pete rock & c.l. smooth ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

C.L. Smooth Returns In A Verse With Rough Words

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

October 17, 2023 Audio

Common & Pete Rock Are Working On A Joint Album

Common has announced an upcoming collaboration album with Pete Rock. Speaking with MSNBC’s The Beat With Ari Melber, Common said, “I [have] been listening to a lot of ’90s Hip Hop because I [have] been creating a new project. I’m working on a new album with Pete Rock and just,... Read more

September 13, 2023 News

C.L. Smooth Delivers 1 Of His Best Verses In Years Alongside Blu

In the mid-2000s, C.L. Smooth released two independent solo albums. The New Rochelle, New York MC had previously dropped three acclaimed projects with his partner Pete Rock and feature work with Johnny Gill and DJ Krush before cultivating his own catalog. In the last decade, The Mecca Don has chosen... Read more

August 27, 2023 Audio

Diamond D Names His Top 5 Hip-Hop Producers

Today (August 19), Diamond D released his latest album, THE REAR VIEW. The 15-song collection (embedded below) finds the veteran MC/producer flexing his MC chops while playing double duty behind the boards as producer. It features Westside Gunn, De La Soul's Posdnuos, and Diamond's latest protege, Ashtin Martin. The Bronx, New... Read more

August 19, 2022 Exclusive, Interview, Video

Pete Rock & Funkmaster Flex Are Battling Over The Future Of NY Hip-Hop

In the last week, a battle has been going on surrounding Hip-Hop radio in New York. The series of events began with an Instagram Live monologue from Conway The Machine, one of Rap's most promising and acclaimed MCs as of late. The Machine vented frustrations with media gatekeepers, especially on the radio.... Read more

July 19, 2022 Video

Funkmaster Flex Accuses Pete Rock Of Snitching On C.L. Smooth

Earlier this week, Conway The Machine criticized New York City DJs in an Instagram Live video. In particular, the Griselda lyricist and Drumwork Records founder knocked DJ Suss One and Funkmaster Flex by name for their failure to support Hip-Hop music like his—despite being reported fans. As Funk Flex responded... Read more

July 15, 2022 Fresh, News

Pete Rock Blasts Funkmaster Flex For Not Supporting Real Hip-Hop

At the top of this week, Conway The Machine spoke out against several gatekeepers of Hip-Hop at radio. In particular, the Buffalo, New York MC named Funkmaster Flex and DJ Suss One in an Instagram Live monologue venting frustrating with what gets played on radio. Funk Flex responded to Conway... Read more

July 13, 2022 Fresh, News

Pete Rock Blasts Diddy For Disrespecting His Name

Two of Hip-Hop's most significant Mount Vernon, New York representatives are Pete Rock and Diddy—along with Heavy D & The Boyz. Both artists worked closely with Heavy, who is Pete's cousin to give "money-earnin' Mount Vernon" its recognition through music. Years after they cemented the city, there are also ongoing... Read more

June 28, 2022 News

Black Thought Shows He Really Is Every MC On An Unreleased Roots Song

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it's ever been. Not only can we go back and... Read more

June 26, 2021 Audio

C.L. Smooth Drops New Music & Opens Up About His Relationship With Pete Rock (Video)

C.L. Smooth was a guest on Sway In The Morning this week. The veteran MC/producer released two solo singles, "Too Cold" and "Just In Town" (embedded below) in 2019. While on the show, the buttery-voiced rapper discussed the standing of his relationship with Pete Rock. During the 1990s, Pete Rock... Read more

December 4, 2019 Video

Ras Kass Recruits Pete Rock For Some Ice Cold Soul (Video)

Ras Kass has steadily dropped quality material since he came on the scene in the mid-1990s. Soul On Ice 2 is an important album in a respected discography, especially since it was first announced three years ago. When this sequel to 1996's cult-lauded original was released at the beginning of... Read more

October 15, 2019 Video

Skyzoo & Pete Rock’s Album Is Coming Soon. Here’s The 1st Single & Featured Artists

In less than six weeks, Pete Rock & Skyzoo are releasing a joint album. Retropolitan pairs the Brooklyn MC with the Mount Vernon producer, DJ and rapper. After first reported at the top of the year, new details have emerged surrounding the Mello Music Group album as well as its... Read more

August 12, 2019 Audio

Nas Celebrates Prodigy & Queens On A Stellar Pete Rock Track (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it’s ever been. Not only are we able to... Read more

