Pete Rock & CL Smooth - They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) (Official Video)

Pete Rock & CL Smooth - They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) (Official Video) from the album 'Mecca & The Soul Brother' (1992)
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Lyrics:
[Intro]
(I reminisce, I reminisce)
(I reminisce, I reminisce)
(I reminisce, I reminisce)
I reminisce, I reminisce
Uh! (I reminisce, I reminisce)
Yeah (I reminisce, I reminisce)
(I reminisce, I reminisce)
(I reminisce, I reminisce)
[Verse 1: C.L. Smooth]
I reminisce for a spell, or shall I say think back
Twenty-two years ago to keep it on track
The birth of a child on the 8th of October
A toast, but my granddaddy came sober
Countin' all the fingers and the toes
Now I suppose you hope the little black boy grows
Huh, eighteen years younger than my mama
But I rarely got beatings 'cause the girl loved drama
In single parenthood, there I stood
By the time she was 21, had another one
This one's a girl, let's name her Pam
Same father as the first, but you don't give a damn
Irresponsible, plain not-thinking
Papa said chill but the brother keep winking
Still he won't down you or tear out your hide
On your side while the baby maker slide
But mama got wise to the game
The youngest of five kids, hon here it is
After 10 years without no spouse
Momma's gettin married and a house
Listen, positive over negative for the women and master
Mother Queen's rising a chapter
Déjà vu, tell you what I'm gonna do
When they reminisce over you, my God
[Bridge 1: Pete Rock]
My God
It's so
Yeah, so lovely
That's how we like to do it in the 90's
Pete Rock & CL Smooth comin' atcha
[Verse 2: C.L. Smooth]
When I date back I recall a man off the family tree
My right hand Poppa Doc I see
Took me from a boy to a man so I always had a father
When my biological didn't bother
Taking care of this, so who am I to bicker
Not a bad ticker but I'm clocking pop's liver
But you can never say that his life is through
Five kids at 21 believe he got a right too
Here we go while I check the scene
With the Portuguese Lover at the age of 14
The same age, front page, no fuss
But I bet you all your dough they live longer than us
Never been senile, that's where you're wrong
But give the man a taste and he's gone
Noddin' off, sleep to a jazz tune
I can hear his head banging on the wall in the next room
I get the pillow and hope I don't wake him
For this man do cuss, hear it all in verbatim
Telling me how to raise my boy unless he's taking over
I said pop maybe when you're older
We laughed all night about the hookers at the party
My old man standing, yelling "Good God Almighty"
Use your condom, take sips of the brew
When they reminisce over you, for real
[Bridge 2: Pete Rock]
For real, baby
Like that
We for real
Comin' atcha
In '92
Pete Rock & CL Smooth
Yeah, c'mon, hit me!
[Verse 3: C.L. Smooth]
I reminisce so you never forget this
The days of way-back, so many bear witness the fitness
Take the first letter out of each word in this joint
Listen close as I prove my point
T to the R the O-Y, how did you and I meet?
In front of Big Lou's, fighting in the street
But only you saw what took many time to see
I dedicate this to you for believing in me
Rain or shine, yes, in any weather
My Grandmom Pam holds the family together
My Uncle Doc's the greatest, better yet the latest
If we're talking about a car, Uncle Sterling got the latest
I strive to be live 'cause I got no choice
And run my own business like my Aunt Joyce
So Pete Rock hit me, 'nough respect due
When they reminisce over you, listen
[Outro: Pete Rock]
Listen, just listen
To the funky song as I rock on
And that's word is bond
I'm not playin'
Everybody, just coolin'
This song we dedicate
To the one and only
Never be another
He was my brother
Trouble T-Roy
It's like that y'all
And you don't stop
Pete Rock and CL Smooth for '92
And we out, later
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[@dirtykay6002]

One of the coldest beats in hip-hop history💯

[@tiathecreator8557]

Facts!

[@PatinaEdochie]

Agreed 💯💓

[@AwestaKhalid]

Nobody does it like Pete Rock

[@dirtykay6002]

When I hear the intro I think about Street ball vol 2.

[@BecomeYourOwnBank]

1000% One of my all time favorites!!

[@4u2cre8]

Almost 30 years later, and STILL one of the greatest Hip-Hop songs ever made.

[@bigboyope]

Facts 👍🏾

[@NorakTheDon]

Ever made!!!

[@NAzTRAdamUS]

still fresh

[@shocker3448]

You can just tell when shit real 🤦🏾‍♂️ this definitely top 25 one of the best Hip hop rap songs in history🔊 🔊🎵🎶🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎧

[@davidgerald133]

Omg...30 years.....wow I'm old lol

[@brownhulk2344]

I get the chills as soon as the horns(saxophone) kick in.

