trez260
ILLIEN
ill o.g.
here's an interveiw with pete rock i thought yall would enjoy. check it out. one.
ThaFormula.com - When you dropped the Creator EP what was the reaction
to most of the people out there, and did it do really well?
Pete Rock - Yeah it actually did well but I mean we never reached
Platinum status or anything but we did it just so we could get a feel of the
people and what they thought about us and our music, so we put it out
there as a test to test the waters. Then we came back with a great
reaction and people you know loved the beats you know, they loved the new
style and I was very excited. I remember the day I got the news of how
people took us and you know…we basically did that just so we can see the
response and the reaction and then we went on to make the first full
length album which was "Mecca and the Soul Brother."
ThaFormula.com - You know its funny, growing up as a kid in the 'hood I
always assumed you guys were platinum since in the 'hood everyone was
bumpin' that shit. It wasn't 'till some time later that I realized that
it wasn't like that everywhere. So I'm wondering did you guys make any
money off of that EP and even the LP's that followed?
Pete Rock - Yeah, I mean we didn't make a whole lot of money but we
sold some units and we made some money off of it and it stills sells even
to this day. So the money we didn't make we probably made it back by
now hopefully.
ThaFormula.com - And did you guys sign a wack contract like most of the
groups from the era?
Pete Rock - Yeah of course, everybody does. I mean we didn't sign it in
our best interest. We've made some money but there is a lot of things
that they don't tell you or that they will never tell you. It's up to
you having a great attorney that's gonna tell you how to renegotiate or
negotiate your contract 'cause when you're at a young age you're just
happy to get on and get paid and not think about all the paper work and
all the shit that you getting taken for and teaching you about
publishing and radio spins and Billboard and things like that. Now it's been a
great learning experience, I learned a lot and there is still more that
I have to learn.
ThaFormula.com - So after the EP you guys dropped "Mecca and The Soul
Brother," I actually thought that that album went Platinum with the
amount of radio play you guys got and MTV playing that shit daily…
Pete Rock - If it did go Platinum I didn't know about it. If it did I
need to go and get my copy.
ThaFormula.com - Would you consider "Mecca and the Soul Brother" the
most fun you ever had recording?
Pete Rock - Probably I would have to say that that was the most fun I
had making an album with C.L. Smooth 'cause it was our first full-length
album and we were hyped on the beats and we were confident of
everything. Actually when the album was done we weren't too confident but we
were confident enough in ourselves to know that we made something great
and when we put it out to the people its like they gave it back to us
just like that.
ThaFormula.com - Now rumors have gone around that "T.R.O.Y." was a
Large Professor beat that he gave you?
Pete Rock - No. How is it a large professor beat?
ThaFormula.com - Well I have heard from different sources that have
said that Large Pr...
Pete Rock - Nah, Large is my man and Large will tell you himself that
he didn't make that beat. That's it! Cats know. I don't have to front,
if you want I can make the beat over right in front of you. I'm tired of
cats asking me stupid questions.
ThaFormula.com - No doubt Pete, but you know I got to ask you that
'cause people wanna know?
Pete Rock - But see what's important is how you put it down in the mag
'cause some of them interviewers they twist and turn shit around and
turn your words around.
ThaFormula.com - Nah, we always represent correct and give to the
people word for word no matter what...
Pete Rock - Okay, but nah Pete Rock made "Reminisce." So let's just
make that clear for the record and just do that line in big letters, PETE
ROCK MADE REMINISCE ALL BY HIMSELF!!!
ThaFormula.com - Well I figured you did 'cause I didn't see how you
couldn't have done "T.R.O.Y.," and then done "Straighten it Out"...
Pete Rock - Yeah you know how people are man. They just make up stuff
and just throw it out there.
ThaFormula.com - When you look back at "T.R.O.Y." now, did you ever see
it becoming the timeless classic that it is now?
Pete Rock - Actually I didn't but now I look back at it and I'm like
"wow," it did a lot for people. They played it everywhere, weddings,
funerals and all kind of places, so you know I can't complain at all,
period. I'm just glad that it worked out and I'm glad that people you know
kind of adapted to the song cause I basically wanted everybody to feel
my pain when I made that.
ThaFormula.com - Speaking of that Pete, why do you think we can't get
any songs with that kind of feel to them anymore man?
Pete Rock - I don't know man, you know Hip-Hop has changed drastically
and the original way that I believe Hip-Hop is done is not being done
that way. It's being done a little different today. I feel that you know
its all about longevity and making classical music and today to me it
just seems like the music that I'm hearing today is not gonna last 10
years from now or 20 years from now. People are not gonna be saying, "yo
that record made me feel like this." My records give you feeling
inside. It makes you feel and that's why its real Hip-Hop 'cause you know it
touches the soul and that's what's important. Like these records today
they're not touching anything on the inside. Really I did this album to
put back out there the original way Hip-Hop was done and to teach the
young youth about how Hip-Hop was done and how it always should be done.
ThaFormula.com - Do you sometimes feel though Pete that it's a lost
cause?
Pete Rock - Yeah, I felt like that plenty of nights, plenty of times.
It kind of depressed me to even think about it because you know its a
money thing with everybody. It's not about dignity and pride anymore and
its not about just putting your good music out there for good use. It's
healing music. Like this stuff that I hear today it doesn't heal you at
all. To me it just bangs you in the head too much and makes you a
different person and not on a good level. I hear a lot of people complain.
That's all I do is hear people complain. It's a lot of people that feel
the same way you feel, the way I feel.
ThaFormula.com - But why did we let this happen man and why are some of
the legendary artists that are coming back following the same trend
that...
