pete rock Archives

Diamond D Gets Pete Rock to Step From the Boards and to the Mic (Audio)

Diamond D, the double-threat producer/MC from the Diggin' in the Crates crew, taps another multi-talented Hip-Hop legend for his latest single. Pete Rock steps away from the boards and to the mic on "Only Way to Go." Check it out. Diamond D's new album, The Diam Piece, drops on 9/30.... Read more

August 14, 2014 Audio

Pete Rock, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Pharoahe Monch & More Remember J. Dilla As He Enters The Smithsonian

Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey recently sat down with The Huffington Post to discuss her son, the late J. Dilla, and his recent enshrinement into The Smithsonian alongside his signature beat making equipment. m, In it, the affectionately nicknamed Ma Dukes highlighted their musically inclined family, his early experiences with instruments,... Read more

August 13, 2014 Fresh

Pete Rock On Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city Follow-Up? Yep

Pete Rock is an esteemed source of inspiration within Black Hippy. After all, Ab-Soul (who worked on 80 Blocks From Tiffany's) has a tattoo of the Mount Vernon, New York artist known for making some seminal 1990s songs alongside then-partner CL Smooth. However, Kendrick Lamar is also up on things.... Read more

August 12, 2014 Fresh

De La Soul’s Next Mixtape Is Produced Entirely By DJ Premier & Pete Rock

In March, De La Soul hipped Heads to the fact that Smell The Da.I.S.Y , their mixtape which featured strictly J. Dilla beats, was only the beginning, as far as 2014 is concerned. Posdnous, Dave, and Maseo are hard at work on the group's eighth studio album, rumored to be... Read more

August 5, 2014 Fresh

From One Soul Brother To Another, Pete Rock Salutes James Brown (Audio)

Today (August 1), James Brown biopic Get On Up has its theatrical opening. In celebration of the Mick Jagger-produced film, Pete Rock—who's Soul Brother #1 moniker is a nod to James Brown's own name—made a mix celebrating his love for the late, legend. The mixtape, quite fittingly, is called #GetOnUp,... Read more

August 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

How’s About An Hour-Long Mix Of Some Pete Rock Scorchers Through The Decades? (Audio)

Pete Rock's production career has truly been an enigma. The Mount Vernon, New Yorker has divided his efforts to make high-profile jams for his own outfit (Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth), as well as artists like Nas, Heavy D & The Boyz, and AZ. On the flip-side, P.R. has amassed... Read more

July 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in June 2014 (Audio Playlist)

June brought some of the best Hip-Hop of the year, so far. We got new music from G-Unit, Common, Marsha Ambrosius & Dr. Dre, Ab-Soul & Kendrick Lamar, Souls of Mischief, Cormega, Mac Miller & Pete Rock, Black Thought, The Lox, Buckshot, Yasiin Bey & Mannie Fresh, Black Milk, Ice... Read more

July 3, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh, Playlists

Pete Rock Talks Marley Marl, “T.R.O.Y.” & James Brown On NPR (Audio)

Growing up in a large, musically adept Jamaican family, Pete Rock has been groomed to become "passionately in love with music" from his earliest beginnings. The man who's known for creating "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)", sits down with A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Frannie Kelley of... Read more

July 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Mac Miller Lets Go Of A Pete Rock-Produced Track Featuring ScHoolboy Q (Audio)

One year ago this week (June 18 to be exact), Mac Miller released his critical sophomore album, Watching Movies With The Sound Off. Famously released the same day as Kanye West's Yeezus, and J. Cole's Born Sinner, many Heads professed that the then-Rostrum Records MC made the best album within... Read more

June 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Look Back To An Ill 1998 Future Flavas Freestyle From The Last Days Of A Tribe Called Quest (Audio)

Heads may remember the late '90s, early 2000s HOT 97 "Future Flavas" radio show hosted by Marley Marl and Pete Rock. In the glory days of underground Hip-Hop, this show bridged the gap between old school and emerging greats, with two legends on the boards, transmitting to the tri-state. This... Read more

May 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Close Out The Nas’ Illmatic Celebrations With DJ Moneyshot’s Amazing Sample-Sourced Mega Mix (Mixtape)

In one week, it'll be May, and much of the April coverage celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of Hip-Hop's hallmarks, Nas' Illmatic, will seem out of vogue, or passé, while other things are highlighted. Before the calendars change, Solid Steel's DJ Moneyshot, who has previously re-considered and extensively examined... Read more

April 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Here’s Footage from 1994 of Nas, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Premier & Large Professor Discussing Illmatic (Video)

Remember that iconic shot of Nas, DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock and Large Professor in the studio together? Here's footage from that day, as well as each discussing the making of Illmatic in 1994. Check out these historic visuals as we celebrate today's 20th anniversary of the release of Illmatic.... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