[@jbarral6509]

Same here man it feels like I'm gonna cry when someone I know died

[@computerguy6264]

Yes

[@TheAlmightyClipse]

If you don't, you must not have a pulse!!

[@ShyraR]

I feel it too! I'm from the neighborhood in Queens, NYC. I love it. Nice comment.

[@coreyoz]

Tom Scott

[@ghostlover951]

It breaks my heart that we'll never experience another era like the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s

[@TheHoodfella201]

Real Talk! Shit is very Sad. 😢

[@lstruggy]

🥹

[@jinb6242]

Facts🥺

[@Roshea]

And now with AI music creation it will be even more unlikely unless music goes underground again like metal and trance.

[@Squincy]

Just the 80s and 90s

[@nscurge]

The 90’s was the best era for hip-hop

[@AbrahamPalmer-wj5cb]

Correct

[@user-ym7vn2lg7f]

We still here ❤ keep pushing our beautiful generation ❤

[@Col-dk6pi]

No doubt

[@turbotone5058]

By far

[@Ricemon58]

The 70s and 80s hip and early early 90s hip hop sounded trash 😂

[@shaunglover7251]

My man is telling his whole life story, and remembering those who helped him become greater. I mean, damn. The love. The respect.

[@luispadilla8628]

Its in memory of his friend TROY who died in a freak accident fell 20 feet off of the stage. RIP TROY THEY REMINANCE OVER YOU.

[@shaunglover7251]

@@luispadilla8628 Of course, but it's also a rundown of Smooth's life. Trouble T's passing was the event that inspired Smooth to look back on people he loved and lost, including Troy.

[@sabrinaking2477]

Hip Hop today compare. This song is my all time favorite.

[@alexanderbeck7953]

Hell yeah brother. Classic tune of all times. Peace and love man.

[@sol3407]

@@shaunglover7251 damn now it all makes sense 😔 appreciate that knowledge

[@adamfitzgerald911]

It wont ever be this good, ever again. That's what makes us reminisce to begin with.

[@toreytownsend4705]

Adam Fitzgerald You are right about that!!!!

[@bashlove9641]

WORD!

[@theminister7]

Man what!!!! 💯

[@kimberleychoudhury3358]

i promise you this is a nostalgic album kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJaQkmmdl9Zjla8 (i bet you a 5er u will like every song on the ep/album)

[@jonb903]

Things will change as new generations of "conscious" thinkers will follow us long after we are gone. Time changes all things. There are new groups popping up all the time. Some of them refuse to do what the studios want them to do, and we either never hear from them anymore or they are never even allowed to have their songs/music released.

[@markeharris6867]

The 90's will always be the BEST era of Hip-Hop...prove me wrong!! 💯

[@michaelviens4129]

90’s will always live forever

[@Mr.Strickland-21]

Nobody ever will be able to prove you wrong, and I highly agree!!! Yes Zirrrr 😎🤘❣️💯

[@iykekanu2662]

The Golden era of Hip Hop

[@GLRG5789]

No one in their right minds would prove you wrong. ❤

[@vincesza8464]

The most nostalgic beat ever 🔥🔥

[@rachealsilburn901]

RIGHT!!!!

[@Metamophisis]

Facts 🎯

[@StylistecS]

Absolute facts.

[@ohmanhotham8823]

I recommend listening to the instrumental of famous dex “lucky”

[@vincesza8464]

@@ohmanhotham8823 I’ll check it out!

[@mustangvsz2897]

As a little kid playing NBA Street Vol 2....Was amazed. Made me start checking out older hip hop and found a bunch of joints...

[@strums5441]

Same here. I was born in 98 so there were so many older classics I found just from street vol 2

[@acuso1994]

Had to have stretch Monroe on the team fasho 😅

[@LeapofFaith47]

Takes me right back to those ps2 days definitely was the best system as far as overall gameplay

[@LeoDopeland]

The Choice is Yours and Chief Rocka

[@vanpuldo]

YES SAME

[@BlackDollCollectors]

I loss my mom in 1990 to cancer… I was a freshman in High school that year… When this song dropped in 92. It touched my soul. The lyrics were so profound…This entire album..but this song right here.. no words for how it connects me so deeply to my beautiful mom…. I love hip hop.

[@diversitydeliverer7094]

God bless your mother

[@mikimiki6202]

God bless!

[@NicoleA.C.-PhD.]