Pete Rock - Well there is a ugly snake running about the industry and
its spreading it's poison everywhere and you know until we can figure
out a way to deal with what's going on in Hip-Hop man, I think its just
gonna be the way it is until somebody like myself or somebody like
Premier or Kanye or anybody can bridge the gap in Hip-Hop. 'Cause today some
of this music is not inspiring at all. I listen to some of the new
stuff but I cant listen to it too much so I break it up but I do give it a
listen.
ThaFormula.com - So after the "Mecca" LP you guys were large and up
next came the sophomore LP "Main Ingredient." How did you feel about that
album?
Pete Rock - I think it was a good look. You know people really loved
that album but it was kind of weird to me because it was different for
me. It didn't sound as young as "Mecca and the Soul Brother," so it was
more of a mature sound. There's a song that I did called "In the Flesh"
on "The Main Ingredient" which I had made in front of Biggie, he was
watching me make the beat so that album to me is kind of special cause
even though he wasn't a part of the album, he was a part of my thoughts
which was still important to me at the time and still is.
ThaFormula.com - The more time that goes by man it seems wack that you
and Biggie never recorded together. I mean I know you did the "Juicy"
remix but I don't know if you were actually together for that?
Pete Rock - Yeah, we never really worked together. He came over to my
house and I gave him a few beats to write to and stuff, but we never got
to do anything. There was an interlude beat that he wanted that was on
"The Main Ingredient," that he was really, really lovin' but we didn't
really get a chance to do that as well.
ThaFormula.com - How big was Biggie on the streets before Bad Boy?
Pete Rock - He definitely was a voice that was known before he got
signed. In the hood, on the streets and on mix tapes, kids were checkin'
for him like "yo who is that cat?"
ThaFormula.com - So when "The Main Ingredient" dropped, did you guys
feel you got the props you deserved on the album?
Pete Rock - Yeah, I think so. As far as the label working it, I didn't
think they worked it hard enough but I was definitely proud of that
album. I just was sad that it didn't do as well 'cause the label didn't
get behind it and push it properly. They didn't know how to promote a
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth.
ThaFormula.com - But they did push the first one pretty good right?
Pete Rock - Yeah, even with the first one back then we didn't even
reach gold status at all. So from what I'm hearing now is that we're gold
so I don't know.
ThaFormula.com - So at what point in time did you guys decide that was
it?
Pete Rock - I think it was after "The Main Ingredient." The label was
giving us a lot of problems with that album and you know behind the
scenes stuff, paperwork, all kinds of stuff…money, everything was just too
much at the time for a young man like myself so I just called it quits
and went on to produce and do underground stuff.
ThaFormula.com - During the time of "Mecca" and "Main Ingredient" were
the labels the same back then as they are now as far as pushing you to
make more radio type tracks and jingles?
Pete Rock - Not really, we would just be going in the studio and doing
whatever. We didn't listen to the radio to much. I never made beats in
mind that I have to make a radio record. I did what I wanted to do and
whatever my body felt like doing.
ThaFormula.com - 'Cause I look back at how you guys were on a major
like Elektra and real Hip-Hop ain't on major labels no more. So I was
wondering if maybe that's what led to you calling it quits?
Pete Rock - Hmm, you could say that. When Sylvia Rhone came and took
over the label it was basically a wrap for me cause we didn't see eye to
eye on a lot of things. She came in with the new shit, that bullshit.
So of course we're not gonna see eye to eye when she is saying to me
that I should be making beats like Puff and I'm my own person. Puff, he's
learned a lot from me and that's all. I got no problems with Puff, I
think he's a great person, I think he's smart and I think he's a good
business man.
ThaFormula.com - Now you did get to drop a single for "Fakin' Jax" on
Elektra before you left...
Pete Rock - Yeah but that's what I'm saying. That's when our working
relationship severed with Sylvia 'cause she didn't put that album out and
then all of a sudden people get copies of it and its bootlegged and all
kinds of shit is going on.
ThaFormula.com - How did it feel not seeing that INI album drop? 'Cause
that was an incredible album…
Pete Rock - I mean it's out now but I just felt like it was a great and
should have came out back then, but she didn't understand, she didn't
see. She was coming in with a totally different mind frame. She cleaned
out the real Hip-Hop and hired you know the trip-flop.
ThaFormula.com - Now it wasn't just you though Pete. It seemed like
around this time of '96 and '97 every label started cleaning house and
dropping everybody?
Pete Rock - Yeah, it was a bad period in the music business at that
time. People were getting dropped, people were losing their jobs and then
they brought in a whole new horizon of artists and producers that we
couldn't understand because they didn't have the passion or the love for
the music. They were just doing it for the money and you could hear it
in the music.
ThaFormula.com - So I'll ask you Pete…why do you think the labels all
decided to wipe out the real artists and bring in this new bullshit?
Pete Rock - I have no idea, but like I said its someone at a round
table that doesn't know anything about Hip-Hop music that doesn't have any
love for the music and its that person who I call the devil basically
who makes the plan on how to destroy Hip-Hop and you know that's
basically how it goes down because if you look at it like with some of these
rappers you know doing shit like not unifying with each other this type
of thing happens. When we don't unite as Black people and come together
and especially from a music that we created, it kind of looks bad when
we don't unify and when we focus on things that we shouldn't be
focusing on. So when were not focusing and looking that other way, that other
little devil is coming in right behind you and slippin' right past you
to fuck shit up and that's how I feel. The person that's doing it has
no soul and no kind of means what so ever. They are focused on one
thing. HOW TO DESTROY HIP-HOP AND MAKE A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY IN THE PROCESS.
