Talib Kweli & Pete Rock Talk C.L. Smooth, 'Illmatic,' J Dilla, Heavy D, Biggie | People's Party Full 

TIME STAMPS: 3:04 -- The interview begins with talk about hip hop's emergence from the South Bronx and it's roots being in Jamaica. They discuss Pete being brought up by Jamaican parents in the Bronx and moving to Mount Vernon at 7 years old. Being cousins with Heavy D, Pete details what it was like in the early days growing up with Hev and CL Smooth. He also digs into how he met Marley Marl at age 13 getting a spot on the air DJing which helped Pete build a name for himself and led him to getting regular gigs doing live shows. 8:17 -- Pete is asked if he can identify elements of hip hop that are rooted in Jamaican influence. They talk about the godfather of the culture Kool Herc himself being a Jamaican immigrant, Heavy D's reggae being underappreciated, Pete singing the hook for one of Hev's classics at 15 years old, parties at Pete's parents crib and they further discuss how deeply important Heavy D and his legacy is, Pete thanking Hev everyday for giving him the opportunity to shine. 12:22 -- Pete speaks on how having parents with a deep record collection and strong knowledge of music set the stage for his destiny of becoming one of the most iconic hip hop producers in hip hop history. He tells how his dad showed him how to take care of the records, taught him about the artists, Pete tells the story of meeting James Brown at 7 years old and names off his top five JB tracks of all-time. 17:27 -- Talib brings up Pete's name being featured on a flyer in the movie Juice, proving Pete's status as one of the most sought after DJ's at the time. They dig back into how important Marley Marl was, reflect on Pete blessing Black Star with the 'Respiration Flying High Remix', discuss how much DJ/Producer Howie Tee inspired Pete, as well as picking up tricks of the trade from Large Professor and Prince Paul's production style having a huge influence as well. 25:07 -- Pete discusses how important the album 'Mecca And The Soul Brother' was and Talib asks Pete "what the f*ck was going on in your brain when you decided to make that album." Pete replies with "things like time didn't matter when you're making magic." He details what he said to CL the last day of completing the record and they discuss the song 'Straighten It Out' pointing to bootleggers, along with issues of sample clearance and how much that's changed the game. 32:59 -- Pete details his process as a producer when he first heard Tom Scott's 'Today' that he would end up sampling for Pete and C.L.'s monumental classic 'They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)'. They also discuss Pete's childhood friend "Trouble" T Roy of Heavy D & the Boyz who the song was dedicated to, Pete's asked about C.L.'s unique contribution to hip hop, how Pete and C.L. initially started working together and how at that time all the right things were falling into place. 39:28 -- Pete is asked about his brother Grap Luva and his contributions freestyling on the album 'Mecca And The Soul Brother' and they also go on to discuss Pete and C.L.'s second album 'Main Ingredient'. They talk about the group's move to more love themed tracks on that record, Pete's take on C.L.'s bar "I'm lettin off on anybody tryin' to steal my DJ", his feeling going into making that album as well as Biggie sitting in with Pete when he produced 'In The Flesh'. 44:38 -- Talib brings up an interview where Kanye West notes how much inspiration he took from Pete's production on 'I Got A Love', Pete talks about his experience working with Kanye on 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' and why Pete had so much love for the Greene St. Recording studio. They also dig into Pete and C.L. making 'Down With The King' with Run DMC, what it was like working with the legendary duo and the process of laying down the production for that track. 51:04 -- Pete speaks on another one of his huge production influences being Public Enemy's Bomb Squad. He talks about being at Green St. Studio for the making of Ice Cube's 'Amerikkka's Most Wanted, Pete drawing from the Bomb Squad's militant sound for his remix of PE's 'Shut Em Down' as well as how that song opened people's eyes and ears to who Pete Rock was. They then go on to discuss how Pete was brought on to the roster of Nas' 'Illmatic' and all the iconic producers on that album secretly competing with each other. 56:22 -- Pete is asked about his producing the original mix for Biggie's classic 'Juicy' as well as how Puff and Trackmasters took credit for it but gave him the consolation of producing the remix and Pete reveals how Biggie originally wasn't a fan of the beat. Talib and Pete also reflect on touring together with the group Slaughterhouse and they discuss Pete's love of Marvel's the Hulk character as well as how much Talib and Pete enjoyed working with the group Camp Lo who Talib said challenged him. 1:04:30 -- Talib thanks Pete for asking him to contribute three verses on 'Soul Survivor II'. Pete is also asked to break down his comparison of Wu Tang Clan to Marvel superheroes, for him the Clan being the Avengers of hip hop. They also go on to talk about Pete's long time friendship with producer Madlib, Pete's excitement of Talib and Diamond D's 'Gotham' and how Pete feels about the future of his team the Knicks and them being in the playoffs this year. 1:10:59 -- Pete speaks on his and DJ Premier's history of working closely together on so many iconic projects over the years. They also talk about Pete's love of the Native Tongues family as well as his close friendship with Phife Dawg and how much the loss of Phife deeply affected Pete. Jasmin also goes on to ask Pete how it feels to be go-to classic producer for the younger generation of NYC hardcore emcees like Skyzoo, Benny The Butcher, Smoke DZA, Max B and Jim Jones and others. 1:14:58 -- Pete is asked about his move from using the SP-1200 to the MPC for making beats and if he can break down the most significant differences between the two machines. They also discuss Pete working on a Petestrumentals 4, a new artist he's bringing out named Ameer, why Pete feels these instrumental albums are so important, things going full circle with J Dilla inspiring Pete and working with the live band The Soul Brothers on Petestruemntals 3. Pete's also asked if we'll be seeing another Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth album anytime soon as well as what else he might have coming down the line.