Peace be with you 🤲🏽✨

[@BlackDollCollectors]

@@diversitydeliverer7094 thank you

[@BlackDollCollectors]

@@mikimiki6202 I appreciate it

[@pbwmanagement]

It's strange how I could sing this word-for-word 30 years ago, but it's only decades later that I understand it. Song hits deep.

[@ChenellGardner-nn8jb]

Yesssss. Back then, I just sung to it and never really listened. Now that I’m grown, I listen and thought to myself “holy sh*t that was apart of my life”. One of the songs that I rewind to make sure he said what he said when he “got beatings from the girl of trauma”. To think they were just 21-22yrs old

[@iantoney8726]

Spot on!

[@francomendez5275]

This is my life

[@aquilmikaeel1098]

Absofuckinlutly!!! I feel all of y'all comments!

[@vincentsmith8284]

This is arguably the best rap song ever

[@joshuaphillips9810]

Fact

[@Dougfresh7919]

It could be I agree

[@grasshopperplus8318]

I agree

[@_Z4Y_]

Agreed

[@itz_akuma]

I agree tbh

[@adamfitzgerald911]

A key component in 80's-90's hip hop, which is obviously lost in today's mess, is the influence of Jazz.

[@BobMarley-oc6oj]

The touch of Fuel injected JazzMatazz

[@weirdfish1216]

@@BobMarley-oc6oj listen to To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick

[@kwamestamps35]

You ain't never said nothing more true.

[@cora_m]

I beg to differ :) there are so many great hip hop artists that are heavily influenced by jazz and make use of it too. Madlib, Mf doom (well...), Quasimoto, Joey badass, Tyler the creator, Ivan Ave, no name... And that's just at the top of my head. Music nowadays is great too! :)

[@jbarral6509]

@@cora_m you forgot the tribe called quest

[@kennedymrshall9641]

no gangster talk, no hoes dancing around , no coke boys flashing money, no extra bragging, no fancy cars...just poetic hood stories of what growing up black and life was really like and of some of the good men that have passed away....there is a name for this..it's called hip hop...according to me at least..salute

[@ronnrogers9459]

True that

[@jermainemitchell2002]

@@ronnrogers9459 facts

[@deniawiseone95]

And one of the baddest songs...2019

[@SuperMissy37]

Right !!! In rap was really rap.

[@dazbray1255]

Damn right, booooooom, no, Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom 💣💥

[@EarthOceanMoon]

I dedicate this to my sister Cheryl who passed away last Sunday.. I love you sis.. Forever❤️‍🩹 Rest easy❤️‍🩹

[@BlazingAuras]

RIP❤

[@76kamikazi]

My condolences

[@mrhoffame]

So sorry my friend! RIP to your dear Cheryl.

[@ravery4187]

God Bless you and your sister

[@Getcreative784]

R.I.P.

[@idriveanywhere]

It was 1992 and I was living in Brooklyn. I was taking a cab home at like 6 in the morning, and I was 2 of my boys. One of them pulled out a tape and asked the taxi driver if he could play it. This is the first song that came on and I was blown away by this sound. The taxi had a system too so he pumped it and I remember this song making me feel so good. Everybody in the cab was rocking their heads back & Forth including the cab driver. Memories of Brooklyn, memories of tape deck's. I reminisce on that New York City that once was, and is now gone.

[@jm-je4tl]

I'm not american. What do you mean by 'NYC is gone'?

[@bosceltics4569]

@@jm-je4tl I’m not from there so I can’t give a great explanation but basically all these NYC natives lived there and made the city what it was and great in its own way. Over time more and more people have drove these people out due to price and gentrification taking away the people that made NYC great.

[@jasoncataldi2053]

@@bosceltics4569 well said! Exactly right!

[@jasoncataldi2053]

I reminisce about the Old NYC days all the time. It’s SO gone , unfortunately. Be well brother.

[@idriveanywhere]

@@jasoncataldi2053 you ain't lying, it'll never be the same again. Be well Bro. 🙏🏻

[@gloryricot1016]

If you're still in love with this song in 2021 like me you're a legend😎

[@arjanmandemakeram]

Nothing beats the classics

[@Clifffields]

❤🙏🏾

[@MyBrothersKeeper101]

From the very Day the song came out my brother!

[@tkm2609]

Timeless

[@yungchobe]

@@arjanmandemakeram masterpiece I miss this face of hip hop

[@jasonott4368]

The sax in this track is so classic!!! As soon as you hear it,it takes you back!!

[@CaptainVideo75]

Look for "Today" by Tom Scott

[@masmoney5731]

Tom Scott wrote the sax 🎷 and these guys sampled it and never paid him a dime, regardless of how sampling can make beautiful tracks, it’s straight up plagiarism.

