Pete Rock and C. L. Smooth are rappers well respected for both their own work and RockÆs production of other rap acts. The duo met in their teens in "money-earninÆ" Mount Vernon, home of such hip-hop stars as Al B. Sure! and Heavy D. They began recording raps on RockÆs cassette player after school, until Eddie F., the most popular local DJ and a budding producer, brought them to his 12-track. Eddie put Rock and Smooth on a remix of Johnny GillÆs gold single "Rub U the Right Way," which eventually landed them their first gig outside their neighborhood, in Madison Square Garden with Gill.
Mecca & the Soul Brother was praised for its honest stories of urban romance and living and for RockÆs mix of jazz, R&B, and reggae. "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" (#10 R&B, 1992) was a #1 rap hit. Two years later The Main Ingredient peaked at #9 on the R&B chart. Rock has also produced records by Kid æn Play, Shabba Ranks, and Heavy D.
Formed 1984, Mount Vernon, New York
Pete Rock (b. Peter Phillips, June 21, 1970, Mount Vernon), voc.;
C. L. Smooth (b. Corey Penn, Oct. 8, 1968, New Rochelle, NY.), DJ.
1992 -- Mecca & the Soul Brother (Elektra)
1994 -- The Main Ingredient
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