ThaFormula.com - So when shit got tough in '96 it seems like that was
the time when a lot of the unity between many artists just started to
fall apart...
Pete Rock - Yeah everybody was breaking up and shit. I think with
groups they don't seem to realize what I learned now…that this industry can
pit you against your partner. Record companies are good for
infiltrating, coming between a group or not working out proper negotiations with
their contracts and stuff like that but all of that stems from just not
being on top of your shit.
ThaFormula.com - So what was the plan after the Elektra situation?
Pete Rock - I mean the West Coast kind of was running it for a little
while and then that died down and you know now I believe New York has to
come back strong and you know I think I'm one of their strong entities
that is doing something in May with releasing this "Soul Survivor II"
album. A lot of albums have come out over the years and a lot of the
times I would just sit there not impressed just going through records. I
like a whole album that you can just sit and listen to the whole thing
from start to finish like a Gangstarr album or a Tribe or Pete Rock
album.
ThaFormula.com - So how did the first solo joint come about?
Pete Rock - I think that came about with just me being out there you
know at certain functions and I met someone who introduced me to Steve
Rifkind and Steve was interested in me and meeting with me. So we met and
talked about doing an album through Loud and I said I wanted to do it
like this. Sort of like a compilation, like done by me but it's never
been done before 'cause I never produced an album with different rappers
on every track and I think it's a cool series that I'ma keep going.
ThaFormula.com - I think that only two people have ever done that to
perfection and that is you and Dre with "The Chronic." How was recording
that project and was it a hard project to put together?
Pete Rock - Nah, not really at all. It was actually fun and easy. I got
to meet a lot of people. I got to make working relationships with a lot
of artists and it was great for me. It was a good thing and good
exposure so I was happy..
ThaFormula.com - Now did that LP turn out like you would have liked as
far as Loud supporting you?
Pete Rock - Nah, they didn't really you know do a…I guess what was
required to blow the album up. Also the industry had changed and things
were different 'cause they were looking more to push like the 3/6 Mafia
and the other shit coming out. But people and things change so I could
never understand but I can always try to keep up and show people that I'm
a versatile producer and that I can do any type of music.
ThaFormula.com - When the keyboard era came in a little after that, how
did you feel about it?
Pete Rock - To be honest and truthful, I didn't like the sound. I felt
like there was no soul in the music and then you know, just like…you
know there was no real time spent on making a hit record. I mean you
don't have to spend hours and hours on a beat, but my thing is you know the
music with the keyboards just sounds empty and there is no soul and no
care and nobody is doing the music like to the best of their ability.
They are just doing it and getting it out there and getting paid and
doing what they gotta do instead of caring for what they do and saying nah
you know I don't like this beat, I wanna go back and change it and put
this in it and make it sound better. I don't think that's being done at
all today except for the real cats who really want there shit to sound
dope.
ThaFormula.com - Was there a lot of beats that you didn't get credit
for?
Pete Rock - Yeah I have mentioned a few before but other then that I'm
not gonna let that cat out the bag. But of course I did a lot of ghost
producing and arranging.
ThaFormula.com - Did that happen a lot to you?
Pete Rock - Well it hasn't happened recently. For that you have to pay
me for stuff like that now. I can't just do it on spec anymore. I was
so happy being in the game of music and making money, I was just like
okay I'll help you with this, and not thinking about getting," paid but
nowadays if you want me to help you arrange a beat you're gonna have to
pay for that.
ThaFormula.com - How do you feel about MTV and how most people feel
that it controls what's Hip-Hop now?
Pete Rock - To me MTV only controls what's in their world, they don't
control Hip-Hop 'cause I believe I'm Hip-Hop and they don't control me.
Like any other producer would say the same thing who has a passion and
who is dear to the heart with this will tell you its all about the
music man. MTV to me is disgracing Hip-Hop right now how I see it. They can
slap the cuffs on me for saying that but who gives a fuck. I remember
charting and having records that I produced on MTV everyday and not even
Yo! MTV raps. Because it was a good rap record it would be on MTV, but
these days they are doing bullshit to me. I don't even watch MTV. MTV2
I gets with because they show a lot of the good videos and a lot of the
golden age stuff. MTV2 is like the way MTV should be period.
ThaFormula.com - So after the "Soul Survivor" what did you do from
there?
Pete Rock - I basically was going on tour and on the road a lot. I was
just out doing DJ gigs and shows and shit and then creating this new
album that's coming out on the 11th of May.
ThaFormula.com - How long did you work on this new "Soul Survivor II"
LP?
Pete Rock - For about a year.
ThaFormula.com - So you weren't working on it for the last few years
like many people thought?
Pete Rock - Nah, I mean I have had beats for that long but I finally
just started putting it together the end of 2002 and beginning of 2003.
ThaFormula.com - It's amazing to me that they have completely shut out
the real Hip-Hop from the major labels man. Dead Prez seems to be the
only real group on a major.
Pete Rock - Not even Gangstarr is on a major anymore and that's sad.
That's when you know it's a fucking sad day in Hip-Hop. These fucking
major labels is on some bullshit with that wack shit. They're getting rid
of the real shit, to sign that wack shit and that shit pisses me off,
but you know whatever. Obviously these people have no experience with
music.
ThaFormula.com - Now one of the biggest questions people always ask is
why weren't you on the "Stillmatic" or the "God Son" LP from Nas?
Pete Rock - You know, I have no idea but you have to ask Nas about that
one and that's the end of the story. I would love to work with Nas
again but you will have to ask him why I haven't worked on his albums. He
will be able to tell you that with no problem.