July 19, 2019 Audio

Pete Rock Recreates “They Reminisce Over You” Behind The Turntables (Video)

Last Wednesday (May 22) at New York City's Chelsea Music Hall, Pete Rock celebrated the release of his latest instrumental album, The Return Of The SP1200, with a party. Of course, Rock had to show off his DJing skills and have some fun of his own. He jammed with a... Read more

May 25, 2019 Exclusive, Video

Here’s The Story Behind The All-Star Cypher That Ended The Arsenio Hall Show

Twenty-five years ago this month, The Arsenio Hall Show dimmed the lights on a massive television platform, especially for Hip-Hop. Since early 1989, the actor/comedian/host planted his flag with a new kind of late-night talk-show with a penchant for the issues, people, and culture that inspired him. From M.C. Hammer... Read more

May 23, 2019 Throwback, Throwback, TV, TV/Film, Video

Nas’ Illmatic Turns 25. This New Mix Reminds Why It Might Be Hip-Hop’s Greatest Album

Twenty-five years ago today (April 19), Nas released the album that future generations will likely use to measure Rap greatness. At the age of 20, Nasir Jones delivered Illmatic, a 10-track coming of age reflection that pulled images from Rotten Apple-era New York City, emphasized dreams of being a Rap... Read more

April 19, 2019 Audio, Mixes

Skyzoo & Pete Rock Are Making A Collaborative Album

Last week, legendary producer Pete Rock revealed that he plans to release The Return Of The SP1200. Named after the iconic Emu Systems sampler, the compilation project will include beats that Pete says he made between 1990 and 1998, but never used. JayLib/Beat Junkies member J. Rocc will provide scratches... Read more

January 7, 2019 News

Pete Rock Is Dropping An Album Of Unreleased Beats From The ’90s

Legendary producer, rapper, and DJ Pete Rock helped cement a culture of Instrumental Hip-Hop releases. Since the first volume of Petestrumentals, the Mount Vernon, New Yorker helped shine a light on cohesive album-making without MCs on the track. The first Petestrumentals, released in 2001, followed the 1990s where Pete Rock... Read more

January 4, 2019 News

Finding The GOAT Group: Run-D.M.C. vs. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for... Read more

August 20, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Pete Rock Says Biggie Wanted The Main Ingredient Interlude Beats For His Album (Audio)

UPDATE: Pete Rock clarified today's earlier report regarding his Touré Show interview. The legendary producer, MC, and DJ points out that it is 1994's Main Ingredient, and not Mecca & Soul Brother, whose interlude beats Biggie Smalls wanted: it was main ingredient not mecca ????????‍♂️ — PETEROCK.COM (@PeteRock) August 9,... Read more

August 8, 2018 Audio, Throwback

Here Are The 16 Hip-Hop Groups Competing To Be Named The Best Of All-Time

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot was reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

August 5, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Group: The Pharcyde vs. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for... Read more

July 30, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Group: Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth vs. Camp Lo. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to... Read more

May 14, 2018 Best Hip-Hop Group, Finding the GOAT

Luke Cage Season 2 Episodes Are Titled After Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Songs

Fans of Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth now have more incentive to watch the upcoming season of Luke Cage. Viewers of the Marvel series know that its soundtrack is heavily inspired by 1980s and 1990s Hip-Hop. Launching June 22, all of Season 2's episodes are titled after Pete Rock &... Read more

March 7, 2018 TV, TV/Film

Do Remember When AZ & Pete Rock Made A Gem That Was Rather Unique (Audio)

Almost exactly a year and a half after his show-stopping appearance on Nas' Illmatic, AZ Tha Visualiza released his debut album, Doe Or Die. In October of 1995, AZ carefully refrained from any further features between his 5-mic debut and his solo set-up. Fans were starving, and the East New... Read more

February 15, 2018 Do Remember

Ambrosia For Heads Presents: G.O.A.T. Producers – The Pete Rock Edition (Playlist)

Ambrosia For Heads' G.O.A.T. Producers series takes in-depth looks at the production discographies of some of Hip-Hop and R&B's greatest of all-time producers. As part of an exclusive partnership with Pandora, each installment explores the hits, the deep cuts, the rarities, the remixes and more. This edition showcases the production catalog... Read more

January 16, 2018 Audio, Video

MC Lyte, Bahamadia & Yo-Yo’s Pete Rock-Produced Cut Still Speaks Today (Audio)