It's good to see two black men talk about the influences their fathers had on their careers. #BlackFathersMatter

Pete Rock is a bridge between 80's and 90's hip hop. His style of production is legendary and unique. The connection with Heavy D is special, jamaican roots and how all that manifested into his start is dope. Chocolate Boy Wonder all day 🖤🙏🏾✊🏾 Great interview Kweli... Glad ya'll back in the studio 💯

My fav producer ever. Cant wait. InI - Center Of Attention is my #1 album

this is gonna be awesome. Pete Rock is one of the GOAT producers! The World is yours! TROY! Mecca & The Soul Brother...TOO MANY Classics!

NORE could learn a lot from Talib as far as letting his guests talk.

So glad Pete Rock & CL are on good talking terms again. Thats his man 50 grand he knew from HS! Hopefully they bless us wit another album.

This is one of my favorite episodes of this show! PETE ROCK is one of the greatest producers ever. Thanks for this!👏🏾

Chocolate Boy Wonder!! Pete Rock one of the best producers EVER!! His mom used to be my supervisor.Shouts to Mrs Phillips, Shelly and Greg aka Grap Luva!! Looking good Peter!

I’m a 92 baby, so growing up my pops played that real hip hop all day everyday. He had a huge bin of all types of hip hop and music. I stumbled upon the the main ingredient when I was a freshman in HS and man I’m thankful that I did. That album made me look at hip hop in the most beautiful form. Much respect for the chocolate boy wonder. Mad love from Boston💯💯

This is my new favorite episode. Pete Rock is an influencial and prolific producer. What I learned from this episode is that he is also a perpetual student of the culture and music at large. Mad talented and need to credit for being the type of story teller that allows us to "see it" as he "speaks it." Shout out to Soul Brotha #1!!!

The story of TROY never gets old, you can tell Pete put his whole soul in it every time he talks bout it. That shitll be playing at my funeral

Thank you for this Talib! As a beatmaker who grew up in San Antonio tx, who has always been in love with east coast hip hop, this is pure gold brother.