ThaFormula.com - No doubt, 'cause I had seen in a couple of interviews
something with Nas where he said something about you being scared…I
mean you gave him some of the hottest shit he ever spit on so I always
wondered what the problem was with you guys hooking back up?
Pete Rock - I mean I have worked with everybody in the world. Why would
I be scared? That doesn't making sense. I mean I don't have a problem
with Nas, Nas has a problem with me. So until he works it out with
himself then there is nothing that can be done about it. He could say what
he wants to say. I'ma say this, I know he needs the proper medicine and
he knows he needs it, so let's stop being kids and be men and come
together and talk about whatever the problem is and then we can move on and
make this dope music. I ain't got time for what and how you feel or if
I didn't come somewhere, if I didn't hang out with you, or this or that
with you.
ThaFormula.com - No doubt. I mean people just wanna see you guys back
together on some classic shit like "Illmatic." Speaking of that, did you
guys ever record anything over again after the "Illmatic stuff?"
Pete Rock - Nah that was it.
ThaFormula.com - Did you ever submit anymore beats after that for his
albums after?
Pete Rock - Yeah I tried to but I mean there is times where he's
treated me on the phone like I was nobody so with that attitude you know, I'm
not gonna keep calling you and stressing you and sweating you. You know
I'm not doing what everybody else is doing, I'm being me. I'm not
asking him to sweat me, I'm not sweating him.
ThaFormula.com - Yeah Kool G Rap was saying the same thing when we
spoke to him which I thought was wack 'cause you guys could be recording
some classic shit together.
Pete Rock - Yeah and nobody is with chasing him. It's like "yo, you're
putting that out there in interviews but you're not even saying
anything to me in my face when I see you?" I encountered Nas 3 times in the
street and he had nothing to say to me. But he got a lot to say in these
interviews. If you a man then be a man and say it to me. If you got a
problem with me you say it to me. I don't got a problem with Nas, never
did and never have. This is music man, what's the big deal? I mean if
you don't wanna fuck with Pete you ain't gotta fuck with Pete. There is
other niggaz that you can fuck with and that's what your doing and I'm
happy for you dog. Keep it going. Keep making dope music cause that's
all I wanna hear and that's it man.
ThaFormula.com - I mean I had to ask man 'cause your the only one left
for him to work with that people really wanna hear again. But I'm glad
to hear that it's just a misunderstanding man and hopefully Nas sees
this and you guys can get together and make some classic shit for the
heads.
Pete Rock - Yeah, I got a massive collection of beats for him. I used
to make beats and put them on the side for him. But if he don't want
these beats I'll give them to other people 'cause you know that's what I
do. But it's no big thing and it's just music.
ThaFormula.com - Exactly. How did you feel about the Non-Phixion
project you worked on?
Pete Rock - Ill Bill man Ill Bill!!! That's my man. Non-Phixion was one
of the dopest white MC's that I've met in a long time besides Eminem.
Them cats are fucking ridiculous.
ThaFormula.com - What's the deal with the Ed O G and Pete Rock Project?
Pete Rock - We are almost done with that. He's just gotta finish
writing some things. I'm jumping on a song with him and then that's gonna be
it. It's like 7 joints I did for him.
ThaFormula.com - What's the deal with you and Foxxx man? People wanna
hear some shit from the two of you?
Pete Rock - Well me and Foxxx we been trying to work with each other,
but you know there is just a few things we gotta get straight first
before we go in and do the music. So that's it 'cause I'm dying to finish
that up with Freddie. I laid down a lot of shit with him and you know
we're just trying to wait to see when we're gonna do shit. I have no idea
what his plans are and how he plans on doing it.
ThaFormula.com - So what's up with the new album Pete?
Pete Rock - Well its "Soul survivor II" and it features a lot of good
people on there. Pharoahe Monch, Little Brother, Rza & Gza, Dead Prez,
Talib Kweli, C.L. Smooth, Krumbsnatcha, Skillz, Slum Village, J-Dilla,
Postaboy, Leela James and that's it. That's what's up right there. Also,
make sure with the Nas thing that we spoke on, don't make it seem like
I'm trying to get at him. Just let it be known how I feel as far as all
that to me is nonsense…'cause this is just music. Do whatever just
don't twist it around and make it look fucked up like other journalists do.
ThaFormula.com - No doubt and thanks for taking tha time to do this
Pete. So people, be sure to go out and support Pete's new project. Also,
all you bitch made magazines and journalists, don't try and twist this
interview around like some of our others cause in tha end it's just
music!!!
PETE ROCK
SOUL SURVIVOR II
BBE / RAPSTER
release date: MAY 11th 2004
ALBUM TRACKLISTING
01. Truth Is Featuring Black Ice
02. We Good Featuring Kardinal Offishall
03. Just Do It Featuring Pharoahe Monch
04. Give It To Ya Featuring Little Brother
05. It’s Da Postaboy Featuring Postaboy
06. It's A Love Thing Featuring C.L. Smooth and Denosh
07. One MC One DJ Featuring Skillz
08. Beef Featuring Krumbsnatcha
09. No Tears Featuring Leela James
10. Head Rush Featuring RZA and GZA
11. Fly Till I Die Featuring Talib Kweli and C.L. Smooth
12. Warzone Featuring Dead Prez
13. Da Villa Featuring Slum Village
14. Niggaz Know Featuring J-Dilla
15. Appreciate Featuring C.L. Smooth
Produced by Pete Rock for Soul Brother Records, Inc.
Executive Producer: Pete Rock for Soul Brother Records, Inc.
Co-Executive Producers: Eddie Bezalel and Peter Adarkwah.