It’s not all that uncommon for a soundtrack to outshine the movie it was created to accompany. Twenty-one years ago, when the Ice Cube flick, Dangerous Ground was released, the exclusively Rap soundtrack may have stood a bigger test of time than the film itself. Although Cube’s “The World Is... Read more

January 11, 2018 Do Remember

Pete Rock & J Dilla Birthed A Beat Generation That Shaped The Future (Audio)

Within the space of three months in 2001, two of Hip-Hop’s preeminent producers, J Dilla and Pete Rock were in a kind of competition, and this led to the release of two ground-breaking albums that would shape the sound of the genre for the next decade and beyond. According to... Read more

January 4, 2018 Do Remember

DJ Premier Says He & Pete Rock May Be Exclusively Producing De La Soul’s Next Album (Video)

DJ Premier has had one of his busiest years in recent memory. The Gang Starr member released and produced albums by MC Eiht and Torii Wolf. He just followed those efforts with a video collaboration with A$AP Ferg, helping relaunch '90s Hip-Hop source Payday Records. Preemo is the latest guest... Read more

December 11, 2017 News, Video

Pete Rock Goes Hard In The Paint At Waka Flocka For Disrespecting Hip-Hop’s OGs

At the top of this month, rapper Waka Flocka Flame appeared in a lengthy video interview with the ThisIs50 staff. Among a host of topics, the gold-certified rapper defended his generation and faulted Hip-Hop's older community for not properly informing him and his peers about the industry, and providing necessary information. Around... Read more

November 19, 2017 News, Video

Digable Planets Made Jazz-Rap Cool Like Dat For Just About Everybody (Video)

Late, great Gang Starr lyricist Guru ambitiously declared "The '90s will be the decade of a Jazz thing" on the Mo' Better Blues soundtrack single named just that. Jazz-Rap was still an anomaly when groups like Public Enemy, N.W.A., and Boogie Down Productions were pulling extensively from '60s and '70s... Read more

November 9, 2017 Do Remember

Pete Rock Dusts Off His Mic & Performs “One In A Million” With The Soul Rebels Band (Video)

Pete Rock and his latest partner in rhyme, Harlem's Smoke DZA performed a B.K. show last month with a band, The Soul Rebels—who headlined the Brooklyn Bowl event. In this footage shared exclusively with Ambrosia For Heads, viewers beyond B.K. get a taste of live band synergy, two MCs, and a... Read more

September 20, 2017 Exclusive, Video

Pete Rock & DJ Premier Compare Stories On Producing Jay Z, Nas & Biggie (Video)

DJ Premier and Pete Rock are reportedly working on a joint album. The two producers have shared credits, each producing classic singles for Nas' Illmatic. They've also positioned tracks alongside one another on LPs by Heavy D & The Boyz, Rakim, and Non-Phixion, among others. Even when they compete, the... Read more

March 16, 2017 Video

Finding The GOAT Producer: Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

March 3, 2017 Finding the GOAT

The Final 4 Of Hip-Hop’s Greatest Producers Has Been Determined By YOU.

Today (February 28), Round 3 voting closed for “Finding The GOAT Producer.” This competition, launched in early January, beginning with 32 producers (including two Wild Card inductees into the bracket). The 32 eventually became a pack of 16, then an Elite 8, and now reaches its Final 4 in this... Read more

February 28, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: Pete Rock vs. D.I.T.C. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer," the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 8, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: The Sweet 16 Has Been Determined

Last night (February 5), Round 1 voting closed for "Finding The GOAT Producer." That round, launched in early January, began with 32 producers (including two Wild Card inductees into the bracket). As of today's tiebreaker between Organized Noize vs. Erick Sermon (which was within less than 1% when the polls closed),... Read more

February 6, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: Pete Rock vs. 9th Wonder. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

January 26, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Rick Ross & Smoke DZA Roll Like Superheroes On A Pete Rock Track (Video)

One of the most exciting collaborations of Smoke DZA & Pete Rock's 2016 release Don't Smoke Rock is "Black Superhero Car." This song pairs Rick Ross over "Chocolate Boy Wonder" production for the first time in his career. Ross, who has long been an advocate of Smoke DZA's, sounds great... Read more

January 25, 2017 Video

Skillz’s 2016 Rap Up Reminds Us Of The Year’s Highs, Lows & Reasons To Stay Woke (Audio)

