Pete Rock, CL Smooth Reunite, Perform in London
Pete Rock and CL Smooth reunited last week to perform in London's Relentlentless Garage in Highbury. After the show, the duo appeared on the Dan Greenpeace radio show to talk about Wendy Williams' role in breaking their first single, "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y)," the Sylvia Rhone era of Elektra Records, and the feeling of performing onstage.
"Wendy Williams was the first one [to play our music]" said CL. "I remember her distinct words on the air. She was like 'Oh my God, I love this! Oh my God Pete Rock and CL Smooth, these new guys!"
They explained that the change of administration within their old record label Elektra in the mid 90s led to a huge change in Hip Hop, for the worst.
Pete said, "What happened back then--not to talk bad about anyone--but I think when Sylvia Rhone came in the picture is when things started going haywire. And all the real rap groups that were once part of Elektra were no more. So, it was like a change that was coming to Hip Hop music. And it was about the dance and the club hits. But at the same time, we still practiced our craft and made other records and still put out our stuff independently. We didn't bank on any more majors once we got off of Elektra."
With their most recent (yet brief) reunion, the two artists say that being on stage is still an addicting experience.
"It's nostalgic," said CL. "It's almost like an out of body experience…When you're by yourself and you're performing it's cool and you enjoy it, but when you're with that group it's like you're with the Beatles. It's just awesome…like you don't have to try hard, it's just natural."
Despite their working together, both artists expressed that they did not know what would come out of this most recent reunion tour.
"I enjoy not knowing [what's going to happen in the future], said Pete. "I don't want to know what's around the corner. I just want to think positive, and by the time I turn the corner, I hope that there's something beautiful in the basket."
"Wendy Williams was the first one [to play our music]" said CL. "I remember her distinct words on the air. She was like 'Oh my God, I love this! Oh my God Pete Rock and CL Smooth, these new guys!"
They explained that the change of administration within their old record label Elektra in the mid 90s led to a huge change in Hip Hop, for the worst.
Pete said, "What happened back then--not to talk bad about anyone--but I think when Sylvia Rhone came in the picture is when things started going haywire. And all the real rap groups that were once part of Elektra were no more. So, it was like a change that was coming to Hip Hop music. And it was about the dance and the club hits. But at the same time, we still practiced our craft and made other records and still put out our stuff independently. We didn't bank on any more majors once we got off of Elektra."
With their most recent (yet brief) reunion, the two artists say that being on stage is still an addicting experience.
"It's nostalgic," said CL. "It's almost like an out of body experience…When you're by yourself and you're performing it's cool and you enjoy it, but when you're with that group it's like you're with the Beatles. It's just awesome…like you don't have to try hard, it's just natural."
Despite their working together, both artists expressed that they did not know what would come out of this most recent reunion tour.
"I enjoy not knowing [what's going to happen in the future], said Pete. "I don't want to know what's around the corner. I just want to think positive, and by the time I turn the corner, I hope that there's something beautiful in the basket."
one moment...
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Comments 17 posts
Nizzle Hizzle:
One of the best live shows ive seen point blank. Big up Skinnyman for reminding the crowd of MJ was a pheado
BeatByPoundz:
That's real, they love our shit over there more than we do here!
mcmastermind:
best beat ever and one of the best songs ever made. great to see these two get back together. Greatness for hip hop.
TKDaMan75:
My favorite duo, in rap, r&b, country, oldschool, soul, rock, metal, pop, neo, or pick your pwn! The greatest...
GregRodgers87:
NICO Said....."At least they had one hit"......
Are you crazy or just in the words of Ace and Edo..."Lil Young".
Pete Rock and CL had....
TROY, Straighten it out, I get Physical, Its not a game, Searchin, I gotta Love, One in a million, Mecca and the Soul Brother, Take you there, Lots of Lovin and Back on da Block to name a few.
These two are regarded as one of the most influential rap groups in hip hop.
Study up a bit and read the responses. People have been feenin' for these two to bury their beef for 14 yrs and make another gem because apart they are ok together they shine!
agro-mc:
HELL YEAH, I cant be happier !!!!!
harris89:
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The greatest MC/producer duo is back!!!!!!!! I hope...
kpanilaryea28:
please pee rock and cl bless hip hop with a new cd pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaase!!
inspirmentalist:
classic
G':
bout damn time I say! Great news even for a second
DocRoc:
anyone talking foul about pete rock is playing themselves!
hiphopzilla:
OMG FUCKING YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! In my humble opinion one of the greatest duos they have not dropped one track together that is not a classic.
Nico 2:
Gangsta rap took alot of artists like Pete Rock and CL Smooth out of the picture. But at least they had one hit and are still recognizable, or else they wouldn't be in London doing shows. Good for them.
Harold L Carson, Jr:
One song?! One song??!!! C'mon my man, check ya history...
JOE6PACKNCGBORO336:
THATS WHATS UP
kay666:
i saw them live the first time they reunited. very disappointing. like watching 2 old guys trying to get it together live.
Rampzie:
When did this happen?!! Shit man if I knew I would've went to it.