A&R: Eddie Bezalel
ThaFormula.com - When you dropped the Creator EP what was the reaction
to most of the people out there, and did it do really well?
Pete Rock - Yeah it actually did well but I mean we never reached
Platinum status or anything but we did it just so we could get a feel of the
people and what they thought about us and our music, so we put it out
there as a test to test the waters. Then we came back with a great
reaction and people you know loved the beats you know, they loved the new
style and I was very excited. I remember the day I got the news of how
people took us and you know…we basically did that just so we can see the
response and the reaction and then we went on to make the first full
length album which was "Mecca and the Soul Brother."
ThaFormula.com - You know its funny, growing up as a kid in the 'hood I
always assumed you guys were platinum since in the 'hood everyone was
bumpin' that shit. It wasn't 'till some time later that I realized that
it wasn't like that everywhere. So I'm wondering did you guys make any
money off of that EP and even the LP's that followed?
Pete Rock - Yeah, I mean we didn't make a whole lot of money but we
sold some units and we made some money off of it and it stills sells even
to this day. So the money we didn't make we probably made it back by
now hopefully.
ThaFormula.com - And did you guys sign a wack contract like most of the
groups from the era?
Pete Rock - Yeah of course, everybody does. I mean we didn't sign it in
our best interest. We've made some money but there is a lot of things
that they don't tell you or that they will never tell you. It's up to
you having a great attorney that's gonna tell you how to renegotiate or
negotiate your contract 'cause when you're at a young age you're just
happy to get on and get paid and not think about all the paper work and
all the shit that you getting taken for and teaching you about
publishing and radio spins and Billboard and things like that. Now it's been a
great learning experience, I learned a lot and there is still more that
I have to learn.
ThaFormula.com - So after the EP you guys dropped "Mecca and The Soul
Brother," I actually thought that that album went Platinum with the
amount of radio play you guys got and MTV playing that shit daily…
Pete Rock - If it did go Platinum I didn't know about it. If it did I
need to go and get my copy.
ThaFormula.com - Would you consider "Mecca and the Soul Brother" the
most fun you ever had recording?
Pete Rock - Probably I would have to say that that was the most fun I
had making an album with C.L. Smooth 'cause it was our first full-length
album and we were hyped on the beats and we were confident of
everything. Actually when the album was done we weren't too confident but we
were confident enough in ourselves to know that we made something great
and when we put it out to the people its like they gave it back to us
just like that.
ThaFormula.com - Now rumors have gone around that "T.R.O.Y." was a
Large Professor beat that he gave you?
Pete Rock - No. How is it a large professor beat?
ThaFormula.com - Well I have heard from different sources that have
said that Large Pr...
Pete Rock - Nah, Large is my man and Large will tell you himself that
he didn't make that beat. That's it! Cats know. I don't have to front,
if you want I can make the beat over right in front of you. I'm tired of
cats asking me stupid questions.
ThaFormula.com - No doubt Pete, but you know I got to ask you that
'cause people wanna know?
Pete Rock - But see what's important is how you put it down in the mag
'cause some of them interviewers they twist and turn shit around and
turn your words around.
ThaFormula.com - Nah, we always represent correct and give to the
people word for word no matter what...
Pete Rock - Okay, but nah Pete Rock made "Reminisce." So let's just
make that clear for the record and just do that line in big letters, PETE
ROCK MADE REMINISCE ALL BY HIMSELF!!!
ThaFormula.com - Well I figured you did 'cause I didn't see how you
couldn't have done "T.R.O.Y.," and then done "Straighten it Out"...
Pete Rock - Yeah you know how people are man. They just make up stuff
and just throw it out there.
ThaFormula.com - When you look back at "T.R.O.Y." now, did you ever see
it becoming the timeless classic that it is now?
Pete Rock - Actually I didn't but now I look back at it and I'm like
"wow," it did a lot for people. They played it everywhere, weddings,
funerals and all kind of places, so you know I can't complain at all,
period. I'm just glad that it worked out and I'm glad that people you know
kind of adapted to the song cause I basically wanted everybody to feel
my pain when I made that.
ThaFormula.com - Speaking of that Pete, why do you think we can't get
any songs with that kind of feel to them anymore man?
Pete Rock - I don't know man, you know Hip-Hop has changed drastically
and the original way that I believe Hip-Hop is done is not being done
that way. It's being done a little different today. I feel that you know
its all about longevity and making classical music and today to me it
just seems like the music that I'm hearing today is not gonna last 10
years from now or 20 years from now. People are not gonna be saying, "yo
that record made me feel like this." My records give you feeling
inside. It makes you feel and that's why its real Hip-Hop 'cause you know it
touches the soul and that's what's important. Like these records today
they're not touching anything on the inside. Really I did this album to
put back out there the original way Hip-Hop was done and to teach the
young youth about how Hip-Hop was done and how it always should be done.
ThaFormula.com - Do you sometimes feel though Pete that it's a lost
cause?
Pete Rock - Yeah, I felt like that plenty of nights, plenty of times.
It kind of depressed me to even think about it because you know its a
money thing with everybody. It's not about dignity and pride anymore and
its not about just putting your good music out there for good use. It's
healing music. Like this stuff that I hear today it doesn't heal you at
all. To me it just bangs you in the head too much and makes you a
different person and not on a good level. I hear a lot of people complain.
That's all I do is hear people complain. It's a lot of people that feel
the same way you feel, the way I feel.
ThaFormula.com - But why did we let this happen man and why are some of
the legendary artists that are coming back following the same trend
that...
