Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth - Take You There (Official Video)

From the album "Main Ingredient" (1994)
Pete Rock & CL Smooth are a hip-hop duo from Mount Vernon, New York. They made their debut with their 1991 EP, All Souled Out and followed with 1992's Mecca and the Soul Brother LP.
As a producer, DJ Pete Rock (Peter Phillips) gained notoriety for his use of obscure soul and jazz records, frequently making use of horn-driven hooks. Lead vocalist CL Smooth (Corey Penn) delivered more conscious style of rap which contrasted with the popular gangsta rap records of the time, and he mostly avoided profanity, similar in style and delivery to positive East Coast rappers like those associated with the Native Tongues Crew. Their signature hit was "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)", a requiem for fallen friends-namely Troy "Trouble T-Roy" Dixon, a member of Heavy D & The Boyz, who died in 1990. They were first signed to Elektra Records, managed, and Executive Produced by Eddie F of Heavy D and The Boyz and Untouchables Entertainment who also then managed Pete Rock as a producer. Pete Rock was one of the original three "Untouchables" producers along with Eddie F himself and Nevelle Hodge.
In 1994 the duo followed up with The Main Ingredient, and they appeared as frequent guest artists collaborating on remixes, soundtracks, and other works. Public Enemy, EPMD, Heavy D and Johnny Gill were among the artists they collaborated with, and they can also claim credit for producing (and performing on) Run-D.M.C.'s 1993 comeback single 'Down with the King'.
The group broke up in 1995 (shortly after a Sprite TV commercial), however they have collaborated several times since on a handful of cuts from Pete Rock's solo recordings: Soul Survivor (1998), PeteStrumentals (2001) and Soul Survivor II (2004). The duo also went on a brief reunion tour as a warm up for their then-anticipated new album, which ended with a show at London's famous Jazz Cafe. Despite these intermittent collaborations, the pair has exchanged dismissive comments toward each other in separate interviews, disavowing plans for a full-fledged reunion.
Their best-of compilation, Good Life, was released on Elektra/WEA in 2003.
During this period, CL Smooth went on to release two solo albums - American Me in 2006 and The Outsider in 2007. Pete Rock would produce tracks for numerous artists, including CL Smooth's It's a Love Thing and Love is a Battlefield from each of his solo albums. Pete Rock had confirmed that among his promised new slew of releases in 2011, that one of the albums would be the third album between himself and CL Smooth, that as of 2012, is still in the works.
A deluxe CD box set of Mecca and the Soul Brother was released on September 14, 2010 by Traffic Entertainment Group. The package includes a remastered CD of the original album, a second disc of remixes, instrumentals and a cappellas, a fold-out poster and a detailed booklet with interviews and insights from Rock and Smooth by Brian Coleman.
In late 2010, the two finally ended their creative differences after 15 years of being at odds with each other. The duo has officially reunited for the sake of hip-hop and are respectfully working with each other again. The death of hip-hop pioneer Guru earlier in the year was a major catalyst which led to inspiring their reunion. They wanted to avoid the fate which befell Gang Starr, in which lead rapper Guru had not been on speaking terms with DJ Premier for roughly seven years and could not resolve their differences before his untimely death from cancer.
While touring in London with CL Smooth in early December 2011, Pete Rock stated that a new album was already in the works and would be released by year's end, or as soon as it was completed. The album will be the duo's third album, and the first album since 1994's The Main Ingredient.

[@action8859]

One of the dopest shit to ever come out. Brings back great memories

[@LuciousWeatherby]

No Guns, No Drugs, No Violence just dope beats and fly lyrics

[@siya9Karib]

For real 💢👌💢

[@LifeBehindtheMusicandCameras]

This was when music was music. I sure do miss those days!!!

[@LuciousWeatherby]

@@LifeBehindtheMusicandCameras True indeed!

[@josecolon3185]

💥💯💥

[@meyou5789]

This came during the same time Ready To Die did

[@garlandgarrison3739]

Pete Rock is easily one of the greatest producers of all time. I'll fight over that.