Nas Strolls Down Memory Lane, Talking The Legendary Producers Who Backed Him Early, With Zane Lowe

Illmatic XX has Nas really looking in his rearview. The sometimes reclusive Queensbridge MC is completely open in looking at the formation of his most celebrated album. Zane Lowe, who is getting unrivaled access to guys like Eminem, Jay Z, and Kanye West, sits down with Nasir on his audio... Read more

April 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Edo G Says He’s Going Back To Da Bulldogs-Era Sound & Using 5 Never Heard Vintage Pete Rock Beats (Video)

Boston Hip-Hop pioneer Edo G (formerly Ed O.G.) is at work on his 11th album. The "Be A Father To Your Child" songwriter, and maker of "Gotta Have It" has done a lot of music since parting ways with Da Bulldogs. He's worked closely with Masta Ace, Diamond D, DJ... Read more

March 31, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pete Rock, Clark Kent & Kevy Kev Reunite With Marley Marl on the In Control Show (Audio Mix)

Many Heads know Marley Marl's In Control brand from the legendary compilation album of the same name that he released in 1988 which featured The Symphony and other classics. The compilation was named after Marley's NYC radio show which was a leading platform for Hip-Hop during that era. Marley recently... Read more

March 2, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Pete Rock Makes A Roy Ayers Mixtape & It’s Amazing (Mixtape)

Pete Rock knows a thing or two about the great Roy Ayers. The Chocolate Boy Wonder has sampled some of Roy's CTI Records catalog and other material throughout his own vast discography of head-nodding hits. With the release of a new t-shirt at Pete's site (where he has a number... Read more

February 27, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Mixes

Here’s a Playlist of Some of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in January 2014 (Audio)

Before we get too deep into February, here's a look back at some of the best Hip-Hop to drop in January 2014. After a slow start, we got new music from Phonte, Talib Kweli, Elzhi, Schoolboy Q, Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def), Phife, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Pete Rock, Astro,... Read more

February 3, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

2014 Dilla Day Detroit To Include Native Tongues, Slum Village & DJ Premier vs. Pete Rock

From his work with Slum Village to "Fuck The Police," J Dilla helped give Detroit a rhythm throughout the '90s and 2000s. Jay Dee, as Heads first knew him, helped take the sound coming out of the Electronica influence, combined with Soul City sampling, and made artists ranging from De... Read more

January 23, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Pete Rock, Rapsody & Lecrae Find The Good In Things, On A Khrysis Beat (Audio)

Jamla most definitely Is The Squad, especially this week. 9th Wonder's imprint has set the week ablaze with leaks from the upcoming project, mixed by Statik Selektah. If you thought Rapsody's She Got Game was impressive with its vocal and production chemistry with other artists, you'll enjoy "Be Inspired." In... Read more

January 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

EDO.G, Grap Luva & Rob-O Pay Tribute to Pete Rock & Heavy D in the Video for Living Legend (Video)

G. Dot & Born have assembled Grap Luva (Pete Rock's brother), Rob-O and EDO.G on Living Legend, a song that pays tribute to Pete Rock. In the video, they also pay their respects to Heavy D before launching into visuals filled with vintage footage of Soul Brother #1. Check out... Read more

January 19, 2014 Video

Grap Luva, Rob-O and EDO.G Celebrate Pete Rock on Living Legend (Audio)

EDO.G links up with longtime Pete Rock collaborators Grap Luva (Pete Rock's brother) and Rob-O on a song honoring Soul Brother #1. Check out Living Legend. Related: DJ Premier and Pete Rock Are Doing a Joint “Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier” Album (Video)... Read more

January 10, 2014 Audio

Ab-Soul Explains His Pete Rock Tattoo & Talks His Favorite LPs. Chicagoans Will Appreciate (Video)

Ab-Soul is soulful. Soulo, who calls himself Soul Brother #2 recently broke down to Bootleg Kev why he's got Pete Rock (Soul Brother #1) on his arm. In an age where rappers are big on tattooing deceased influences on their bodies, it's incredibly cool that Ab honors the living. Last... Read more

January 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

DJ Premier and Pete Rock Are Doing a Joint “Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier” Album (Video)

This is 50 caught up with DJ Premier and Pete Rock recently. The 2 legendary producer/DJs discussed touring, the BET Cyphers and their respective upcoming projects, including their joint Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier LP. Check out the video. Related: The 50 Most Compelling Visual Moments in Hip-Hop of 2013... Read more

January 5, 2014 Video

Pete Rock Reveals What He’s Currently Listening To, Talks Production Hardware Vs. Software (Video)

