Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth - Mecca and the Soul Brother

Pete Rock loves horns the way other DJs and producers love drums. It's this obsession with funky horn breaks that sets Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth apart from regular hip-hop bassheads. With its crucial James Brown breaks layered between trumpet and sax loops, coupled with the laid-back vocals of Smooth and Rock, Mecca and the Soul Brother--their first full-length--struts back and forth on that line between rap and soul. Rock's production style is peerless, funky on "If It Ain't Rough, It Ain't Right" and sexy on "Lots of Lovin'." Smooth's liquid freestyle delivery (notably on "Straighten It Out" and "They Reminisce Over You") has been echoed in other skilled MCs (see Common's work). And with their combined skills, Mecca stands up without ever really dating itself. --Todd Levin Amazon.com

Solid Album - Boring for some Brothers

First off, let me say that Pete Rock's production here is incredible. For such a long album, Pete Rock just does an incredible job and it's really a remarkable album production-wise.

The problem I have is that C.L smooth does not do Pete Rock justice. PR tries his hardest to have synergy with CL, but it just doesn't happen. C.L. smooth's flow is so repetitive and boring. Every 4 lines he is repeating the exact same ups and downs in his voice to the T. It is really awful. It detracts from the emotion of the song, because everything sounds the same.

This isn't a problem for a few songs...but this album is like 90 minutes long. Some people might love CL's flow right off the bat and be hooked, but I think the majority of people will start to get sick of it after like half an hour.

Also, lyrically...what is so good about CL? There are some lines where I can tell he is using a rhyming dictionary to show off...because the lines don't make any sense and/or don't fit together well at all. I have no idea how this doesn't bother some people.

Overall, though, there are a lot of good songs on here and it is very good. A solid four stars. June 9, 2008

The One and Only Mecca and Soul Brother

Alright alright lets get through this.

This cd is a classic cd no doubt with the tight production matching CL smooths laid back flow. He dwells on so many topics to keep you interested and has a big enough vocab to keep himself away from profanity(one of the biggest reasons why I like CL so much). Another good thing is that mostly each song is at least 4 minutes and theirs 16 tracks but after your going to be craving for more lol. Their is no flaws on the album and you mind as well forget it if your trying to find something this cd is immaculate. I would go on and on about the cd but their is no point to, people already said why this cd is so good.

Fav Tracks:On and On(favorite), Skinz, T.R.O.Y., For Pete Sake, Lots Of Lovin, Act Like You Know, Straighten It Out, Can't Front On Me, Return Of The Mecca, Ghettos Of the Mind February 23, 2008

Musical Perfection

This album is not only tasteful, it's irresistible. Pete Rock's jazzy and soulful production style is clearly evident while CL Smooth's flow is at its absolute peak. Released in 1992, this 73 minute masterpiece fails to disappoint any open-minded listener. When you cop this album (and I strongly suggest you do), be warned. It might never leave the player. November 29, 2007

mecca is a state of mind

Follow up to the initial release all souled out EP. Mecca and the soul brother is the full length release that displayed the amazing dj skills of the legendary pete rock and the fantastic lyrics of CL smooth. Rhymes, beats , and life are the main themes that make this a dope album from now until eternity. I wish these brothers could get along so they can make a current release that is just as dope as this one. May 23, 2007

Ridiculous

It's kind of ridiculous how incredible this album is and how it's gotten very little play and hype compared to D4L or Mistah Fab. They made no chart-topping hits, but I guarantee every song is good. April 6, 2007

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