without them touring the material he can’t fully eat off the records that had samples that had to be cleared that ultimately affects CL’s bottom line. Pete Rock can eat off of producing for others but they’d REALLY get paid if they toured that original material
Pete life is short real leaders humble themselves you and cl were the greatest hip hop duo ever dont take it personal dpnt rob yourself or the fans as the greatest comeback album ever because that's what it will ne. You and cl stay blessed.
What I think I’m hearing is Pete Rock professionally outgrew his half of “Pete Rock and CL Smooth”. Rock is a producer that people are hiring left and right. CL’s response is “well, that’s great and all, but what bout me, what bout the team??”. CL needs to try and create opportunities for himself so he doesn’t need Pete Rock.
Right! CL needs to just get his pen game back up cause I heard a project of CL Smooth of him rapping on a lot of industry beats and it was dope like “Hate It Or Love It” 50 Cent and The Game joint and I forgot the name of it but it’s called something “Freestyle Sessions”
@@91Definite.. check the facts .. someone pressed charges on the other .. find that out and you will see where it went wrong ..🗽 hiphop .. well known fact
He's not "your producer" fam. Y'all a team. You never heard Guru speak about Premo like this. Guru found another lane so he could keep rockin' when Preme was tied up with other projects. And Premo NEVER put another artist above Guru. When it was time for Gang Starr to get busy, they locked in and got to work!! CL should have found another beat maker/producer to work with while Pete was tied up. He had a few other DOPE producers he could have worked with if his concern was about touring. Hell, he could have just got another DJ to spin the records while he performed.
Makes sense the way u typed that. However, from the way CL sounds, it’s goin much much deeper than “just getting another producer”. I agree with what u saying. I wouldn’t sit around waiting on Pete. If i gotta get my bread, i gotta try to make moves on my own without him.
You gotta remember gang starr had a whole catalog out before they started doing solo works so it's not even comparable,pete rock and cl smooth only having two albums and breaking up right when they're about to hit their stride is damaging especially if the industry treats the producer like a asset and thinks lesser of the mc.Plus dude hasn't really spoke on nothing in 30 years so if he not gon say anything now when is the best time?
Pete Rock and CL Smooth carried me throughout my high school years. Even rapped on one of their beats and won a talent show. They were the dynamic duo. Dope beats and CL’s flow/voice was legendary.
If I Was CL Smooth, I'd Would've Started Doing What Guru Did, Go Solo And Work With Other People. That's What Guru Did. Went Solo And Started His Jazzmatazz Album Series.....And Every One Of His Guru's Albums Was Solid And Classic. I Loved His Song "Watch What You Say" With Chaka Kahn Back In The Day. His Songs Was Classic!
With what money? You have to pay those people out of a smaller share of the album budget, while the guy who gets the lion's share doesn't even have to go on the road to tour to make money, unlike the artist. It's a bad deal, and one that the labels intentionally set up to create this environment. They benefit in the end.
C.L. had to carry the weight of writing all those 3 verse songs. Thats not a easy task. While Pete Rock ran up budget sampling songs. That's a good point.
“Pete Rock and CL Smooth; a household name.” - The Sun Won’t Come Out. I am the biggest Pete Rock and CL Smooth fan. Just like Nore…wow. My heart hurts that they are not making music. For the sake of Hip Hop, we need them. One Love
😂😂😂😂... Yo! CL. Smooth kept it so real. Same way he kept it on them songs. Pete and CL. Smooth Mecca and the Soul Brother, Straighten it Out, Shouts out to my brother. They'll never be another..TROUBLE T TROY ITS LIKETHAT YALL!!..😎😎😎😎😎🤨🤨🤨
CL should have did another deal as a solo artist, and then hired PR for production this would take the leverage that PR had on him as a group. This was an executive mishap that hampered CL’s career. He articulated this well in this interview. By the way you can still make this happen in 2024 send the beats and send back the lyrics for mixing it happens everyday.
Friendship creates deceptive obligation.. which in turn creates conflict.. it seems like they were 2 separate entities creating something special which the business got blurred by friendship
If you wasn't around when Pete Rock and CL was putting it down together you probably can't understand how ill there were! Those two cats together was IT!
As a Fan I always wanted to know what happened to Pete Rock & CL Smooth. I always wanted to see them on tour. That's Respect! Showing 💕 from California.
