Pete Rock & CL Smooth are one of the most influential hip hop duos of all time, known for their smooth production and socially conscious lyrics. They emerged in the early 90s during the golden era of hip hop, releasing their debut album “Mecca and the Soul Brother” in 1992. Their sound was heavily influenced by jazz, soul, and funk, and their collaboration resulted in some of the most timeless and revered hip hop tracks of all time.
In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 best Pete Rock & CL Smooth songs of all time. From their early classics like “The Creator” and “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” to their later hits like “Take You There” and “The Main Ingredient,” we will delve into the discography of this legendary duo and highlight their most memorable and impactful tracks. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this article is the perfect guide to discovering or rediscovering the music of Pete Rock & CL Smooth.
1. They Reminisce Over You
“They Reminisce Over You” is perhaps the most iconic song in Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s discography. Released in 1992, the track is a tribute to their friend and former collaborator, Trouble T Roy, who tragically passed away in a freak accident. The song’s jazzy piano sample, taken from Tom Scott’s “Today,” provides the perfect backdrop for CL Smooth’s heartfelt lyrics, which reflect on their shared memories with their fallen friend. Pete Rock’s production skills shine through in the song’s masterful arrangement, as he weaves together horns, drums, and scratches into a seamless and soulful groove. “They Reminisce Over You” is a timeless classic that has resonated with fans for decades, and it continues to be a testament to the enduring legacy of Pete Rock & CL Smooth.
2. Grown Man Sport
“Grown Man Sport” is a standout track from Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s 1994 album “The Main Ingredient.” The song’s smooth and jazzy production, featuring a sample from Roy Ayers’ “Ain’t Got Time,” perfectly complements CL Smooth’s smooth and confident delivery. The lyrics touch on themes of perseverance and hard work, as CL Smooth raps about his rise to success in the music industry and the challenges he faced along the way. Pete Rock’s production skills are on full display in “Grown Man Sport,” as he incorporates a range of instruments and samples to create a rich and textured sound. The song’s catchy chorus, “this is grown man sport, no games,” has become a fan favorite and a testament to Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s enduring influence on hip hop.
3. After The Storm (Pete Rock Remix)
“After The Storm” is a standout track from singer Kali Uchis’ 2018 album “Isolation,” but the Pete Rock remix takes the song to new heights. Featuring a guest verse from Tyler, The Creator and vocals from legendary funk musician Bootsy Collins, the remix blends together a range of genres and influences. Pete Rock’s production is characteristically smooth and soulful, as he layers together lush strings, jazzy horns, and a funky bassline to create a rich and textured sound. Tyler, The Creator’s verse adds a playful and humorous touch to the track, while Kali Uchis’ vocals soar above it all. “After The Storm” is a testament to Pete Rock’s ability to infuse new life into a track and take it in unexpected directions.
4. Straighten It Out
“Straighten It Out” is a classic track from Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s debut album “Mecca and the Soul Brother,” released in 1992. The song’s smooth and mellow groove, featuring a sample from “Ike’s Mood I” by Isaac Hayes, provides the perfect backdrop for CL Smooth’s smooth and confident delivery. The lyrics touch on themes of social justice and self-improvement, as CL Smooth encourages listeners to “straighten it out” and rise above the challenges of everyday life. Pete Rock’s production skills are on full display in “Straighten It Out,” as he incorporates a range of samples and instruments to create a rich and soulful sound. The song has become a fan favorite and a testament to Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s enduring influence on hip hop.
5. Fakin Jax
“Fakin Jax” is a standout track from Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s second album “The Main Ingredient,” released in 1994. The song’s funky and upbeat production, featuring a sample from Lou Donaldson’s “Turtle Walk,” perfectly complements CL Smooth’s smooth and confident flow. The lyrics touch on themes of authenticity and integrity, as CL Smooth calls out those who pretend to be something they’re not. Pete Rock’s production skills are once again on full display in “Fakin Jax,” as he blends together a range of samples and instruments to create a rich and textured sound. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious groove have made it a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring legacy of Pete Rock & CL Smooth.
6. Step Up
“Step Up” is a lesser-known track from Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s debut album “Mecca and the Soul Brother,” released in 1992. The song’s laid-back and jazzy production, featuring a sample from Bobbi Humphrey’s “Jasper Country Man,” provides the perfect backdrop for CL Smooth’s smooth and introspective lyrics. The song’s message encourages listeners to take control of their lives and strive for success, as CL Smooth raps “you gotta step up and stand out in your own way.” Pete Rock’s production skills are once again on full display in “Step Up,” as he blends together a range of samples and instruments to create a lush and textured sound. Although it may not be as well-known as some of their other tracks, “Step Up” is a hidden gem in Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s discography that deserves recognition.
7. A Little Soul
“A Little Soul” is a poignant and introspective track from Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s second album “The Main Ingredient,” released in 1994. The song’s smooth and mellow production, featuring a sample from “Try a Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding, provides the perfect backdrop for CL Smooth’s heartfelt and personal lyrics. The song explores themes of lost love and personal growth, as CL Smooth reflects on a failed relationship and the lessons he learned from it. Pete Rock’s production skills are once again on full display in “A Little Soul,” as he blends together a range of samples and instruments to create a rich and textured sound. The song’s emotional resonance and thoughtful lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring legacy of Pete Rock & CL Smooth.
8. Think Twice
“Think Twice” is a standout track from Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s debut album “Mecca and the Soul Brother,” released in 1992. The song’s smooth and jazzy production, featuring a sample from Donald Byrd’s “Think Twice,” provides the perfect backdrop for CL Smooth’s introspective and socially conscious lyrics. The song’s message encourages listeners to think critically and question authority, as CL Smooth raps “think twice before you step into the realm.” Pete Rock’s production skills are once again on full display in “Think Twice,” as he blends together a range of samples and instruments to create a lush and textured sound. The song’s thought-provoking lyrics and infectious groove have made it a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring legacy of Pete Rock & CL Smooth.
9. Square One
“Square One” is a standout track from Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s second album “The Main Ingredient,” released in 1994. The song’s smooth and jazzy production, featuring a sample from “All This Love” by DeBarge, provides the perfect backdrop for CL Smooth’s introspective and thought-provoking lyrics. The song’s message encourages listeners to reflect on their past mistakes and strive for personal growth, as CL Smooth raps “sometimes you gotta start at square one.” Pete Rock’s production skills are once again on full display in “Square One,” as he blends together a range of samples and instruments to create a rich and textured sound. The song’s catchy chorus and introspective lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring legacy of Pete Rock & CL Smooth.
10. We Roll
“We Roll” is a standout track from Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s third album “The Main Ingredient,” released in 1994. The song’s upbeat and funky production, featuring a sample from “Just Rite” by T-Connection, provides the perfect backdrop for CL Smooth’s confident and boastful lyrics. The song’s message celebrates their success and the hard work that got them there, as CL Smooth raps “the main ingredient to success is heart, plus hard work and dedication from the start.” Pete Rock’s production skills are once again on full display in “We Roll,” as he blends together a range of samples and instruments to create a rich and textured sound. The song’s infectious groove and catchy chorus have made it a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring legacy of Pete Rock & CL Smooth.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