[@andyjackson4505]

On Tom’s podcast today, 6-14-21, on “Tom Scott’s Podcast Express” he implied that he was still enjoying the royalties from that sample. That was in response to a comment Dave Koz made about Tom’s lick being used. Maybe he got paid through a different channel or didn’t want to admit that he didn’t get paid at all.

[@Chinookman]

@@andyjackson4505 no. According to his TikTok he was never paid a penny. The rights were legitimately owned by the record company and Jefferson Airplane which Tom Scott was covering received co-writer credit.

[@andyjackson4505]

Makes sense. Good info.

[@MrBuzz1187]

Lost my brother 2007 to gun violence. Still remember that night like it was yesterday. I play this song and it brings all of those good times up. What a song man.

[@miked3281]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@thadlm2698]

🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@SuperPussyFinger]

This is the greatest beat of all time.

[@slumpdawg4156]

Facts hardest sample of all time

[@scorpioonthelow7783]

Good, but no.

[@aliciastalksessions]

exactly

[@riesykes961]

You mean song

[@TheNrp8598]

@@scorpioonthelow7783 What's better?

[@rukididennis2795]

This track sounds good in every generation....

[@ceeceetracey9839]

TIMELESS

[@nachc6459]

That Jazzy tune marks a great era

[@jumahbrady670]

Facts 💯

[@PetsNLuv]

Yup

[@donrobinson5662]

These young artist today don't even have a clue....This is true art that can't EVER be duplicated!!

[@zahidkhan5733]

isn't it crazy what is known as hip hop today is literally 95% garbage, I mean the 90's was an absolute golden age wow

[@donrobinson5662]

@RUNITJAY 954 It's all good...im sure you young and don't understand music today ain't worth jack

[@lanceuppercut4963]

Cringe

[@zahidkhan5733]

@@SuperJfresh111 let me guess you think xxxtechdead is good music

[@Imxpertgamer]

@@SuperJfresh111 you know TeeJayX6 sampled this?

[@deweytucker5413]

I’m almost 50 now. I grew up in the greatest musical era. Nothing but gratitude as this music ages like a fine wine. Peace

[@aliciastalksessions]

i'm 50 now and yes you did

[@miked2090]

Im 51, & yes we did! There was so much knowledge & truth in music of all types made back in the 80s & 90s...we are truly blessed to have grown up in this time. May God bless us all!

[@steelhere5519]

- Turned 50 last week. This is the very best of Hip-Hop.

[@kailahsneedjohnson8091]

Peace ✌🏾

[@jamesmorgan4800]

Ruth was rocking this one on "Ozarks", old school hip hop will never get old

[@houjo5476]

I just finished the ozarks I had to look this up again. This was on NBA Street. I remember Playing the game on game cube. This song brings back good times

[@edcwlk4416]

Ozark was my first time 😁

[@Joseph-jx8bl]

Just got done watching that episode! 😆. I remember by the cassette when it was released. Good memories.

[@carlosroque955]

@@houjo5476 sameee 😢

[@jennifervenendaal8273]

I heard this tonight and was like what… forgot this one!

[@415Dwilliams]

This song is so heartfelt and personal. Grooving to this still in 2020.

[@alearolisonikele101]

Hell yes

[@Vandalio_Saez]

April 2020

[@alexanderlawal8706]

Me too

[@fade2black001]

RAP music these days don't tell stories anymore. Its all about drugs, bitches, cars, and money

[@lancehusser2702]

August 2020 💯🔥

[@samsiryani9023]

Sweet memories every time I hear great beat with the lyric flow to match. 0% curses 0% violence 100% lyrics 100% respect

[@jamesleon2990]

The shiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!! Great music with a message

[@Thespeedrap]

We need this kind of Hip-hop come back.

[@Thespeedrap]

At least you can understand what they're saying unlike these guys now what the hell how is that even popular with folks nowadays.

[@mjohnson1741]

And the song had a message.

[@jamesdean9943]

Yep this what Hip-Hop was, sure we had drama but nothing like it is today.

[@oscararias3353]

No nigga, no cursed words, pure rap!!! Legit rap!!!

[@Baobao-qf3wv]

no what?

[@300thNPC]

​@@Baobao-qf3wv 😂

[@ShadowNinjaGuy686]

True dat

[@oscararias3353]

@@Baobao-qf3wv no cursed words!!!