I often wondered how GangStarr worked out this similar arrangement too because Premier was out producing for everyone at the same time, especially Nas.
lol The Star was different. Primo was beating everybody up. Guru still maintained his place. Producers back in the day should have sleeping on CL’s porch… To work with a lyricist whose words stands the test of time👈🏿🫡
they had the exact same issue ...Guru had to walk away and do jazzmatazz to make money when premier was high in demand.The only difference is that Gangstarr toured way more than PR and CL
Peace everyone. Allow me to check in as a lifelong Pete Rock and CL Smooth fan. Please don't forget that, by the times PR&CL were getting notice as a duo, Pete was already known for many things: marley marl, heavy d's little cousin, (i think it lines up to say) already chilling with Da Bomb Squad, etc. Pete is also one of, if not thee, greatest sample based producer to ever live. Rapping to Pete, especially back then, wasn't an easy task. CL showed up every time. Few rappers could say that. But Pete as a solo entity seemed already in motion from before All Souled Out. I feel CL. He wanted PR&CL to be forever, like 99% of the population. It's a shame it didn't work out but even the Beatles split, EPMD (EPMD!!!!), etc. Making beats isn't easy either. Programming like Pete isn't easy. Trust me, I've spent the last 26 years trying. You've gotta stay home to do it, word to Brian Wilson. Just some random context. PR&CL was a tremendous success. It's also dope to see CL. Thank you for all of your contributions to this genre. Your voice and lyrics are a huge part of my adolescence and growth.
I was born in 1988 and I had a big sister that was born in 1976 and when I was little in the 90s and the early 2000s she would call me CL Smooth. My initials are CL and I didn't realize she got it from his name until I was a little bit older of course which was the early 2000s. She passed away in 2003 so it's safe to say it was a lifetime ago since I found (much like most people on here found them) Pete Rock and CL smooth through one of the most anatomical songs that define Hip Hop to ever bless our ears and souls T.R.O.Y.!!!
is one of my first CDs as a little kid of hearing from Boston Massachusetts they had a good chemistry straight up I love Pete Rock and his mixing and CL smooth is great at rapping
CL made a good point. He has go out on tour to get real money but Pete Rock can stay home and make real money in his studio by producing for other artist.
I'd like to see a reunion album happen, but Pete Rock is the reason it will never happen. Even in what he said on Drink Champs, he sneaked dissed CL. I've met them both and while CL is down to earth. Pete in my opinion isn't a people person and has got a rep of clashing with a whole bunch of artists. One of the best Hiphop producers and one of my favorites. But not a nice person at all. If I were CL. I'd move on to other producers like Madlib, 9th, Oh No, Khyrsis, and Alchemist to name a few. i'm not gonna keep asking a dude who obviously has a gripe with me. At this point, I think too much has happened between them for them to work together again.
DJ Premier begged them to get back together after Guru passed away. So they did but they end up arguing and maybe certain things came out from the past again
Exactly. Pete is a legendary hip-hop producer BUT he has an abrasive personality. Just look at the BS he tried to pull with Nas for the song they made together "The World is Yours" only to find out it wasn't Nas holding out on his royalty cheques but the label and he just sorta quieted out but he dragged that man's name in the mud for a little bit. You dig. That's Pete for you really and it's no pun on him, that's just how some folks are.
C.L. Smooth, Grand Puba, Heavy D, All underated but are some of the best to ever do it! Much Love and I hope they fix the bridge and get back in the studio. P.R & C.L forever!
My step dad used to play Reminisce over and over when we were young....he passed away suddenly from cancer two years ago. I will never forget that song, or his memories. Fly in peace George Macer!
🫡🫡🫡to you and condolences to yours. Life is all about memories. Salute to those who created our fondest memories
@@pwest1101 absolutely! That's what it's about And thank you
My sincere condolences brother. I love that your step dad put you up on game with “Reminisce” as I exposed my son his whole life and he is now 21. He has your similar story but more than that, your step dad turned you on the greatest hip hop song of all time.
Respect.
Very, very, very few artists on my Playlist in HS/college I'm the mid-late 90s are still there today. Pete Rock & CL Smooth are one of those artists.
@@26MECHmy condolences
They were so perfect together. CL doesn't get enough credit. He wasn't a slouch by any means.
His verse on Down With The Kings🔥🔥🔥
Fact
Take him off Pete rock beats, he's wack. Name one classic smooth song without Pete. Let's not lie here.