Pete Rock - Well there is a ugly snake running about the industry and
its spreading it's poison everywhere and you know until we can figure
out a way to deal with what's going on in Hip-Hop man, I think its just
gonna be the way it is until somebody like myself or somebody like
Premier or Kanye or anybody can bridge the gap in Hip-Hop. 'Cause today some
of this music is not inspiring at all. I listen to some of the new
stuff but I cant listen to it too much so I break it up but I do give it a
listen.
ThaFormula.com - So after the "Mecca" LP you guys were large and up
next came the sophomore LP "Main Ingredient." How did you feel about that
album?
Pete Rock - I think it was a good look. You know people really loved
that album but it was kind of weird to me because it was different for
me. It didn't sound as young as "Mecca and the Soul Brother," so it was
more of a mature sound. There's a song that I did called "In the Flesh"
on "The Main Ingredient" which I had made in front of Biggie, he was
watching me make the beat so that album to me is kind of special cause
even though he wasn't a part of the album, he was a part of my thoughts
which was still important to me at the time and still is.
ThaFormula.com - The more time that goes by man it seems wack that you
and Biggie never recorded together. I mean I know you did the "Juicy"
remix but I don't know if you were actually together for that?
Pete Rock - Yeah, we never really worked together. He came over to my
house and I gave him a few beats to write to and stuff, but we never got
to do anything. There was an interlude beat that he wanted that was on
"The Main Ingredient," that he was really, really lovin' but we didn't
really get a chance to do that as well.
ThaFormula.com - How big was Biggie on the streets before Bad Boy?
Pete Rock - He definitely was a voice that was known before he got
signed. In the hood, on the streets and on mix tapes, kids were checkin'
for him like "yo who is that cat?"
ThaFormula.com - So when "The Main Ingredient" dropped, did you guys
feel you got the props you deserved on the album?
Pete Rock - Yeah, I think so. As far as the label working it, I didn't
think they worked it hard enough but I was definitely proud of that
album. I just was sad that it didn't do as well 'cause the label didn't
get behind it and push it properly. They didn't know how to promote a
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth.
ThaFormula.com - But they did push the first one pretty good right?
Pete Rock - Yeah, even with the first one back then we didn't even
reach gold status at all. So from what I'm hearing now is that we're gold
so I don't know.
ThaFormula.com - So at what point in time did you guys decide that was
it?
Pete Rock - I think it was after "The Main Ingredient." The label was
giving us a lot of problems with that album and you know behind the
scenes stuff, paperwork, all kinds of stuff…money, everything was just too
much at the time for a young man like myself so I just called it quits
and went on to produce and do underground stuff.
ThaFormula.com - During the time of "Mecca" and "Main Ingredient" were
the labels the same back then as they are now as far as pushing you to
make more radio type tracks and jingles?
Pete Rock - Not really, we would just be going in the studio and doing
whatever. We didn't listen to the radio to much. I never made beats in
mind that I have to make a radio record. I did what I wanted to do and
whatever my body felt like doing.
ThaFormula.com - 'Cause I look back at how you guys were on a major
like Elektra and real Hip-Hop ain't on major labels no more. So I was
wondering if maybe that's what led to you calling it quits?
Pete Rock - Hmm, you could say that. When Sylvia Rhone came and took
over the label it was basically a wrap for me cause we didn't see eye to
eye on a lot of things. She came in with the new shit, that bullshit.
So of course we're not gonna see eye to eye when she is saying to me
that I should be making beats like Puff and I'm my own person. Puff, he's
learned a lot from me and that's all. I got no problems with Puff, I
think he's a great person, I think he's smart and I think he's a good
business man.
ThaFormula.com - Now you did get to drop a single for "Fakin' Jax" on
Elektra before you left...
Pete Rock - Yeah but that's what I'm saying. That's when our working
relationship severed with Sylvia 'cause she didn't put that album out and
then all of a sudden people get copies of it and its bootlegged and all
kinds of shit is going on.
ThaFormula.com - How did it feel not seeing that INI album drop? 'Cause
that was an incredible album…
Pete Rock - I mean it's out now but I just felt like it was a great and
should have came out back then, but she didn't understand, she didn't
see. She was coming in with a totally different mind frame. She cleaned
out the real Hip-Hop and hired you know the trip-flop.
ThaFormula.com - Now it wasn't just you though Pete. It seemed like
around this time of '96 and '97 every label started cleaning house and
dropping everybody?
Pete Rock - Yeah, it was a bad period in the music business at that
time. People were getting dropped, people were losing their jobs and then
they brought in a whole new horizon of artists and producers that we
couldn't understand because they didn't have the passion or the love for
the music. They were just doing it for the money and you could hear it
in the music.
ThaFormula.com - So I'll ask you Pete…why do you think the labels all
decided to wipe out the real artists and bring in this new bullshit?
Pete Rock - I have no idea, but like I said its someone at a round
table that doesn't know anything about Hip-Hop music that doesn't have any
love for the music and its that person who I call the devil basically
who makes the plan on how to destroy Hip-Hop and you know that's
basically how it goes down because if you look at it like with some of these
rappers you know doing shit like not unifying with each other this type
of thing happens. When we don't unite as Black people and come together
and especially from a music that we created, it kind of looks bad when
we don't unify and when we focus on things that we shouldn't be
focusing on. So when were not focusing and looking that other way, that other
little devil is coming in right behind you and slippin' right past you
to fuck shit up and that's how I feel. The person that's doing it has
no soul and no kind of means what so ever. They are focused on one
thing. HOW TO DESTROY HIP-HOP AND MAKE A WHOLE LOT OF MONEY IN THE PROCESS.
