Already a well respected producer from radio shows, Pete Rock got his first chance at a real project in 1991 when he collaborated with his high school buddy CL Smooth. Hailing from New York, the groups body of work has been highly praised by critics and fans alike. They were a key part to the jazz influences that grew to prominence during the early nineties. Furthermore, they also made a name for themselves by remixes popular hits from hip hop and R&B artists.
The choice to release their first project as an EP was a brilliant move, although largely ignored by most fans. Instead of producing a full length album, Elektra Records only allowed the duo to introduce themselves to America with six songs. The benefit goes to the record label because of the low risk, high reward of recording only an EP. All Souled Out eventually sold enough copies to justify the production for another two albums, all of which I advise checking out.
There is no foreshadowing of the well documented breakup of the duo at this point of their respected careers. CL Smooth sounds up beat and happy to be given a shot, while Pete Rocks instrumentals were extraordinary as always. Each of their albums are widely considered hip hop classics, but this is the group in their purest form. Hell, i should have just put the rating at the beginning of the review, its obvious I enjoy this project.
1. Good Life
In comes the beautiful vintage horns from Mr. Rock.The music builds from a sparse breakbeat to an arrangement of a killer bassline and tasteful trumpet sample. Over three verses, C.L. presents an analysis of societal perceptions of "the good life": material wealth, mental stimulation, familial responsibility, expectations of others, but most of all, the eternal pursuit of success. This still sounds great today.
2. Mecca & The Soul Brother
Not to be confused with their then unreleased debut album, "Mecca & The Soul Brother" serves as the second song. This sounds extremely dated, but in a good way for the most part. CL spits for over six minutes, doing all he can to prove that he's not the weak link of this duo. The beat is technically flawless and I have nothing to really complain about.
3. Go With The Flow
Although I don't completely understand why, this seems to be a favorite of many listeners. Not that this track isn't really good, I just don't see what's separating it from the rest of the album. That being said, this is one of Pete Rocks finest showing, his horn sampling and drumline both being exceptional. Not even sure why but this is giving me the feeling that I'm listening to some odd Eric B and Rakim track that didnt make the cut of Paid In Full. Considering how good that album is I guess that's a good thing.
4. The Creator
Starting a trend that would be carried out through the rest of their albums, Pete Rock actually takes care of all the rapping. Needless to say, its obvious why Pete is the producer of the group. It could have been much worse but he just doesn't have very much substance to talk about. Oddly enough, this was the biggest hit from this project despite the absence the the featured rapper. Man, CL Smooth just can't catch a break.
5. All Souled Out
The title track honestly left me overwhelmed with a feeling of no emotion. Not a bad track, but certainly not something I'd show to someone I was trying to convince these guys were good. Pete kills the organ though, a key reason I wouldn't classify this track as bad.
6. Good Life (Group Home Mix)
To a certain degree, this beat is much darker than the one on the original, while the lyrics say the exact same. The instrumental is replaced with a swirling, uneasy backdrop and trombone filled chorus. In a occurrence rarely seen in rap, I actually prefer the remix to the original. Not really sure what Group Home is or why it or they are credited with this remix, though.
Rating: 4/5
Another listen to All Souled Out and I'm left with the observation that its technically flawless. For a duo debuting with a six track EP there's not too much they could have done to improve the final output. When it was released, I'm sure it built an unreal amount of hype for the real debut of Pete Rock & CL Smooth. It sounds a little dated now but that's what happens when you're listening to albums from 1991. Its a piece of hip hop history and proves to be a critical piece in the fusion of hip hop and jazz. Like i said, a few of these tracks are showing their age, but every song sounds good so I'm sure you can find something you enjoy. You might as well pick this shit up tomorrow while you're handing over Kanye fifteen dollars for a blank CD case with a piece of red tape on it.