@@jonathansoko1085
This argument is pretty pointless because a lot of rappers wouldn't have their best material if it wasn't for working with certain producers.....ALOT
C.L. was the perfect compliment to Pete's beats & your hate can't take away those classics.
@@Dodgerz_McFly exactly, tf wrong with him lol.
One love to De La Soul for never breaking up.
Lox
@@rillyjo5810 True True.
M.O.P. as well...
Those are the ONLY three groups I can think of which never broke up...
Naughty by Nature?
@@Roccofantrech and Vin-roc had beef and trech said on Twitter he kicked him out the group
They definitely need to " Straighten it out"!!! That track still a banger!!!
FACTS!!
When I reminisce over you
😂😂😂aaahhh yyeaaa
@@spenser6353T.R.O.Y 🔥🔥🔥
Used to damn near blow my speakers out with that beat
I can literally sit and listen to CL Smooth talk for hours. Even when he's talking he sounds like he's rapping. If you put a beat to this interview it would still sound better that every rap song today. His tone of voice is just impeccable. The perfect hip hop voice.
I was thinking the same thing, absolutely no difference. He'd make for a good audio book narrator.
That is true. He's the quintessential rapper.
Calm, yet intense. Dropping real life gems.
Sounds like Pete didn't make their group a priority. Pete's lame opened up because of his production value. More and more he started being pulled away from CL.
@@415Dwilliams that’s exactly what it sounds like
he broke it down really well ...they get a budget ,PR uses most of it by using samples but then refuses to go on tour ...Meanwhile their success makes other rappers call PR for beats so his main income is elsewhere while CL cant eat from it . PR has all the power
Guru had a similar issue ,that´s one of the reasons why he created his jazzmataz series away from primo
I don't quite agree with that. Preemo always said Gang Starr was a 50-50 split with royalties from record sales, and touring. Guru created Jazzmatazz just to do something different, not because of income issues. Guru's situation is completely different from CL's.
Then guru got robbed by his new guy
@@Waynestarr i didnt say their business was funny but primo was taking time off to produce for others and i´ll bet he made more money that way Guru chose not to wait on him and created his own thing which was the best option.
@@whatudoin1I've always felt a certain type of way about Preem giving his most classic beats away to outside artists instead of Guru. Gang Starr has an immaculate catalog dont get me wrong but if Guru would've had beats like NY State of Mind, Bring It On, Boom, When I B On tha Mic and so on, they could've propelled even further
This is how it works for producers though, that's why they get paid so well. CL should've either learned how to make beats or pivoted to working with another available producer.
CL Smooth a very underrated MC. He was very lyrical. TROY is a classic.
Facts! “Searching” is another classic.
I wouldn't go so far as to call him "lyrical " like a Nas.
@@randolphdukes5383 no of course he’s not Nas but no one is Nas. Nas my favorite MC. CL Smooth was the man from 92-94.
Yep ✌🏿
RIP to Trouble Troy Heavy D and Boyz.
Mecca & The Soul Brother… Classic.
One of my favorite albums of all time. I wore that tape out till it had no visible letters on it, then bought another one and did the same thing again.
The Main Ingredient was as good.
When we reminisce over you. Classic
Man...they just need to drop another
TROY
CL ain’t stupid, he know what time it is!🔥🔥
CL’s explanation made a lot of sense 💯
Very much so, I would love to hear Havoc express how he and Prodigy worked so well since they had a rapper/producer relationship as well
@@hmosesmamulu6491mutual respect is the answer
@hmosesmamulu6491 I think Mobb Deep had sustained success together. Pete Rock and CL didnt.
FACTS!
So Pete rock should not have made money on the side foh 🤔
T.R.O.Y came out my senior year of hs. I remember the whole class attended a party after the graduation and when they played that song, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. It was like the realization hit hit us that we were all moving on and things were never going to be the same again. I miss when hip-hop could evoke that kind of emotion.
Hip hop still does.. it's just not our time any more.
💯
💯
@@Far7rom this kind of hip hop is usually underground now
My senior year also
CL Smooth's articulation, rationality and reasoning is inspiring.
NORE always interrupting a monumental or important response from a guest, with bs.
Nore is the reason why I struggle to watch these interviews. He interrupts the guests far too much & it’s never to make an insightful point.
