Pete Rock – NY’s Finest [Pioneer]

Legendary MC, producer and DJ Pete Rock of the mid-90’s duo with C.L. Smooth (who together released 1994’s golden-age classic Meccca and the Soul Survivor), return with 2008’s NY’s Finest. Rock’s devotion to the hip hop community is obvious as he always features other talented MC’s and producers on his records. NY’s Finest continues this communal lineation, featuring guest appearances by Redman, Little Brother, The Lords of the Underground, Wu Tang personnel Raekwon and Masta Killa, and a slew of other hip hoppers. Highlights include “Till I Retire,” in which Rock mocks infantile MC’s that these days pass for rappers alongside a masterfully simple DJ Green Lantern beat, “Don’t Be Mad” in which Rock flirts with similar cocky themes by proclaiming, “I’m the poster boy of the MPC,” and “Bring Ya’ll Back,” a duet with Little Brother in which they invite the listener back to hip hops golden-age (1985-1995). Unfortunately chauvinist and heterosexist lyrics are prevalent on NY’s Finest; however, at least a witty picture of street life is presented with lyrical motifs that critique and poke fun at the white status quo. In these desperate times, when most hip hop is either lofty hipster white-boy rubbish (such as most of Anticons output) or the exaggerated gangster rap/hip pop of the mainstream, it is refreshing to hear one of hip hops finest (no pun intended) veteran members wrecking his lack of competition.

Bardos Freedoom