PLEASE HAVE C.L. on the show and when is Black Thought coming!!!

This streak is beyond insane. Kweli, y’all are killing it right now. Every week, I’m thinking damn ... who’s next?

PETE ROCK? JACKPOT. This is the episode I've been waiting for. 🙏🔥🥂

When are we getting the Pete Rock story on Netflix?

Mecca and the Soul Brother is one of the best albums in music history, let alone Hip Hop Pete Rock is on the Mount Rushmore of Hip Hop producers

The 15 dislikes probably don't have no idea,how much of a legend Pete Rock is..

I used to rap over Pete Rock instrumentals back in high school around 2010. Him, 9th, Premo, Madlib & Dilla beats were my go to for YEARS. Legend🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Hopes to meet PR & build one day

I grew up on this brothers music. Had Mecca on tape. Wore it out. I feel a oneness with the Pete Rock and CL Smooth spirit. His music has shaped me

Man, I can’t tell you how excited I was to see you get this interview. The Chocolate Soul Brother has been such an amazing and influential spirit in hip-hop, that is just a blessing to hear him discuss some of the genius and influences that made Pete Rock. Shut em down remix is the greatest remix beat of all-time btw. That shit it still crazy to me.

Classic interview, gotta give our legends flowers while they are here. Arguably the greatest hip-hop producer of all time. Super happy to see prince Paul given his flowers too, so underrated. Can we get him on here????

Seen Pete Rock for the first time like 5 years ago here in LA. Security was not letting anymore ppl go upstairs in this little over packed venue. So I made my way up through the kitchen that had a separate stairwell. They weren’t going to deny me a legendary PR set!

Pete definitely Deserves his flowers!!! He made so many bangers over the years and Soul Survivor is timeless, Pete will forever be my favorite beatmaker

Those Pete Rock and CL Smooth albums.. I haven't got words for how much I love those albums

Pete Rock produced LEMME FIND OUT by Phife Dawg, a slept on track. Check it out.

and Jasmin mentioned Price Paul!! Never let these folks forget!!

"IT'S CALLED THE WIG OUT, IT'S CALLED THE WIG, IT'S CALLED THE WIG OUT" PETE ROCK & C.L. SMOOTH - WIG OUT

Pete Rock! Most Definitely ONE OF THE GREATEST HANDS DOWN!

'Take your time' is a straight to the soul classic record. 🖤

TROY is great for so many reasons. Even when I heard it the first time I felt like I had heard it before, like you can listen along to the story and everyone can relate to bits and pieces. Then there's that bangin' sax riff!

Jasmine, I appreciate what you asked about the album. And the other comment I can’t recall now. But this is truly one of the best interviews of Pete rock. Very grateful. I listened to the opening of 21 grams it’s really nice. As a 48 yr old. Talib jasmine thank you for your contribution via these interviews. It does stimulate my missing that music of then but I’m aware the struggle that we experienced in NYC, westcoast, Va, Midwest, New England with crack and the government and just the USA was HARD AND THAT WAS INHERENT IN THE MUSIC WE MADE. We don’t need that life no more. But authentic interviews like this make life now with the music out now bearable, something to be grateful for.

That's what I'm talking about Jasmin... You mentioned Howie Tee!!!!!!

This was an awesome experience. What a wonderful interview with Pete Rock. Soul Brother #1

When Pete Rock starts talking about Trouble T-Roy; you can hear the tears& pain of his loss, in his voice. Great interview as always, congratulations!

CL Smooth is my all-time favorite rapper, highly underrated

Thanks for this interview! The Great Pete Rock! Been on this ride since the beginning. One word for this man. Timeless..........

Heavy D IS my favorite rapper!!!

Best interview so far. Pete comes from a hip hop family and is so humble. Been listening to him for 30 plus years now.