Don't waste your energy nore doing interviews and not interrupting 😂😂
Nore needs to sit down and watch some Rogan and learn how to listen
I SWEAR! Like stfu and let ppl talk.. 🙄
He's the worst.
Y’all wasn’t outside for Pete Rock an CL Smooth 😮💨
Go sit down old head
What a time!
Say it again!!!
Shiiiiid! This generation only knows the mainstream wack artist that the industry promote.
Im Reminiscing over it my gosh.
In a nutshell, if your producer is part of your group…Dre, Riley , Babyface ,Rock ,Swing …. That groups shelf life is set to expire by design (label exec)
This is a great, and very realistic comment. It's the same for the superstar lead singers that rarely shared the lead vocals with the rest of the group. Don't expect them to hang around. I'm not sure about the role Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis played in producing music for The Time, but they are another great example of finding greater fortune outside of the group dynamic
Exactly!!!producers who make music usually do not limit their production to one artist or group and that's historic!!! I think because CL's career was based around the group, he had a single minded expectation for Pete production career to cater to what they did together, and that never happens with producers, Common and Dilla had the same chemistry, but when Dilla passed ,Common moved forward and found other producer to facilitate his sound and style ,it just sound like CL waited too late to do that, and he is holding Pete accountable fort the sustainability of his rap career! They hit their peak of success together, and they are not in the same arena anymore! Life goes on!!!
@@diamondblack19 Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis got fired by Prince because he told them not to produce/write for anyone else. Then they wrote and produced Human by Human League. FIRED lol
Very true comment
But I love how Swizz always held DMX down, they weren’t a group, but they were a great match duo in Hip-Hop. I agree with what you’re saying tho.
He’s not mad he just want what’s fair and equal for both of them but one was left high and dry
👏🏾💯
So Pete got to dumb down his business opps and limited himself because homie got no skills outside of rappin?
I've always said CL SMOOTH IS ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED MC's OF ALL TIMES💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
Pride and Ego are the worst defect of character to have. Trust me I know. I have both of them
Respect the self awareness ✌🏾
None of us are perfect. Awareness is the first step towards healing and growth.
Amen
I get what he saying as far as it being a business but bro sounds like he still mad..at himself. He sound like he thought he was limited to only using Pete.
Preach whoever you are.
Pete Rock & C L Smooth,Hip Hop's Dynamic Duo of the 90's.
They complimented each other so well man. No doubt real hip hop ✊🏾
Pete Rock and CL Smooth is classic hip hop. Early 90’s right there. You had to be there kids.
Exactly, they'll never know.
CL is dropping some jewels. Always 3 sides to a story and perspective on a revealer
Nah, sounds like he was upset Pete Rock had other artist he worked with. So we telling Dr Dre, Timberland and other talented producers to just work with one artist. Nope
@@Mister75199YOU SEE IT! That’s exactly what it was. Pete could make money working with other people and CL could only make money working with Pete.
@@Mister75199it was a different time remember illmatic broke the mold of producer rapper duos or groups, he had production from a lot of the top producers it literally changed the game for hiphop
@Mister75199 Based on your comments you didn't "...Let that soak in..."
Alot of ppl know them most for T.R.O.Y. But they had soooo many bangers, Lots of Lovin, Take You There, Mecca and the Soul Brother, Searching, In the Flesh, to name a few. They had a sound that few could duplicate.
Straighten it Out was slept on. CL Smooth could use current news, pop culture, and historical references all within one verse.
I used to play ‘Anger in the Nation’ endlessly back when ‘Mecca & the Soul Brothers’ 1st came out, but there wasn’t anything less than a dope track on that entire album. Some tracks were very good & the rest were straight up GREAT!
Their sophomore album was dope aswell. It wasn’t as good as their debut but it still holds up well to this day.
Us Hip Hop Heads were truly spoiled for choice in the early through to the mid ’90s. There will never be another era in Hip Hop like it.
Yeah but T.R.O.Y. Brings out emotions 🌹
Exactly but people don't wanna take the time to listen to what doesn't get radio play, look at Dilla and Doom, I remember listening to these dudes 20 yrs ago and it wasn't til after they passed that their name got out there and people started fucking with them. There's so much talent out there, people just don't take the time to discover new music on their own, they just wanna listen to what the mainstream feeds them
@ByronLopez-bo4zl Very, very good point. Some of my favorite artists best songs you never heard on the radio. But if you were a true fan u knew about those gens.