[@harbingerislove]

Nobody should be fighting you over this statement good sir. Petes production has always been among the elites in the game! Straight Fuego🔥🔥

[@adamgordon2572]

Not even debatable, Pete Rock is a LEGEND 🔥🔥

[@J.R.__]

Pete Rock is top shelf 🔥🔥🔥

[@jonfriktion07]

Facts

[@dmitritelvanni4068]

I'm with ya man. Second only to dre imo, and only behind him because dre is beyond rap now and basically part of history.

[@Crunchysopa52]

CL still has one of the illest voices and butter-like flows of all-time.. classic cut.

[@donbur1553]

All Facts!!!

[@geraldkfrazier8667]

Yeah he definitely got a smooth flow

[@Mr_JRH]

yeah CL Smooth and Grand Puba

[@AMSteez]

Some people thought I was listening to LL Cool J when I was bumping this song on my speaker lol

[@anthonybradford1016]

So LL took his style huh?

[@lillianno1]

Pete Rock & C l Smooth is one of the dopest duos I've ever heard in hip-hop history! Classic.

[@alfredomata5445]

Shedding tears cuz they don't make them like this no more...

[@IJoy78]

@Alfredo Mata, I'm afraid you are probably right. My mom always says never say never, but in this case it's an exception!!!!

[@selenabrown8123]

😢... I know

[@mathulizagoba2103]

❤

[@andersongarrett5585]

Fa sho, bra bra!!

[@trezortambi2253]

Alfredo Mata I’m with you bro. I feel the same way. It takes you to a place. The first time I heard this, I was driving with my girl watching the the sun go down. I’ll never forget it.Rest In Peace to a Sound we will never hear again.

[@fredo3106]

This generation has no idea what type of music they missed out on.

[@Mar.Escobar24]

I wouldn't count us short lol I'm only 23 but a few of my early high school "experiences" went down with this playing in the background lmao 😂😂 that's just cuz I knew the real tho

[@getstrongby4038]

I was born in 86, I feel so lucky to have heard this stuff as a child, even if I didn't understand lol

[@Gres_58]

Kids nowadays listen to trash music

[@TheBsheep]

fredo310 They’re ok!! They have Blueface and Da Baby 👶🏽! 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂

[@ColHogan-le5yk]

@@Gres_58 I dont know, there are some rappers today who've got some great social commentary lyricism like Nas and A Tribe Called Quest, you've just gotta weed through whats there and you can find some great artists.

[@yule4kin]

That is the sound of real hip hop....

[@CASHANDRELAXRECORDS]

THIS SO DOPE!!!!!!! Type in ( Lunden Ivory - Hotline ) IF YOU LIKE Comment and subscribe! Thank you for helping me reach my dreams Thank you, God Bless.

[@yule4kin]

@Shanon B I wish...these were better days.

[@calik7712]

I agree. Back then it seemed more like art, now it all seems more commercial.

[@mrod5921]

@@calik7712 yup. You're right

[@darrylreedy5079]

Facts. Not that repetitive garbage

[@rodneydye6788]

If anyone is listening to this song Knows true hip hop and that’s for real Until next time peace and I’m out here banging this song

[@blackdragon6]

This album is a slept on classic!

[@Wiggy74]

Blackdragon6 Those that did should listen 💯🔊

[@LBoogie-fn5kp]

Blackdragon6.....not slept on by our generation

[@eliwol3789]

This was slept on because biggie smalls was running and game then.

[@LBoogie-fn5kp]

@@eliwol3789 ....cant REALLY say that....did you have this album and biggie album....i did

[@bobbyjohnson8968]

@@eliwol3789 I bought they shit b4 I EVER thought of buying Biggie's SHIT,that Mecca and the soul brother was straight FUKKNG fire B!!!!✊😎

[@pacificriverstorm1179]

That gorgeous lady harmonizing the hook killed it 🔥🔥🔥

[@aidanfox8219]

Pete Rock: Great Producer C.L. Smooth: Great lyricist

[@pacandpal3]

A masterpiece and Not a single curseword required.