Pete Rock is definitely on the Mt. Rushmore of Production!!! 1. Dj Premier 2. Pete Rock 3. Erick Sermon 4. Dr. Dre 5 J. Dilla

YO TALIB you gotta get SMIF N WESSUN A.K.A BOOT CAMP KLIK, COCOA BRAVOS!! PEACE TO THA GODS

Thank y'all for this!! Lit

Top 5 GOAT producers imo

Great interview! Pete Rock is a legend. Soul Survivor is my favorite Album. Can’t stop listening to it.

Seen like 70% of Kwe's podcasts. This is a top 5 episode. Phenomenal chemistry, these two.

So many fkn gems in this conversation. Great way to start off my day!

"And now your boy Madlib is out here on a iPad." Everyone that went through the pains of crafting beats in the early 90s just grimaced.

Great interview🔥👏

My favorite Producer along with DJ Premier and J-Dilla.

Thank you soooo much for this interview. It’s hard for me to focus on long interviews from beginning to end but the legendary Pete Rock? He is hip hop. My top 5 producers until the end of time. I have to give that man his flowers now 🌹🌷🌹🌷

I was waiting for this episode to come. I'm a PR fan heavy. Been looking for all his remixes and production til this day. Thanks for this.

This interview is a hip hop classic just like Talib and Pete

Big up Pete Rock and CL. Smooth thanks for all your contributions!! Shouts out Grap Luva, the InI crew wherever they at in the universe!!! Always Rest in peace to the legendary HEAVY D and T. ROY!! I gotta say though Talib has the hardest love song EVER. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌃

Kweli is a legend it's kinda crazy he's equally talented doing the podcast work. Immense talent this is one of the best shows on earth

Dope interview! Could listen to the Legend talk all day! Hip-Hop living monument! Salute!

Thank you, legends, 4 this informative and inspiring interview 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

What a fantastic podcast!!! Thank you for blessing us with this! Pete Rock is definitely one of my Top 5 hip hop producers of all time!!!

I remember Pete Rock and Cl Smooth and the Knicks being popping at the same time. I had the brand new Ewings when T.R.O.Y came out. It was a beautiful time.

Peace to the GOD...Pete Rock...super Legendary

I always like to hear Pete tell his stories about his experience with Hip-Hop. 💪🏾✊🏾

Thank you for uploading this .I really enjoyed it . Pete rock is one of my biggest influences

Dope interview!! With a legendary producer! 🔥🔥🔥

Mecca and the Soul Brotha made me want to make beats. That album was bangin!

Thank you guys for content

Give that man Pete Rock all of his flowers 💐😎🎵 Another classic interview from the People’s Party 🥳💛🎶

One of my top 5 producers. Thank you for all the beautiful music you gave us.

This was another one that absolutely surpassed expectations. Thank you all for your contribution to the culture #HIPHOP

Classic interviews!!! As always...

Shout out to Talib Kweli and his team interviewing my mentor Pete Rock shout out to Pete Rock as well

This Is An Important Ep. For Me! Thank You! 914 Stand Up!

Thank you, brothers! ... and, sweet sista! Pure healing!

Great interview. One of my fav producers of all time. Been listening since I was a kid.

Great Interview with 2 of the best MCs & Producer in the game 💪🏾❤️💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Talib thank you so much for this podcast. You are appreciated. You’d be amazed how you are loved in Zimbabwe where I come from.

I’m here to learn! Bless up!🤘🏽🤘🏽

Truly a hip hop legend. Thank you Talib Kwali for bringing is this and thank Pete Rock for bringing the knowledge.

I'm feeling this interview man dope

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾loving this interview😎

That was a great interview!!!!

So many sick anecdotes on this episode! Thanks for the podcast!

Yessir! The Soul Brother #1!