Damn CL was talking with so much wisdom I was totally captivated and thats what it takes to reason with him wisdom and understanding without it you want comprehend 🙏🏽💪🏾🙏🏽 I hope all your endeavors are Blessed Brother
I can relate after Seeing this !
I have a best friend / brother I’ve had since I was 9 ( 31 years ago ) . There’s things I didn’t know about him that I know now that has somewhat tarnished our relationship. He will always be my brother , but you never really know someone the way you think you do.
Same here. We 48 years old now. Known him since 6 years old. Totally didn't know the guy.
Rock bands don’t like each other… but they WORK all the time!
Pete responded to this. He said he feels that CL is better by himself and that there's plenty of producers out there that are willing to work with him.
He said that cuz he knows he TOLD on CL and he could never look that man in the face again.
@@NorthSidesaBrick He TOLD what? No sarcasm. Genuinely asking.
@@shedparker It’s called do your OWN research
@@NorthSidesaBrick Teach a wise man and he’ll become wiser…oh well🤷🏾♂️.
@@NorthSidesaBrickYou could have easily posted the link since you're privy to it
Cl is a power communicator
Yup
hi.. no not really.. anybody.. who cant form thought.. without using.. the nword... is.. not a good communicator... yes!...and its a shame.. because.. he has sense!...be blessed
Sounds similar to the split between guru and Dj Premier (gang Starr). Premier was producing beats for all the East Coast artists and Guru wasn’t eating like Premier. And sometimes premier held his best beats for others.
thats not true cause Guru used to give titles of songs to Preem before they were even written completely yet and he would make a beat for him based off the title.
@ Idk what that got to do with my comment. Whats not true again?
That's facts. Premier's best work arguably wasn't on Gang Starr, it was that Group Home CD. Guru would've laced those beats.
"Why isn't Capone and Noreaga still together?" That one hit Nore
They still tight with each other
Capone had an even worse flow than nore. And he couldn't stop doing crime.
Most underrated rapper of all time…please listen to his lyrical prowess on each song. No MC back then had the lyrical content he had for real.
This was a fantastic interview. I graduated HS in 1991 (context) and they had a huge impact on the culture. Salute. ML&R
Creativity is about harmony..whatever the issues is with them..its so deep rooted and 2 much time has passed..i don't think they could recover...
I remember growing up in the hood and the older dudes were in the corner parked at the pump, they were blasting reminisce from a topless mustang and I absolutely fell in love. Hearing that saxophone blasting out of the speakers was so exhilarating. The good old days man.
Miss them just like I miss Guru & Dj Premier, Ice T & Dj Evil E, Big Daddy Kane & Mr. C and Rakim & Eric B 🫶🏽
RAKIM RECENTLY SAID THAT HE, RAKIM... CREATED THOSE BEATS ! NOT ERIC B !
@@makoshark69x96 so what, that didn’t change the vibes from the music they made. That was his personal struggle and I never associated that with Kane.
@ that’s interesting, guess he should’ve kept making those beats.
Guru never felt like Premier couldn't produce anybody else
I get what CL is saying but as a producer he’ll be busy making beats, recording and making tracks. That’s why it’s always good to have multiple producers on tab
when they came in the game it was them 2 and what CL is saying is Pete was able to make it off of Sampling back then and those 2 albums and EP they made cost money and writing credits had to be given which came out their budget so since he paid for that he's saying how do I make money back.
Yea so many other groups sought out solo deals why did he?
That's what happened to Little Brother and 9th Wonder.
@@DarrylJohnson-yv3idthey say Pete doesn’t like to tour or do showings that much
@@shawnbravo5201 probably true but he's doin what needs to be done with Common who represent my city Chicago.
Same thing Little Brother went through.
Had the same thought
They dropped a new jawnt
I heard CL put hands on pete,from Pete's response he definitely had animosity in his message...saying "Dude"......"Im cool"......"I wish dude the best"
Interesting
As soon as u put hands on someone, the respect is over. Forever.
If that's what really happened then I understand why Pete would
decline.
@@theharshtruth8563 respect
Yeah I seen this. Whenever a grown man says he's good or cool .
.that's it. Nothing else to it. To hear how CL speaks .... Makes me feel like it could be worked out for us, but... If the producer wants zero parts.... We gotta respect that
@dgz1979 exactly, they were amazing, Main Ingredient forever...both are cool brothers, but like dude said, Pete says he's cool, believe him...The Auditorium is about to be Pete's magnum opus and Com is his man now, leave it be...of course, a reunion NOW would be in CL's best interest...his timing is a little too convenient and impeccable...