ThaFormula.com - So when shit got tough in '96 it seems like that was
the time when a lot of the unity between many artists just started to
fall apart...
Pete Rock - Yeah everybody was breaking up and shit. I think with
groups they don't seem to realize what I learned now…that this industry can
pit you against your partner. Record companies are good for
infiltrating, coming between a group or not working out proper negotiations with
their contracts and stuff like that but all of that stems from just not
being on top of your shit.
ThaFormula.com - So what was the plan after the Elektra situation?
Pete Rock - I mean the West Coast kind of was running it for a little
while and then that died down and you know now I believe New York has to
come back strong and you know I think I'm one of their strong entities
that is doing something in May with releasing this "Soul Survivor II"
album. A lot of albums have come out over the years and a lot of the
times I would just sit there not impressed just going through records. I
like a whole album that you can just sit and listen to the whole thing
from start to finish like a Gangstarr album or a Tribe or Pete Rock
album.
ThaFormula.com - So how did the first solo joint come about?
Pete Rock - I think that came about with just me being out there you
know at certain functions and I met someone who introduced me to Steve
Rifkind and Steve was interested in me and meeting with me. So we met and
talked about doing an album through Loud and I said I wanted to do it
like this. Sort of like a compilation, like done by me but it's never
been done before 'cause I never produced an album with different rappers
on every track and I think it's a cool series that I'ma keep going.
ThaFormula.com - I think that only two people have ever done that to
perfection and that is you and Dre with "The Chronic." How was recording
that project and was it a hard project to put together?
Pete Rock - Nah, not really at all. It was actually fun and easy. I got
to meet a lot of people. I got to make working relationships with a lot
of artists and it was great for me. It was a good thing and good
exposure so I was happy..
ThaFormula.com - Now did that LP turn out like you would have liked as
far as Loud supporting you?
Pete Rock - Nah, they didn't really you know do a…I guess what was
required to blow the album up. Also the industry had changed and things
were different 'cause they were looking more to push like the 3/6 Mafia
and the other shit coming out. But people and things change so I could
never understand but I can always try to keep up and show people that I'm
a versatile producer and that I can do any type of music.
ThaFormula.com - When the keyboard era came in a little after that, how
did you feel about it?
Pete Rock - To be honest and truthful, I didn't like the sound. I felt
like there was no soul in the music and then you know, just like…you
know there was no real time spent on making a hit record. I mean you
don't have to spend hours and hours on a beat, but my thing is you know the
music with the keyboards just sounds empty and there is no soul and no
care and nobody is doing the music like to the best of their ability.
They are just doing it and getting it out there and getting paid and
doing what they gotta do instead of caring for what they do and saying nah
you know I don't like this beat, I wanna go back and change it and put
this in it and make it sound better. I don't think that's being done at
all today except for the real cats who really want there shit to sound
dope.
ThaFormula.com - Was there a lot of beats that you didn't get credit
for?
Pete Rock - Yeah I have mentioned a few before but other then that I'm
not gonna let that cat out the bag. But of course I did a lot of ghost
producing and arranging.
ThaFormula.com - Did that happen a lot to you?
Pete Rock - Well it hasn't happened recently. For that you have to pay
me for stuff like that now. I can't just do it on spec anymore. I was
so happy being in the game of music and making money, I was just like
okay I'll help you with this, and not thinking about getting," paid but
nowadays if you want me to help you arrange a beat you're gonna have to
pay for that.
ThaFormula.com - How do you feel about MTV and how most people feel
that it controls what's Hip-Hop now?
Pete Rock - To me MTV only controls what's in their world, they don't
control Hip-Hop 'cause I believe I'm Hip-Hop and they don't control me.
Like any other producer would say the same thing who has a passion and
who is dear to the heart with this will tell you its all about the
music man. MTV to me is disgracing Hip-Hop right now how I see it. They can
slap the cuffs on me for saying that but who gives a fuck. I remember
charting and having records that I produced on MTV everyday and not even
Yo! MTV raps. Because it was a good rap record it would be on MTV, but
these days they are doing bullshit to me. I don't even watch MTV. MTV2
I gets with because they show a lot of the good videos and a lot of the
golden age stuff. MTV2 is like the way MTV should be period.
ThaFormula.com - So after the "Soul Survivor" what did you do from
there?
Pete Rock - I basically was going on tour and on the road a lot. I was
just out doing DJ gigs and shows and shit and then creating this new
album that's coming out on the 11th of May.
ThaFormula.com - How long did you work on this new "Soul Survivor II"
LP?
Pete Rock - For about a year.
ThaFormula.com - So you weren't working on it for the last few years
like many people thought?
Pete Rock - Nah, I mean I have had beats for that long but I finally
just started putting it together the end of 2002 and beginning of 2003.
ThaFormula.com - It's amazing to me that they have completely shut out
the real Hip-Hop from the major labels man. Dead Prez seems to be the
only real group on a major.
Pete Rock - Not even Gangstarr is on a major anymore and that's sad.
That's when you know it's a fucking sad day in Hip-Hop. These fucking
major labels is on some bullshit with that wack shit. They're getting rid
of the real shit, to sign that wack shit and that shit pisses me off,
but you know whatever. Obviously these people have no experience with
music.
ThaFormula.com - Now one of the biggest questions people always ask is
why weren't you on the "Stillmatic" or the "God Son" LP from Nas?
Pete Rock - You know, I have no idea but you have to ask Nas about that
one and that's the end of the story. I would love to work with Nas
again but you will have to ask him why I haven't worked on his albums. He
will be able to tell you that with no problem.