Pete Rock's knowledge of records is of a higher plane, and we all know it. However, it's interesting to hear what Soulbrother #1 lists in his current listening rotation: The Thompson Twins ("Hold Me Now"), The Police ("Walking On The Moon"), and The Talking Heads ("This Must Be The Place").... Read more

October 24, 2013 Fresh

Roc Marciano Flexes His Smooth Flow Over a Grimy Pete Rock Track on The Specialist (Audio)

Pete Rock favors soulful records but he dusted off an underground gem for subterranean mainstay Roc Marciano. Check out The Specialist. Related: Roc Marciano – S**t Hard (Audio)... Read more

October 22, 2013 Audio

DJ Premier vs. Pete Rock: The Rematch (Video)

Heads may have seen Pete Rock and DJ Premier battle in the past. This is the rematch...In the next round of their friendly battle, the 2 legendary DJs flip the script by competing using the other's beats. Pete spins Primo's classic productions and vice versa. Check out the video. Related:... Read more

September 15, 2013 Throwback

Pete Rock & Camp Lo Perform “Luchini” & More

Certain songs are just time machines. Camp Lo and Pete Rock recently sat down with Heather B of the Sway In the Morning radio show to discuss their recently-released 80 Blocks From Tiffany’s Pt. II. As if that weren’t enough, Camp Lo also decide bless the mic with a live... Read more

September 5, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Pete Rock Breaks Down His Favorite James Brown Records

I was at a 1960s-themed event the other night, and the DJ kept playing the James Brown records that really crossed over into mainstream such as "Papas Got A Brand New Bag" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)." From those Pop records to some of the fabric that formed... Read more

August 27, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Camp Lo – Toca Tuesdays Freestyle (Video)

This is it...Camp Lo drops a flame verse on Tony Touch's Toca Tuesdays Freestyles (along with a few ad libs from Pete Rock). Check out the video. Related: Pete Rock & Camp Lo – 80 Blocks from Tiffany’s, Pt. II (Mixtape)... Read more

August 6, 2013 Video

AFH: The Week in Video (8/3/13) (Video Playlist)

Welcome to the week in video where each week we will showcase some of the best video content to hit AFH over the last 7 days. This 30-60 minute video playlist will feature anything from music videos to interviews to concert footage to short films and more. Just hit play,... Read more

August 3, 2013 Featured-homepage, Video

Pete Rock & Camp Lo – 80 Blocks from Tiffany’s, Pt. II (Mixtape)

Here's a brand new mixtape from Pete Rock & Camp Lo. With Pete Rock beats, Camp Lo flows and guest verses from Talib Kweli, M.O.P., Ab-Soul and more, the Summer just got (MUCH) hotter. You can listen to and download 80 Blocks from Tiffany's (Pt. II) below. Related: Pete Rock... Read more

July 30, 2013 Mixes

Pete Rock & CL Smooth Perform at the Rocksteady 36th Anniversary Celebration (Video)

Pete Rock & CL Smooth performed at the Rocksteady 36th Anniversary celebration. You can check out video footage of a performances of They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) and Straighten It Out below. Related: Living Legends: Pete Rock & CL Smooth (Audio Playlist) They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) Straighten It Out... Read more

July 29, 2013 Video

Living Legends: Pete Rock & CL Smooth (Audio Playlist)

Pete Rock has long gotten credit for being one of the most influential hip-hop producers of all time. Recently, there has also been a bit of a spike in interest in Pete Rock & CL Smooth, particularly in light of their announcement that they are remaking their classic Mecca &... Read more

July 23, 2013 Featured-homepage, Playlists

Pete Rock Confirms “Mecca & The Soul Brother” Live Re-Make (Video)

A true Hip Hop classic is getting re-consideration. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's 1992 full-length debut is getting re-made, with a live band. The on-again, off-again duo from money-earnin' Mount Vernon is going to back to their Elektra Records gem (which featured "T.R.O.Y." and others), which the Chocolate Boy Wonder... Read more

July 19, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Pete Rock & Camp Lo – Clean Getaway ft Uncle Murda

Need some boom bap? Here's another banger from Pete Rock and Camp Lo. Check out Clean Getaway featuring Uncle Murda. Related: Pete Rock & Camp Lo – Megan Good ft Mac Miller (Audio)... Read more

July 16, 2013 Audio

Pete Rock & Camp Lo – Megan Good ft Mac Miller

Now THIS is a crazy combination. Mac Miller joins Pete Rock and Camp Lo on the first release off their forthcoming 80 Blocks From Tiffany's Pt II LP. Check out Megan Good. Related: Pete Rock & Camp Lo - 80 Blocks From Tiffany's (Mixtape)... Read more

July 9, 2013 Audio

The Making of Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth’s They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) (Video)