Man--I was 10 years old in 1992 when Mecca and the Soul Brother dropped. Big bro was 17 and put me on game.
Much love to you CL, thank you for sharing what happened. Well-paced explanation with pregnant pauses to let your words soak in. Very insightful wisdom from The Heavster. I love your work with DJ Krush, "Only the Strong Survive," by the way. 👍🏽❤✊🏽 thank you my brother for your everlasting legacy and contribution to the culture.
Mecca and The Soul Brother is one of the best hiphop songs every produced. Thank you Pete Rock & CL Smooth
Mecca and the Soul Brother - undeniable classic.
The Main Ingredient - instant classic.
Respect both PR & CL - would be dope for them to link again....
bro a real wordsmith even when he having a conversation.
Communication can solve many problems!
Yes!
What you said. You don’t talk to each other thru a podcast. Are you serious?! That’s where some people at these days.
I can listen to CL's wisdom all day.
His speaking voice is very powerful, just like when he raps. His tone and diction catches your attention, instantly. He looks amazing!
CL….
Madlib, Alchemist, Soundwave and many other producers will make you some 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥shit ask Q-Tip he will definitely get you a hefty bag. The world doesn’t stop because Pete Rock focusing on his production career. He just provided the music you gave it life. Wish the both of you nothing but love and positivity
But notice none of those producers really wanted to work with cl. I believe that CL the type of person that he is is not very good to work with.
@@BKRADIOARCHIVES-xt1fpHe was a major factor that enables them to get that contract and rarified classic status.
Went to high school with both of them
Cool dudes
1984-1988
Moint Vernon HS
The industry is shady
Too young when sigened
Incredible duo will never be another. I miss them together. I just go back to the albums.
cl smooth talks like a real man
What a pitty. Is this what a man looks like in 2024? Perhaps thats the hump the AA community can't overcome because their defination of a man differs from every other.
As a producer that samples I understand where CL is coming from. Without them touring the material he can’t fully eat off the records that had samples that had to be cleared that ultimately affects CL’s bottom line. Pete Rock can eat off of producing for others but they’d REALLY get paid if they toured that original material
Pete life is short real leaders humble themselves you and cl were the greatest hip hop duo ever dont take it personal dpnt rob yourself or the fans as the greatest comeback album ever because that's what it will ne. You and cl stay blessed.
My recommendation - Go work with Madlib or Preemo.
CL Needs that tour money..
100% madlib. Look what he did with Gibbs
9th Wonder 👀
Preemo won’t work with him cos he’s buddies with Pete.
People want Pete Rock and CL Smooth. Nothing else
What I think I’m hearing is Pete Rock professionally outgrew his half of “Pete Rock and CL Smooth”. Rock is a producer that people are hiring left and right. CL’s response is “well, that’s great and all, but what bout me, what bout the team??”. CL needs to try and create opportunities for himself so he doesn’t need Pete Rock.
Right! CL needs to just get his pen game back up cause I heard a project of CL Smooth of him rapping on a lot of industry beats and it was dope like “Hate It Or Love It” 50 Cent and The Game joint and I forgot the name of it but it’s called something “Freestyle Sessions”
CL was too controlling and got jealous when he saw Pete producing for other artist's , it is what it is!
@@deanivan3951 Imagine RZA producing outside of WU in the early days. C"mon man.
@@91Definite.. check the facts .. someone pressed charges on the other .. find that out and you will see where it went wrong ..🗽 hiphop .. well known fact
CL literally said that in this clip
The camel on the straw 😂😂😂
😂😂😂
🔥. THANKS SpeakingTheTruth...Cl Smooth
Pete Rock played yall songs when he was in Tokyo. We need a reunion CL
He's not "your producer" fam. Y'all a team. You never heard Guru speak about Premo like this. Guru found another lane so he could keep rockin' when Preme was tied up with other projects. And Premo NEVER put another artist above Guru. When it was time for Gang Starr to get busy, they locked in and got to work!! CL should have found another beat maker/producer to work with while Pete was tied up. He had a few other DOPE producers he could have worked with if his concern was about touring. Hell, he could have just got another DJ to spin the records while he performed.