Peace Talib Kweli and Jasmin. Much respect to the both of you for doing this show. Man, where do I even begin, because this interview is really dope! First off, Heavy D was one of my favorite artists growing up (Rest in Peace). I'm from the brown cable box era where Donnie Simpson was the Host of Video Soul & Chris Thomas was the mayor of Rap City back-in-the-days... "Blue Funk" & "You Can't See What I Can't See" (which featured a cameo from Flava Flav of Public Enemy in Hev's video) are two of my favorites from Hev of all time. "Sport Silk, Drink Milk Never Cisco".... But one thing I wanted to mention to give y'all even more props, for having Pete Rock on your show, was his collaboration with one of the most legendary early 80's RnB groups of all time - Loose Ends. That track: "Take Your Time" (From Soul Survivor) is one of my most favorite tracks from Pete Rock's music catalog. Here's something bugged out. When I heard that Track w/ Pete Rock & Loose Ends, I didn't even know who they (Loose Ends) were until I ended up discovering them (Their most popular song: Hanging on A String) from hearing oldschool stations in my visit out to Atlanta. Then circling back to hearing the song again, the connection just blew my mind and it was that very incident that influenced me to go back n check for all my early RnB roots discovering an entirely new and dope era of early oldschool RnB music which I also remembered from being around my parents, aunts, and uncles as a youth etc.. all of which now - officially played a major part of what influenced and formulated HipHop today. That segment where you's spoke about sampling to me, was indeed a major influence to keep that era of early music alive and preserved. That era of sound is timeless and is essentially critical to be preserved for our history of early musical origins. Pete Rock's sound takes your mind on mental journey, hence the song Escapism from The Main Ingredient album. I understand that there was so much to discuss in this interview and one thing I wished y'all would have also spoke on were some of the older groups That Pete Rock was behind, such as Deda - The Original Baby Pa, and more on INI.. who were freestyling on some of the beats skits on the Main Ingredient Album.. that to me, were a staple of Pete Rock's sound on that classic masterpiece. That fakin' Jax Remix was everything! Much Respect!

Best interview ever! Incredible! Had the pleasure of meeting him and CL at the Jazz Cafe London! I still have the pictures I took with both of them! Absolute legend!!

My mom would clean the house with samples on Sunday mornings. I was brought up to hear soul.I loved it.

PETE WE LOVE BRO, NOW WE NEED U & CL TO STRAIGHTEN IT OUT & COME BACK WITH THAT DOPENESS FAM!!![999]

Good to see Pete Rock giving his flowers. Money Earning Mount Vernon still representing. North side all day. 27 Claremont Ave apt 4R. Always a cool dude and brother too.

My favorite producer.. This man saved my life and he got no idea... I'm sure I'm not the only one whot feels this way... One love! Respect!

I remember him doing The Creator at a tiny club in London. It was actually A Tribe Called Quest personal appearance but Pete Rock & CL Smooth were also there. He did the rap and also did the scratches. It was an amazing sight. I later got to shake the great man’s hand at a tiny venue called cHip-sHop in Brixton, London.

i been at petes crib.. r.i.p ruddy .. he made it all happen..love hearing the stories.. also remember seeing Heavy d in his jeep with the speakers in the back !! much love !!!!

What a great episode! I’m such a Pete Rock fan. Besides his epic work he’s always been such a humble dude. I really enjoyed these stories. Bless!!

Pete Rock for the beat, Ya don't stop!!

ICONIC is all i Can say about this🙌🏼

Who was in charge of Jasmin's wardrobe for this episode? Frank Oz?

This is valuable work here. TK doing whats got to be done.

Maximum Respect to one of the greatest in the game! Pete Rock! Great Interview. Great Podcast in generell.

i got chills down my spine tearz down my cheeks listening to that soul brother

Awesome interview! Pete Rock is a legend. Hope we get another Pete Rock & CL Smooth album. Talib Kweli is great at interviewing guests.

Yes! Big up Pete Rock.

Was so happy they touch on that Respiration Flying High Remix because that is my favorite PR beat still to this day. To hear it could have been a Cappadonna beat?? Good God that record is just bliss I couldn't imagine it any other way. Thank Talib!