Pete Rock, a revered figure in hip-hop, has recently provided insights into the dissolution of his iconic partnership with CL Smooth. In a candid appearance on Drink Champs, hosted by N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, alongside fellow artist Common, Pete Rock delved into the complexities of his relationship with CL Smooth, shedding light on their eventual split.
During the Drink Champs episode, Pete Rock expressed profound admiration for CL Smooth’s lyrical prowess. “He’s the best talent I’ve ever came across in my whole life,” Pete Rock stated, emphasizing CL Smooth’s unique rapping ability and distinctive voice. He acknowledged the positive history they shared, clarifying, “We shared great times together, don’t get it all fu**ed up now. We’ve had our good times,” before transitioning to the less harmonious aspects of their journey.
Pete Rock elaborated on the challenges that led to their separation, drawing a parallel to the natural ebb and flow of life. “Just like life, people have ups and downs,” he explained. He suggested that diverging paths and growth disparities played a significant role in their estrangement. “Sometimes, when we’re in the negative zone, we tend to go like this. What we would wish for each other is growth, but when one is growing and one isn’t, then it’s just still uneven. Even now.”
Pete Rock reflecting on his professional journey and partnership with CL Smooth on Drink Champs
Pete Rock And Cl Smooth initially parted ways in 1995, a year after releasing their critically acclaimed albums Mecca and the Soul Brother (1992) and The Main Ingredient (1994), albums that cemented their status in hip-hop history. While they briefly reunited for collaborations on Pete Rock’s solo ventures between 1998 and 2004, HipHopDX reports that a definitive split occurred in 2018, seemingly marking the conclusive end of their collaborative efforts.
Expressing regret over their fractured relationship, Pete Rock lamented, “It should never be like this. Ever. We should still be together but some things, you know, that I can’t tell the whole public.” He alluded to irreconcilable differences inherent in their partnership, stating, “Certain things happen in a partnership that just can’t be… and people won’t understand.” Respecting CL Smooth’s absence from the discussion, Pete Rock concluded this topic with a wish for his former partner’s well-being: “I don’t want to be the only one speaking on someone who’s not here, but I wish him the best in life.”
Following his Drink Champs appearance, Pete Rock extended the conversation to social media. In an Instagram post accompanying a clip from the podcast, he reiterated his stance on handling group breakups with grace. “This goes for anybody once in a group with a partner or partners. When things go left, take the high road,” he advised.
He further emphasized his preference for privacy, pushing back against public speculation. “When I make my business my business people start making up their own story cuz it’s nobody’s business but mine plain & simple like it or don’t,” Pete Rock asserted. He contrasted his approach with those who openly discuss personal matters, declaring, “You have people who tell their stories no problem and be on dem podcast talkin bout personal pronlems, thats not me mayne! F**k drama.”
Screenshot of Pete Rock's Instagram post about his separation from CL Smooth
Pete Rock’s Instagram post further reflected on the dynamics of long-term partnerships. “But dont believe groups stay 4ever. That only happens when 2 men really respect one another and their boundaries and has had similiar experiences happen to them and it gives each individual great understanding. Thats the important part!” Despite the separation, he conveyed a sense of closure, concluding, “But i wish no ill will on CL Smooth but i kept telling yall for years i have moved on with all due respect . i can accept it.”
Pete Rock’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the intricate relationships within hip-hop duos and the challenges of maintaining partnerships over time. While the musical collaboration of Pete Rock and CL Smooth may have concluded, their impactful legacy on hip-hop culture remains undeniable.