[@fabian.k17]

EXACTLY 💯

[@adamgordon2572]

Real talk 🔥🔥

[@kaygee6224]

Yep 👍👍👍👍💯💯💯

[@BugOnAChip]

He literally said God Damnit at 2:52

[@TalkinnGrubbinMedia]

@@BugOnAChip That's just one cuss word. Even Will Smith cussed in one of his songs.

[@omosurulere]

I graduated in 1994 [at 23yrs young]; now some 30years later still struggling to move beyond 'replay'; a true 90's classic!

[@beyondthematrix3945]

I feel you! I was 24 at the time!

[@followthedrip4455]

This track is smooth and cool!! I’m glad I was alive to experience the 90’s era!! I was 15 when this track/album was released

[@gilberthall7148]

October 2024 one of the best songs still I'm 50 years old ❤💯🙏💪!!!!! Love it

[@screwyourfeelings]

With you on that.

[@hebrew26commandmentspower55]

Their will never be another era like the 90s!!!!! So many magical moments 😧😁

[@miguelbueno7056]

Época sin igual música hecha con el corazón

[@ziroh8294]

FOR THOSE THAT EXPRIENCED IT....LONG LIVE THE 90s boys..its jus different...real brothers recognise ...sending that African love.🙃

[@frankstudent]

It was freaking amazing!

[@DBevill]

This is Hiphop Music. This is the way it was supposed to be.👏🏾👏🏾✊🏾

[@danieldelorge4593]

Yep

[@V59971]

CL underrated , much respect from Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

[@lawrenceofarabia5299]

'True to the table' There are the well versed soldiers we have today, then the ones whom spoke before, but these soldiers here just put it out on the table long before, yeah gotta admit they definitely took us there and further !!! They are reminisced and most certainly remembered.

[@h.m.5724]

I hate the fact kuti vanhu vakachinjwa kuita mabhambhi neka duzvi Jonathan Moyo. I still listen to this

[@V59971]

@@h.m.5724 ohh that evil professor of doom who messed up the airwaves ...akandibhowa paakaisa zvima 100% local crap music

[@ronblessed7218]

Remember George Munetsi’s Rap City on Radio 3 on Saturday’s in the 90s? That’s where I first heard this and fell in love with rap…

[@munyaradzimadondo9055]

Arume we have a track here

[@wordsworth41]

Broke my heart when these two parted ways.

[@straightlead8]

First the Fat Boys break up

[@wordsworth41]

Sengo lol Chris Rock - Boomerang!

[@TheWillog]

i seen them play last year but they travel separate and have different tour managers for the same tour haha

[@mooreoftre]

What happened??

[@wordsworth41]

Tré creative differences

[@MartellThaCool]

This song ages like fine wine. Perfecto!

[@shawnsta7779]

One of the best feel good hip hop songs ever 😌

[@selenabrown8123]

Shawnsta 777 they’re lost 😔.. damn 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@derrickmcmillian3040]

I loved when hip hop sounded like this! It had so much substance,originality and power!! It's so dumbed down now til its ridiculous!!

[@ironfistentertainmentptylt3846]

And it felt good. Unmatched vibe.

[@buhleamandamaseko6711]

Back in the days weekends had a different feel😢thank you CL for this timeless piece

[@reachshishir]

CL Smooth was so underrated. His flows and lyrics are so real and smooth. Effortless!!

[@zhenyamugisa9423]

I think commercially yeah, but rap aficianados who scour plenty of 90s rap and put premium on lyrical ability dont.

[@proklaimrapper2303]

One of the smoothest and articulate mcs to ever bless a mic. Perfect balance of big daddy kane lyrical and ll cool j slick..underrated great.

[@makomzee2983]

Dope.......Jus Dope

[@proseminded]

RIP to the legends, RIP to my mother who just passed this year, long live the culture and everyone in it...so many stories are told through this song...1 love

[@Demigod76godson]

Julian Mihdi sorry for your loss bro my condolences!

[@proseminded]

@@Demigod76godson appreciate you bro!

[@xBLACKNINJAx]

Sorry for your lost fam. Moms watching over you. Dont worry

[@ashleycarter4155]

Jesus Christ is there with you every step of the way man. I lost my uncle who was like my father figure and I used to be so upset but I feel he is at peace now and is watching over me as well. Death isn’t the last part of life it just means your soul is somewhere more beautiful and precious. I pray that you make it through and sustain your strength through these hard times!

