Pete Rock is, without question, one of the unsung legends of Hip Hop. The Bronx-born and Mt. Vernon-raised New York native earned his spot in the pantheon of Hip Hop’s greats by using elements of Jazz and Funk, to create classic Hip Hop music.

After rising to fame as one half of the critically acclaimed rap duo, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Pete Rock built and maintained a worldwide following, both as an artist, and a producer. With almost 20 years in the game, and a lengthy resume full of Hip Hop’s biggest names you would think he’d have no reason to keep pushing. But when you live what you love, there’s always more work to be done. Pete Rock is back once again with his new album, NY’s Finest. Not because he needs it, but because he loves it.

HipHopDX: What made you want to release another solo album?
Pete Rock: I feel like there’s a balance missing in Hip Hop today, on radio and videos. I wanted to come back and teach the young kids about who I am and what I’ve done in the rap game. Try to steer them, or anyone who’s looking to get into Hip Hop music, in the right direction.

DX: In one of his rhymes Kanye called himself the new version of Pete Rock. Are you ever bothered when people mention you they talk about you like you’re not still active in Hip Hop?
PR: Hell no. I never left and I’ll always be in the game. It just shows me that my work wasn’t done in vain and I inspired a lot of cats. I can’t take it no other way. The only thing is I don’t like to be talked about like I’m not here. I been here, making beats. I got stuff on Keyshia Coles’ new album, Styles P’s new album, I’m working with LL Cool J right now, did work for 50 Cent. Right now I’m just concentrating on putting good music back out there. I took my time getting back out, but I never left.

DX: Technology is making it easier everyday for almost anybody to be a rapper or a producer. How do you feel that affects the quality of the music?
PR: I think it’s a good thing. It’s not what you got it’s how you use it. I’m a vinyl guy myself. But you don’t want to carry records through airports because they’ll fuck up your shit, so I carry the laptop and I’m all good. There’s a certain sound that comes from vinyl. They can’t make that vinyl sound or the feel when you’re deejaying a party. Just the feeling of rubbing vinyl is one of the best things in the world. But all the new age stuff is cool. It all comes down to how you use it, what sound you’re going for, and, most importantly, your reasons for doing it.

DX: What is your process like when creating music?
PR: I go in my music room, probably got a little something burning, and just listen to shit and let my imagination go. Sometimes I go in there with an idea in my head and sometimes something will just come to me real quick but either way once I get started it just flows. I been doing this for so long that it just happens for me. I mastered it. Whether I’m sampling, playing the keyboard or whatever, it’s a real easy time for me.

DX: Do the rhymes come as easy as the beat or is that something different?
PR: The rhyming part is different. And to be honest, I think I love that a little more than the music but they’re both part of Hip Hop. I love to rhyme. I’m not a Biggie, who was immaculate with the rhymes, but I’m good enough to get the point across and entertain people while they’re listening to what I’m saying. For instance, a dude like Swizz Beatz, the type of music he makes, when you’re in the club and to see what happens, peoples reactions when one of his beats comes on is crazy. You get a whole new respect for him.

DX: When working on the new album, did you consciously choose who you were going to use or did you just try different things with different people?
PR: I just wanted to work with people who had the same love for the type of music I make. I look for those artists who feel the type of music I make. My whole thing in ’08 is to work with people that want to work with me and vice versa. Being that the game has changed and artists don’t work the same ways that they used to. So it’s kind of strange when I find myself e-mailing cats beats now instead of sitting with the artists and really going through the music. But I only dealt with people who have the same love for this that I do.

DX: Lately you hear a lot of people talking about the differences between a beat-maker and producer. How do you feel about the uses of each title?
PR: It’s all the same thing. People always try to devise a new meaning to an old word. It may be appropriate in some situations, but not always. Like I’m a beat-maker and a producer, so what am I? There’s no new word, you’re a producer. But I think what cats are trying to say is, being versatile in your music counts. Don’t pigeonhole yourself into one genre. Don’t be afraid to step out of the box and try new things. If you can make different types of beats, Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Jazz, then you’re a top notch producer. Continued on page 2 »