Great take
Makes sense the way u typed that. However, from the way CL sounds, it’s goin much much deeper than “just getting another producer”. I agree with what u saying. I wouldn’t sit around waiting on Pete. If i gotta get my bread, i gotta try to make moves on my own without him.
They had issues.
Lots
You gotta remember gang starr had a whole catalog out before they started doing solo works so it's not even comparable,pete rock and cl smooth only having two albums and breaking up right when they're about to hit their stride is damaging especially if the industry treats the producer like a asset and thinks lesser of the mc.Plus dude hasn't really spoke on nothing in 30 years so if he not gon say anything now when is the best time?
@@mxhughesI was going to say this
I can dig what he’s saying. Real shit.
“All my friends that stayed the same ain’t wit me”…….FACTS 👊🏽
💯👏🏾
Love Pete Rock and CL Smooth so much. Take you there is my song, I finally found out who Trouble T Roy was recently and may he RIP
Pete Rock and CL Smooth carried me throughout my high school years. Even rapped on one of their beats and won a talent show. They were the dynamic duo. Dope beats and CL’s flow/voice was legendary.
One of my favorite mcs coming up
Reminisce is in my top 100 hip hop classics of all time….just a timeless classic piece yo. Peace to CL and Pete Rock
If I Was CL Smooth, I'd Would've Started Doing What Guru Did, Go Solo And Work With Other People. That's What Guru Did. Went Solo And Started His Jazzmatazz Album Series.....And Every One Of His Guru's Albums Was Solid And Classic. I Loved His Song "Watch What You Say" With Chaka Kahn Back In The Day. His Songs Was Classic!
With what money? You have to pay those people out of a smaller share of the album budget, while the guy who gets the lion's share doesn't even have to go on the road to tour to make money, unlike the artist. It's a bad deal, and one that the labels intentionally set up to create this environment. They benefit in the end.
C.L. had to carry the weight of writing all those 3 verse songs. Thats not a easy task. While Pete Rock ran up budget sampling songs. That's a good point.
“Pete Rock and CL Smooth; a household name.” - The Sun Won’t Come Out.
I am the biggest Pete Rock and CL Smooth fan. Just like Nore…wow. My heart hurts that they are not making music.
For the sake of Hip Hop, we need them.
One Love
Correction. I am lol
Wow …CL speakin got me really want a Pete Rock n CL Smooth album…I can hear the content in this interview
😂😂😂😂... Yo! CL. Smooth kept it so real. Same way he kept it on them songs. Pete and CL. Smooth Mecca and the Soul Brother, Straighten it Out, Shouts out to my brother. They'll never be another..TROUBLE T TROY ITS LIKETHAT YALL!!..😎😎😎😎😎🤨🤨🤨
💯💯🙏🏾🙏🏾
One of my favorites, always has & always will be. Can listen to him speak anytime, much love & respect to you OG.
I understand 100%
Damn I miss them. They were part of my high school days. When hip hop was hip hop!
He dropping gems 💯
"Whats next on the menu" love that song. Its a shame, so many rap duos/groups back then didn’t have their financial arrangements sorted out.
Dudes voice is perfect
His “tone” sounds a little like Busta (when he’s talking).
this snippet is going to make me watch the whole thing, right now.
Alchemist would be a perfect fit
Damn man. This touched my childhood as a grown ass man 😢
Yeah…that album is one of the finest ever made…I still rock that joint and he’s right we the fans never got another but maybe one of one is it…
CL should have did another deal as a solo artist, and then hired PR for production this would take the leverage that PR had on him as a group. This was an executive mishap that hampered CL’s career. He articulated this well in this interview. By the way you can still make this happen in 2024 send the beats and send back the lyrics for mixing it happens everyday.
Friendship creates deceptive obligation.. which in turn creates conflict.. it seems like they were 2 separate entities creating something special which the business got blurred by friendship
CL Smooth need some respect on his name he was spitting bars back then. Flow was crazy!
If you wasn't around when Pete Rock and CL was putting it down together you probably can't understand how ill there were! Those two cats together was IT!
I was six turning seven when Pete rock and cl smooth came out it was something special being a 90’s child
As a Fan I always wanted to know what happened to Pete Rock & CL Smooth. I always wanted to see them on tour. That's Respect! Showing 💕 from California.
I often wondered how GangStarr worked out this similar arrangement too because Premier was out producing for everyone at the same time, especially Nas.
lol The Star was different.