[@proseminded]

@@ashleycarter4155 thank you so much for your kind words! I share that perspective, our loved ones are all still with us and we'll see them again in that higher reality, when our souls too cross over. Many blessings to you!

[@TheLordAI]

Pete's ingenious production coupled with C.L slicing through it with his silky smooth flow goes together like peanut butter and jelly

[@lsamoa]

Don't forget the singer! She's ace

[@kennyreck]

Aww man perfect timing I need classics like this in my life right now

[@YETH1NKYAKNOWHUDUMMEANIN]

Duude I downloaded this a couple days ago for my playlist and this got here.

[@kennyreck]

@@YETH1NKYAKNOWHUDUMMEANIN Thats Crazy!!!

[@Mr.22980]

Facts!!!

[@ThirtyThreeHipHop]

This was grown man music then, its grown man music now! Watch Thirty-Three Hip Hop on KZbin!

[@-M0LE]

DJ Kenny RecK why what’s up

[@MrCbwTV]

This should have been the first single! 1994 was a feeling!

[@hasaniali3489]

I stumbled on this joint last night on Facebook. My older brothers were big fans of Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, but I NEVER heard this joint until now. This is straight fire. It's like the further you go back in time, the better the music gets. Shoutout to C.L.!

[@Damon_Fall-Guy_Mitchell]

You are going to be; a very ntelligent man one day.🧐

[@JEDASE]

As a adult I understand the lyrics and appreciate how great cl and ahead of his time this brother was and still is

[@rethuglikan]

One of the most underrated. I tell peeps all the time

[@nistramo]

True true.....I've always said cl was well ahead and quality intelligent lyrics!!!!

[@MCCABEWORLD]

Classics! 🌴🔈🎶 the 90s were unbeatable.

[@MikeJay-on5tt]

No doubt about it

[@zunetrucker]

Don’t forget the late 80s too

[@da0484]

Listening to this makes me sad. The good old days when life was simple 😩😞...

[@whozgod2005]

I wish they never broke up. Miss there music. This joint reminds me of my Lil Bro

[@Broken_Lobo]

Peace to one od the best duos of all time 🚬🥀

[@dwightevans3928]

Another Banger that NEVER get old. Miss these days!

[@wlrouse7024]

Man this just bring back so many memories. You don’t get any smoother than this. Keni Burke keep rising to the top.

[@bradleygordon1622]

Kenny Burke is my uncle

[@wlrouse7024]

Bradley Gordon he’s a legend.

[@dwighthayes4738]

Same here fam

[@bradleygordon1622]

Dwight Hayes he is related to you?

[@dwighthayes4738]

@@bradleygordon1622 No we're not related. My comment was in agreement with this bringing back great memories.

[@sharkdeepwater8]

CL Smooth is 5th in my top 5. They came out with records at pivotal points in my life. Those albums marked a time period for me.

[@anyaw743]

The Main Ingredient was one of the first hip hop albums I properly listened to, so definitely an all time favourite and important album for me

[@kbtitan2464]

That's what music does for you

[@brandonpace8220]

Wish we still had these vibes

[@kobieglenn2305]

This era was so short lived.

[@chrisbennett6260]

isnt any era if your lucky to be born before the era an d old enough to appreciate it and experience it in real time when it was cut fresh you carnt buy that ,i was 25 at the time to hear it when it was released is just priceless

[@AM-ri9ut]

My favorite song of all time. In heavy rotation to this day😎🎶🔈🔉🔊 Don't understand how CL isn't mentioned among the greatest MCs of all time. 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@boignyflynn2653]

C.L Smooth was born to flow over Pete Rock beats.... I hope they get back together after this pandemic, economic depression & a social uprising..2020 the year of "clear vision"

[@hellopeople909]

Still gives me the chills when I hear this. This song forever lives

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

yessssss CL's voice is just I cannot lol.

