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These days it seems as though producers
want to be artists and artists want to be producers. Puff Daddy
started out as a producer, then he got the idea he could rap.
Jermaine Dupri is also a producer/rapper but, unlike Puffy, JD
was an artist before he became a super producer. While the artists
who have flipped from the microphone to the production boards
include Queen Latifah and Heavy D., Pete Rock is not new to the
hip-hop music world. Pete Rock & CL Smooth arrived in 1990
as the duo that brought us the hit "They Reminisce Over
You (T.R.O.Y)" and the albums "All Souled Out,"
"Mecca" and "Main Ingredient." In 1994 Pete
and CL delivered the news that caught fans and industry people
by surprise, Pete Rock and CL Smooth would be no more.
Pete Rock's CD, entitled "Soul Survivor,"
is his solo debut, and Rock adds the title of artist to his list
of accomplishments. Although his expertise as a rap artist isn't
the best, he manages to hold his own. As a producer, Pete Rock's
deftness is undeniable as evidenced by some of his past works,
as well as his current offering. His credits include the 1991
remix of Public Enemy's "Shut Em Down," the Run DMC
classic, "Down With The King," and the Naughty By Nature
hip-hop anthem, "Hip-Hop Hooray." "Soul Survivor,"
is the showcase in which Rock displays his mastery as a producer
and artist. Much credit is due to Rock for bringing back some
almost forgotten talents, including Carl McIntosh of Loose Ends
and Kool G Rap(minus DJ Polo).
The 1998 version of Marley Marl's "Truly
Yours" brings together Pete Rock, Kool G Rap and Large Professor.
Having been missing in action far too long, Large Professor and
Kool G prove they haven't lost their microphone prowess. The
talents of Pete as a producer aren't limited to hip-hop beats.
"Take Your Time" features Carl McIntosh and Jane Eugene
of Loose Ends. The mix of Jane's sexy vocals, and the soulful
voice of Carl over the tight R&B groove, made this a repeat
track. "Mind Blowin" and "Soul Survivor"
follow in the R&B groove. Vinia Mojica is singing the hook
on "Mind Blowin," and here, Rock's rap flow is in its
element. The smooth R&B beat of "Soul Survivor"
could have been better served if Miss Jones had been allowed
to sing the entire song, instead of just singing the hook. Please
me, don't tease me!
Any fan of the early Pete Rock and CL Smooth
material, will appreciate the song entitled "Da Two,"
which features CL Smooth. This may be the closest thing to an
actual reunion, but then again, maybe not! If you listen to the
hook carefully, one could easily make the assumption that more
is being said than is actually spoken. "Soul Survivor,"
with its inclusion of such varied artists as MC Eiht, Big Pun,
Heavy D, Beenie Man and many more, will easily please any fan
of "true" hip-hop. |
