Pete Rock & CL Smooth at O2 Ritz Manchester this October

Critically acclaimed hip hop duo Pete Rock & CL Smooth will be playing a very special show at O2 Ritz Manchester on Saturday 14th October 2017. The duo’s combination of soul and jazz driven beats with smooth, philosophical lyrics was unquestionably the defining sound of 90s hip hop, often hailed as “one of the most influential hip hop acts from this era, not least of the classic one DJ/producer, one rapper formation”.

By Steven Pankhurst | 13 September 2017

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Pete Rock & CL Smooth
+ Special Guest Jeru The Damaja

Saturday 14th October, 11pm
O2 Ritz Manchester

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Pete Rock’s signature sound has its roots based in classic funk records sampled by the previous generation of hip hop pioneers, although the addition of jazz infused melodies and heavyweight horns, create a timeless and unmistakable sound that is still revered to this day. Pete Rock has worked with the cream of hip hop world throughout his illustrious career including; Wu Tang Clan, Notorious BIG, Nas and Public Enemy, although it is his work with his long-time partner in rhyme, CL Smooth, that really sets him apart from the rest of the musical field. The duo’s two incredible full length albums 1992’s Mecca & The Soul Brother and 1994’s The Main Ingredient cemented their place amongst the hip hop heavyweights, with CL Smooth’s free-flowing and poignant rhymes perfectly interlocking with Pete Rock’s hard hitting beats.

Their music continues to garner critical acclaim to this day, with Rolling Stone naming ‘They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)’, a tribute to their late friend Trouble T-Roy, at Number 12 of their ‘50 Greatest Hip Hop Songs of All Time’ list, whilst also declaring it “hip hop’s most beautiful elegy”. Do not miss this rare opportunity to see the latest chapter in Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s history unfold in Manchester, where they’ll be joined by fellow hip hop legend, Jeru the Damaja. As part of the east coast Gang Starr Foundation, Jeru released two classic LP’s produced by DJ Premier which are considered two of the greatest hip hop releases from the 90s and his single, “You Can’t Stop The Prophet” was remixed by Pete Rock.Jeru is currently recording a new project with one half of the Beatnuts and this will be the first time he has performed in the UK alongside Pete Rock & CL Smooth.