[@temimokuolu4960]

This beat laced with the lyrics is just so nostalgic. How I reminisce my teenage years. I am literally time travelling now...

[@Stablemable2]

Keith Ward directed this video with the slow to normal/fast speed effect, which is amazing. Alot of action films do that these days.

[@borutaicho]

They were such a perfect duo, like many ones in the east during that era. Guru & preemo, eric b and rakim, kool g rap, qtip & phife dawg. So much inspiration the guys nowadays lack, I never lived It so Id rather be born in the 80s not 90s (._. )

[@theherbpuffer]

Masta Ace & Marco Polo

[@zakiyawiggins2421]

Nice & smooth

[@vincentturner8441]

Kool g rap is 1 person but hes legendary.

[@BLACKSTA361]

If your born in the 70s you can live the 70s 8s snd 9s in yohng years

[@frank-xp6pj]

So true, even to this day these bomb ass lyricist & dope emcees from the 90's are yet to be outdone as far as rhyming & dope beats....this new shit today just sounds plastic as a motherfucker.

[@dramatyst5661]

Still on rotation

[@BOXINGEGO]

LL COOL J “Paradise” later sampled this as well. This is fire, C.L. went off 🔥

[@Mar.Escobar24]

They both sample Keni Burke - Rising to the Top along with OC's Born to Live

[@markroach4383]

Classic.

[@muntublackson4757]

@@Mar.Escobar24 no, LL COOL J did sample this track for paradise, and Pete Rock & CL sampled Keni Burke & OC as their arrangement is what LL Cool J took. LL COOL J sampled a sample of a sample(s)

[@djnitetrain6171]

I love Pete Rock so much that I made this mix… check it out!! Subscribe to my channel! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIC8h4mZnNOal8U

[@truballr32]

@@Mar.Escobar24 yessir that was the original one. That’s why I love hip hop. It all sounds familiar to me because I’ve heard these beats before as a baby. My father had a lot of those records with keni Burke

[@zevlove612]

Illest producer and illest MC one of the best smoothest flows ever to touch the mic!!!

[@samuelblinne6040]

Love Pete rock and cl smooth

[@midnightmarauder5099]

I'm 15 and I'll take Pete Rock and CL over any rappers today.

[@RelloSoDamnDizObeyish]

That's saying A LOT!

[@Africa1000]

Well spoken young sir. If only there were more like you!

[@SJB2000]

@@Africa1000 there is, im 20 and been bumping 90s rap since early teens but we in the minority

[@jakefromstatefarm2019]

Same I’m 15 and CL Smooth Is where itz at

[@eddharmony6356]

Im 25 and its a fact. C.L Smooth..one of the only rappers who really got to work w Nujabes. The Methodon*

[@BonnieEm-i2l]

CL man…dope rhyme sayer immaculate lyricist

[@kelisreign7907]

I stilllllll love this song❤❤❤

[@ericturner9600]

What happened to hip hop😢😢😢😢😢tracks like this make me wanna go back into the 90s and just be stuck in that era

[@tirellv4938]

i still have this cassette. To think i bought this in the golden era.🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲 nostalgia.

[@jordan4748]

19 year old from Germany here, this music will never and nowhere ever be forgotten

[@oneluv72]

This is purely hip-hop culture at it's finest brought to you by the legendary one and only Peter Rock & CL Smooth!!

[@jetted_out]

Back in the 90s I swear when this came on the radio.it felt so 90s and relaxed me

[@03lisajade]

The 1990s..The music..the videos..Karl Kani..🌟🌟🌟🌟I was leaving school when this came out!! Damn!! #Memories #BestTimes

[@els1f]

OMG, the Karl Kani! You just closed the door on a time machine for me there 😆 I remember being in elementary school and wanting SO BADLY to be able buy the Karl Kani jeans from that "cool store." ✌️😆

[@InfectedChris]

One of my all time jams...

[@anyaw743]

The whole of the Main Ingredient is an all time jam

[@InfectedChris]

anya williams Truth!