Primo was beating everybody up.
Guru still maintained his place.
Producers back in the day should have sleeping on CL’s porch…
To work with a lyricist whose words stands the test of time👈🏿🫡
they had the exact same issue ...Guru had to walk away and do jazzmatazz to make money when premier was high in demand.The only difference is that Gangstarr toured way more than PR and CL
They had their problems and would fight a lot as well. Guru wrote the song "Now You're Mine" about Premier.
@@Dwight2744wait what??
Straighten it out is one of my favorite beats and songs of all time
Peace everyone. Allow me to check in as a lifelong Pete Rock and CL Smooth fan. Please don't forget that, by the times PR&CL were getting notice as a duo, Pete was already known for many things: marley marl, heavy d's little cousin, (i think it lines up to say) already chilling with Da Bomb Squad, etc. Pete is also one of, if not thee, greatest sample based producer to ever live. Rapping to Pete, especially back then, wasn't an easy task. CL showed up every time. Few rappers could say that. But Pete as a solo entity seemed already in motion from before All Souled Out. I feel CL. He wanted PR&CL to be forever, like 99% of the population. It's a shame it didn't work out but even the Beatles split, EPMD (EPMD!!!!), etc. Making beats isn't easy either. Programming like Pete isn't easy. Trust me, I've spent the last 26 years trying. You've gotta stay home to do it, word to Brian Wilson. Just some random context. PR&CL was a tremendous success. It's also dope to see CL. Thank you for all of your contributions to this genre. Your voice and lyrics are a huge part of my adolescence and growth.
Thank you for that perspective!
I was born in 1988 and I had a big sister that was born in 1976 and when I was little in the 90s and the early 2000s she would call me CL Smooth. My initials are CL and I didn't realize she got it from his name until I was a little bit older of course which was the early 2000s. She passed away in 2003 so it's safe to say it was a lifetime ago since I found (much like most people on here found them) Pete Rock and CL smooth through one of the most anatomical songs that define Hip Hop to ever bless our ears and souls T.R.O.Y.!!!
is one of my first CDs as a little kid of hearing from Boston Massachusetts they had a good chemistry straight up I love Pete Rock and his mixing and CL smooth is great at rapping
CL JUS' DROPPIN' KNOWLEDGE CONSTANLY!!! I HOPE HE GETS HIS DUE PAYDAY!!!
I appreciate CL Smooth for giving us some insight to what was going on and I totally understand!! 😤 #Str8ghtenItOut
CL made a good point. He has go out on tour to get real money but Pete Rock can stay home and make real money in his studio by producing for other artist.
So did he expect Pete not to work with other artists , he should have gone n work with another producer
One of the realest conversations.
I'd like to see a reunion album happen, but Pete Rock is the reason it will never happen. Even in what he said on Drink Champs, he sneaked dissed CL. I've met them both and while CL is down to earth. Pete in my opinion isn't a people person and has got a rep of clashing with a whole bunch of artists. One of the best Hiphop producers and one of my favorites. But not a nice person at all. If I were CL. I'd move on to other producers like Madlib, 9th, Oh No, Khyrsis, and Alchemist to name a few. i'm not gonna keep asking a dude who obviously has a gripe with me. At this point, I think too much has happened between them for them to work together again.
DJ Premier begged them to get back together after Guru passed away. So they did but they end up arguing and maybe certain things came out from the past again
Exactly.
Pete is a legendary hip-hop producer BUT he has an abrasive personality.
Just look at the BS he tried to pull with Nas for the song they made together "The World is Yours" only to find out it wasn't Nas holding out on his royalty cheques but the label and he just sorta quieted out but he dragged that man's name in the mud for a little bit. You dig.
That's Pete for you really and it's no pun on him, that's just how some folks are.
Pete is a loner.
@@91Definite CL put hands on that man, ain't no coming back from that.
They have to create at least one more classic while they are both still here! 👍🏼
All time favorite group!!👑👑👑
Pete rock and cl smooth worldwide gods ❤❤
The moral of this story is, go back and listen to CL's music. It's worth it.
I needed to hear this cause Rock and CL are one of my favorite duos and its sad that they will never work together again and its SAD!!!!
C.L. Smooth, Grand Puba, Heavy D, All underated but are some of the best to ever do it! Much Love and I hope they fix the bridge and get back in the studio. P.R & C.L forever!