Rock, Pete & C.L. Smooth: The Main Ingredient (Vinyl 2xLP)

Marley Marl disciple Pete Rock is rightly hailed as one of the greatest producers around. Jazzy and soulful, his productions are some of the smoothest, funkiest, most innovative, and listenable on record. Though he’s produced a crate-full of hits, it’s his work with front man C.L. Smooth that’s most fondly remembered, and The Main Ingredient – the duo’s second album, after Mecca And The Soul Brother – lives up to the hype.

Smooth’s proficiency on the mic doesn’t match his partner’s studio wizardry, but not many do, and Smooth’s easygoing, free-flowing delivery complements the grooves to good effect (and more importantly, keeps Rock from taking on too many vocal duties). Great for parties or a lazy weekend afternoon, The Main Ingredient is fondly remembered for all the right reasons.

2016 reissue on 180 gram vinyl.

1. In The House
2. Carmel City
3. I Get Physical
4. Sun Won't Come Out
5. I Gotta Love
6. Escape
7. The Main Ingredient
8. Worldwide
9. All The Places
10. Tell Me
11. Take You There
12. Searching
13. Check It Out
14. In The Flesh
15. It's On You
16. Get On The Mic