[@omargarcia6130]

Much love from MEXICO 🇲🇽🇲🇽real hip hop❤❤☝️

[@sherell273]

That's what I'm talking about!! Real rap!!🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@mp6226]

The good old times - hip hop as a masterpiece 👌

[@sarahsimpkins1311]

All I have to say this Takes me to being 14 years old watching Yo MTV Raps and Rap City back in 94!

[@doncicero7833]

Pete Rock and C.L.Smooth was the classic group in Hip-Hop and I love the soundscape of Pete Rock with the sample placements and smooth production, and C.L. With the smooth wordplay just riding it was flawless 💯💯💯

[@dubbled7286]

I'm not a rap fan, but I still consider this one of the greatest songs (rap or otherwise) in the history of mankind!! 🔥💝😍🥰😘🎶🎵🎶😘🥰😍💝🔥

[@humannature712]

Memories of the 'Golden Era'...one of my favs

[@JahRandom]

Ahhh...that buttery voice is like an ear massage...lol. CL has got one of my top 3 or so favorite voices in the game. And is for sure one of my favorite emcees, and also is just highly underrated these days.

[@BOMBAYBUBB]

This takes me back to some great days in my life!!

[@cariocabassa]

Deadly!!! What a duo that was... Pete Rock & CL....

[@DanielMoreno-jj1gi]

No violence no threat's This is the real essence rap to its finest

[@andrelife5909]

That 90s vibe always the best

[@giraud74]

This brings me way back to some good memories. This album was smooth as x.

[@michaelcorleone7598]

The best opening lines of any verse ever 🔥 I love Hip Hop

[@onlypostthebest6104]

yea he did that

[@bmt973]

Effortless Dopeness. When you look back 25yrs ago to 1994. Pete Rock n CL Smooth solidified their position with The Main Ingredient. If only they had the wisdom to overcome their differences... Representing south Africa🇿🇦 ✌🏾

[@arress2052]

The 9 people who give this a thumbs down aren't too bright.

[@donneysimpson8536]

One of my favorite rap songs. And O.C. used this same sample on "Born 2 Live" another all time favorite of mine.

[@Travoo33]

I heard the OC song on IG, I’m like I heard that sample. It brought me to listen to CL and Pete rock. Both fire songs

[@timothykangethe7700]

CL is the kind of man I would like to hang out with as a Brother...His Mature Lyrics are pure Musical genius 🙌

[@qbcommando9394]

Nothing but a classic 💎

[@keianibaker878]

CL smooth is so underrated!

[@leoj.l.9887]

Only 1.1 views, you'll crazy.... This classic of all time...2024 still listening

[@seasevisionmedia]

Facts! Super classic! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@MRFXPLAYAZ2007]

still sounds fresh ❤this joint is timeless

[@BamaScorpio69]

Love this jam!!! Still sounds good in 2019!!!

[@brains7733]

Just realized how underrated this guy is: L E G E N D

[@butterflylovenj7300]

I just shed a tear. It was a time to be alive when this came out. ❤

[@MikeyFit]

Absolute Masterpiece 💯 💪🏾👊🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@jordanwright8887]

Masterpiece 😚🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@els1f]

Man, idk why this was just uploaded, but I'm damn glad it was. Pete rock and cl were among the best to ever do it

[@BungSpoot]

Pete rock and cl smooth has followed me every where since I discovered their music.

[@oliverfriday6480]

It's 2023 tell me who's still rocckin to this❤

[@alinafekanyemba7207]

The flow is smooth..

[@stuckintha90s]

This is real Hip-Hop!!

[@mhc12k]

"It ain't hard to the core, it ain't sex on the Beach/ It's just another plateau that brothers have to reach" .

[@johnygunnzz]

Take me back to the Era of Rock and CL.... miss these days.. 2019

[@su420bizsidefamily5]

From France, East old school 40's grimlins .... when we reminisce over us...🤔🤔🤔un truc dans l'genre Big UP

[@samsilva5516]

I forgot how much I loved this song when I was in elementary and still do 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@smg9663]

One of my favs. I was born in ‘96. Glad my pops put me on all this real rap

[@Ilovechicago100]

Same

[@Amari19_]

When rap was ART !!

[@killakangz5317]

damn... this feels good. a sigh of relief.