2016 is coming to a close. Years from now, how will we, the people, remember such an expansive year in Hip-Hop music, news, and culture? This year, some of the biggest MCs in the genre released new albums. Several of these efforts came in short notice, challenging new distribution platforms... Read more

December 30, 2016 Food for Thought

Pete Rock Discusses His Smoke DZA Collabo Album & Who Would Be In His Dream Band (Video)

Last Friday (December 2), Smoke DZA & Pete Rock released their first collaborative album, Don't Smoke Rock. The Babygrande Records LP features Rick Ross, Royce 5'9", Jadakiss, Mac Miller, Styles P, Big K.R.I.T., and Cam'ron (among others) on 13 brand-new Pete Rock productions. DZA, who has known Pete since he... Read more

December 5, 2016 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Video

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Have An “Awesome” Third Album Coming In 2017

Last month, A Tribe Called Quest released its first album in 18 years. We got it from Here...Thank You 4 Your service featured the founding three MCs of the Queens, New York collective. The Epic Records LP debuted at #1, setting a new feat for the genre. Pete Rock &... Read more

December 1, 2016 News, Video

Rick Ross Raps On His First Pete Rock Track & Smokes It (Audio)

On Rick Ross's most recent album, 2015's Black Market, he notably recruited DJ Premier for some scratches. In '16, Rozay works with another legendary DJ/producer, blessing a Pete Rock track, from P.R. and Smoke DZA's Don't Smoke Rock collaborative LP (December 2). "Black Superhero Car" is reminiscent of Wale, Jadakiss,... Read more

November 22, 2016 Audio

Snyp Life Reps Mount Vernon & Salutes Heavy D On A Pete Rock Production (Video)

D-Block representative Snyp Life recently dropped some visuals for his Pete Rock-produced, head nod-inducing banger “Oh No,” featuring a catchy, melodic hook from Sheek Louch, that Ambrosia For Heads gave the first listen to in September. The video takes viewers on a tour of Mount Vernon, New York, Snyp’s hometown,... Read more

November 8, 2016 Video

Pete Rock Comments On Who REALLY Invented The Remix (Video)

Since debuting Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth music in 1990, producer/MC/DJ Pete Rock has always been known to speak on his records. Songs like Nas' "The World Is Yours," his group's own "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)," and AZ's "Rather Unique" all feature notable background vocals from the Mount Vernon,... Read more

October 26, 2016 Video

Ren Thomas Believes He’s Been Nice. This Pete Rock-Produced Single Wants To Show You (Video)

Ren Thomas is an MC who has divided his years between Philly and neighboring New Jersey. Following a recent standout freestyle appearance and interview on Sway In The Morning, the Lord Sear (Shade 45) co-signed lyricist marches towards a self-titled debut album, dropping later this year. Last year, Ren released... Read more

October 25, 2016 Ready Or Not

The LOX Blaze A Path For D-Block’s Snyp Life With Pete Rock & Beatnuts Jams (Audio)

Throughout their careers, The LOX—collectively and individually—have had an ear for great beats. Songs like Jadakiss' Alchemist-produced "We Gonna Make It," Styles P's Ayatollah-laced "The Life," and the trio's DJ Premier-conducted "Recognize" have defined their aesthetic. Sheek Louch, Jada', and Holiday Styles have never lost sight of that purest Hip-Hop... Read more

September 22, 2016 Audio

9th Wonder Makes A Powerful Case For Tolerance Between Generations In Hip-Hop

In recent weeks, there have been several incidents, primarily on social media, that suggest a generational divide within Hip-Hop. Three of the biggest breakout stars of the last year ran into isolated incidents, and collided with some of Rap's veterans. Beyond simply music, age played a factor in the conflicts... Read more

September 14, 2016 Food for Thought

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Approved This Best-Of Mix & You Will Too (Audio)

Not many groups (in any genre) can warrant a "Best Of" off of just two albums and an EP. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth are a clear exception. Between 1991 and 1994, the New York City Hip-Hop duo released just a few handfuls of songs. That material left a lasting... Read more

August 30, 2016 Mixes, Throwback, Throwback

Sadat X & Pete Rock’s Cold Collab Is Just The Tip Of An Album Iceberg (Lyric Video)

After a career that spans more than 25 years, classic singles, 5 mic reviews, and key collaborations, celebrated MC Sadat X is preparing his latest solo album. The Brand Nubian co-founder's latest release is July 15's Agua, his first venture with Tommy Boy Entertainment. A concept 18-track LP (themed around... Read more

June 16, 2016 Video