ThaFormula.com - No doubt, 'cause I had seen in a couple of interviews
something with Nas where he said something about you being scared…I
mean you gave him some of the hottest shit he ever spit on so I always
wondered what the problem was with you guys hooking back up?
Pete Rock - I mean I have worked with everybody in the world. Why would
I be scared? That doesn't making sense. I mean I don't have a problem
with Nas, Nas has a problem with me. So until he works it out with
himself then there is nothing that can be done about it. He could say what
he wants to say. I'ma say this, I know he needs the proper medicine and
he knows he needs it, so let's stop being kids and be men and come
together and talk about whatever the problem is and then we can move on and
make this dope music. I ain't got time for what and how you feel or if
I didn't come somewhere, if I didn't hang out with you, or this or that
with you.
ThaFormula.com - No doubt. I mean people just wanna see you guys back
together on some classic shit like "Illmatic." Speaking of that, did you
guys ever record anything over again after the "Illmatic stuff?"
Pete Rock - Nah that was it.
ThaFormula.com - Did you ever submit anymore beats after that for his
albums after?
Pete Rock - Yeah I tried to but I mean there is times where he's
treated me on the phone like I was nobody so with that attitude you know, I'm
not gonna keep calling you and stressing you and sweating you. You know
I'm not doing what everybody else is doing, I'm being me. I'm not
asking him to sweat me, I'm not sweating him.
ThaFormula.com - Yeah Kool G Rap was saying the same thing when we
spoke to him which I thought was wack 'cause you guys could be recording
some classic shit together.
Pete Rock - Yeah and nobody is with chasing him. It's like "yo, you're
putting that out there in interviews but you're not even saying
anything to me in my face when I see you?" I encountered Nas 3 times in the
street and he had nothing to say to me. But he got a lot to say in these
interviews. If you a man then be a man and say it to me. If you got a
problem with me you say it to me. I don't got a problem with Nas, never
did and never have. This is music man, what's the big deal? I mean if
you don't wanna fuck with Pete you ain't gotta fuck with Pete. There is
other niggaz that you can fuck with and that's what your doing and I'm
happy for you dog. Keep it going. Keep making dope music cause that's
all I wanna hear and that's it man.
ThaFormula.com - I mean I had to ask man 'cause your the only one left
for him to work with that people really wanna hear again. But I'm glad
to hear that it's just a misunderstanding man and hopefully Nas sees
this and you guys can get together and make some classic shit for the
heads.
Pete Rock - Yeah, I got a massive collection of beats for him. I used
to make beats and put them on the side for him. But if he don't want
these beats I'll give them to other people 'cause you know that's what I
do. But it's no big thing and it's just music.
ThaFormula.com - Exactly. How did you feel about the Non-Phixion
project you worked on?
Pete Rock - Ill Bill man Ill Bill!!! That's my man. Non-Phixion was one
of the dopest white MC's that I've met in a long time besides Eminem.
Them cats are fucking ridiculous.
ThaFormula.com - What's the deal with the Ed O G and Pete Rock Project?
Pete Rock - We are almost done with that. He's just gotta finish
writing some things. I'm jumping on a song with him and then that's gonna be
it. It's like 7 joints I did for him.
ThaFormula.com - What's the deal with you and Foxxx man? People wanna
hear some shit from the two of you?
Pete Rock - Well me and Foxxx we been trying to work with each other,
but you know there is just a few things we gotta get straight first
before we go in and do the music. So that's it 'cause I'm dying to finish
that up with Freddie. I laid down a lot of shit with him and you know
we're just trying to wait to see when we're gonna do shit. I have no idea
what his plans are and how he plans on doing it.
ThaFormula.com - So what's up with the new album Pete?
Pete Rock - Well its "Soul survivor II" and it features a lot of good
people on there. Pharoahe Monch, Little Brother, Rza & Gza, Dead Prez,
Talib Kweli, C.L. Smooth, Krumbsnatcha, Skillz, Slum Village, J-Dilla,
Postaboy, Leela James and that's it. That's what's up right there. Also,
make sure with the Nas thing that we spoke on, don't make it seem like
I'm trying to get at him. Just let it be known how I feel as far as all
that to me is nonsense…'cause this is just music. Do whatever just
don't twist it around and make it look fucked up like other journalists do.
ThaFormula.com - No doubt and thanks for taking tha time to do this
Pete. So people, be sure to go out and support Pete's new project. Also,
all you bitch made magazines and journalists, don't try and twist this
interview around like some of our others cause in tha end it's just
music!!!
PETE ROCK
SOUL SURVIVOR II
BBE / RAPSTER
release date: MAY 11th 2004
ALBUM TRACKLISTING
01. Truth Is Featuring Black Ice
02. We Good Featuring Kardinal Offishall
03. Just Do It Featuring Pharoahe Monch
04. Give It To Ya Featuring Little Brother
05. It’s Da Postaboy Featuring Postaboy
06. It's A Love Thing Featuring C.L. Smooth and Denosh
07. One MC One DJ Featuring Skillz
08. Beef Featuring Krumbsnatcha
09. No Tears Featuring Leela James
10. Head Rush Featuring RZA and GZA
11. Fly Till I Die Featuring Talib Kweli and C.L. Smooth
12. Warzone Featuring Dead Prez
13. Da Villa Featuring Slum Village
14. Niggaz Know Featuring J-Dilla
15. Appreciate Featuring C.L. Smooth
Produced by Pete Rock for Soul Brother Records, Inc.
Executive Producer: Pete Rock for Soul Brother Records, Inc.
Co-Executive Producers: Eddie Bezalel and Peter Adarkwah.
A&R: Eddie Bezalel