Here is a truly phenomenal documentary on the making of one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time: Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.). If you are a Head, take the time to watch this video. It will be 10 of the best minutes you've... Read more

June 10, 2013 Throwback

Pete Rock – The Boiler Room Hip-Hop and R&B Classics Mix (Audio)

Here's a 60+ minute mix of R&B and hip-hop classics from the Chocolate Boy Wonder, Pete Rock. This is guaranteed to make your day better. You can listen to and download the entire mix below. Related: Pete Rock: Reminisce for a Spell Documentary (Video)... Read more

May 15, 2013 Audio, Mixes

Smoke DZA – N*ggaz 4 Life (Prod. Pete Rock)

Smoke DZA goes to work on a Pete Rock track. Check out N*ggaz 4 Life. Related: Smoke DZA – Gotham F*cking City ft Joey Bada$$ (Video)... Read more

April 19, 2013 Audio

Pete Rock & DJ Jazzy Jeff in the Mix on The Sway in the Morning Show (Mixes)

Two heavy hitter DJs blessed the Sway in the Morning show with mixes earlier in the week. You can listen to and download mixes from both Pete Rock and DJ Jazzy Jeff below. Related: DJ Scratch in the mix on the Sway in the Morning Show (Mix) Pete Rock Click... Read more

April 5, 2013 Audio, Mixes

Joey Bada$$ and Pete Rock in the Studio (Video)

Joey Bada$$ dropped some heat with DJ Premier in January. Now, it seems the young gun is back in the lab cooking up something special with Pete Rock. Check out the behind the scenes footage of the two of them in the studio together. Related: Joey Bada$$ – Unorthodox (Prod.... Read more

February 20, 2013 Throwback

Nottz – Turn It Up ft Pete Rock (Video)

Aww yeah...Here's a new video from Nottz featuring the Soul Brother #1 Pete Rock (and a bunch of samples from his classic beats). Check out Turn it Up. Related: Pete Rock: Reminisce for a Spell (Video)... Read more

February 5, 2013 Video

Ill Bill (of Non Phixion) – Truth (Prod. Pete Rock)

Ill Bill (formerly of Non Phixion) is teeing up a new album. For his first release, he spits lyrics of fury over a Pete Rock track. Check out Truth. Related: Pete Rock: Reminisce for a Spell (Video)... Read more

January 18, 2013 Audio

Pete Rock: Reminisce for a Spell (Video)

The legendary Pete Rock reminisces over crate digging, working with producers like Dilla, Q-Tip, Large Professor and Kanye West, his relationship with his cousin the late great Heavy D and more. Check out the video. Related: Pete Rock – Delicious Vinyl 25th Anniversary Mix (Mixtape)... Read more

January 11, 2013 Video

Here’s a Pete Rock remix of a song by Robert Glasper featuring Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def). Super Ill. Check out Black Radio (Audio)

Related: The making of OMFGOD featuring Yasiin Bey and Mannie Fresh (Video)... Read more

October 2, 2012 Audio

Pete Rock – Delicious Vinyl 25th Anniversary Mix (Mixtape)

Delicious Vinyl, label home to The Pharcyde, Masta Ace, The Brand New Heavies, J Dilla and more recently had its 25th anniversary. To celebrate the milestone, they enlisted Soul Brother #1 Pete Rock to do a mix of some of the gems in their catalog. Listen to and download the... Read more

September 12, 2012 Audio, Mixes

Lupe Fiasco – Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free) (Video)

Lupe Fiasco released the video for Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free). What did you think of the controversy between him and Pete Rock? Here's the video. Related: Lupe Fiasco - B*tch Bad... Read more

June 28, 2012 Video

Pete Rock discusses Mecca and the Soul Brother 20 years after its release (Video)

Wow. It's been 20 years since Pete Rock & CL Smooth's landmark album Mecca and the Soul Brother dropped. Here's an interview of Pete Rock reminiscing over one of the best rap albums of all time. Related: Pete Rock talks about his vinyl collection (Video)... Read more

June 7, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Pete Rock and DJ Jazzy Jeff showcase and discuss their vinyl collections on Crate Diggers (Video)

Pete Rock has been in the news lately for his reaction to Lupe Fiasco rhyming over the TROY beat. Here's a video that showcases just how deep the Chocolate Boy Wonder's dedication to digging in the crates goes. It is his relentless search for the perfect beat that yielded beats... Read more

May 29, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Lupe Fiasco – Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free)

Here's a new single from Lupe Fiasco's upcoming Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1. It's set to the tune of Pete Rock & CL Smooth's classic T.R.O.Y. Check out Around My Way. Related: Game - Skate On ft Lupe Fiasco (Prod. Pharrell) Here's the Pete... Read more

May 22, 2012 Audio, The Bridge