[@JuanCarlosVélezOlachea]

Fino

[@DomPeriod]

Lost my uncle in November of 2019. We used to sit on the balcony late into the evening blasting hip hop classics from the speaker and enjoying a beer or two. This song in particular was one of his favorites. Can't believe it's been so long. I miss you, old man. Hope you're doing good on the other side.

[@023djg]

He is man, for sure.

[@samrose3205]

Sorry for your loss man, what a cool uncle he was

[@Gianfranco_69]

Damn you made it smokey in here...

[@y2jaz685]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@weare9770]

May He Rest In Power

[@robfugelseth8374]

I miss this era. A timeless song!

[@therougechipmunk8058]

It'll be 2045 and will still be playing all these great old school hits, they don't make music like they use to anymore.

[@lynnify6]

#BIGFACTS💯💯💯💯

[@FinancialAdviceNetwork]

Me too brother!

[@leoj.l.9887]

💯 😢

[@sausagegabbagoochi1959]

i’m a white man, italian descent this song always makes me cry i believe God is somehow in this song. it’s so special. that bronx horn in the background…it’s so beautiful. never be another ❤thankful n humble. glad to be in this generation

[@kingkillmonger74]

Grief and loss is universal. All of us no matter what our ethnicity can rock with this classic.

[@corymiller536]

Italians are not white

[@themountainsandthesea4121]

​@@kingkillmonger74yes

[@IDontKnow-pf6en]

ayyy! im Sicilian-Italian, and i too love this song! God Bless!

[@thewatchmen4920]

On this 🌍🌎🌏 really all are family. What other 🌏🌎🌍 we can live safely on. If only are governments leaders would understand that 🇺🇲

[@ebonpaladin]

2024, ya out there? Man, there are songs, then there are songs that are anthems - this is one of the anthems of the 90s. What were you doin when this hit dropped? I was still a teen running amok in the streets in NY, loving life and not knowing what the future held...

[@BLAZENYCBLACKOPS]

This is the jam.

[@sureslick1]

This is the anthem that made every thug, crook, hustler, graduate, scholar and teen salute! A pure masterpiece1

[@lordmavbmp]

duh son... this the damn jam. im 29 btw, 30 coming soon and besides the crack era, I wish I was alive and conscious to hear this as a new track on the radio. prolly killed the streets!!

[@elliesinterlude]

I came on the earth the day after this song came out 😂

[@ebonpaladin]

@lordmavbmp It did. Trouble T-Roy wasn't just a dancer, but friends with these guys...that they made a song (and Hev dedicated his next album to him) speaks volumes.

[@roryslaine7896]

"But only you saw what took many time to see. I dedicate this to you for believing in me." I absolutely love that line.

[@RapFanatic4ever]

GENIUS

[@roryslaine7896]

@@RapFanatic4ever Sure enough my brother. I also didn't realise until like a couple years ago why the song is actually called "They Reminisce Over You." It's for his fella Troy who tragically died when he was young. That's mad respect.

[@RapFanatic4ever]

@@roryslaine7896 I found that out a few years ago

[@MJWRTRCT]

reading this just made me cry rn❤

[@imcomingwithyou95]

@@roryslaine7896 if you listen to Pete Rock talking in the end at 3:39, he talks about Troy.

[@mathewm6294]

The opening sax still gives me chills, and no matter how much I revisit this I come away with full tears in my eyes due to memories stronger than nostalgia✌️

[@derekwargo3999]

Very beautifully & well said!!

[@RawDogJenkins]

I can dig it

[@user-qn8cq6lx1n]

"nostalgia" in the hard knocks of life, "some people get rich. Others eat sh** and die"

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Yessss I always felt it since I was a kid that part had me stuck .

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Exactly Mathew M.

[@JustinTurdoCastro420]

The True meaning behind this song is tragic and deep. We will always remember Trouble T Roy! RIP in peace Brethren, up there with the rest of the legends!

[@glennwilliams491]

Listen to how mature he sounds as a young man. You don’t get this anymore. He sounds wise beyond his years. This was truly the golden era of hip hop.

[@parkerdavenport2542]

We don't get a lot of this in popular music, no, but I am blessed to see a lot of conscious hip hop in my local scene. I believe it exists, but it isn't what's marketed/marketable anymore.

[@spht9ng]

@@parkerdavenport2542 It's more profitable to be an internet meme rapping about bs

[@jeromejohnson9359]

You got that right

[@abigailvalenti]

This is when hip hop was more philosophical and meaningful. ❤️❤️

[@CJCPROSUB-]

True. Money for sex is wrong. Some men not all do this. ??? JULY 2021 WAS SAID. THURSDAY LOOKS BLUEBERRY MUFFIN SEXY.

[@wayz415]

Notice no cuss words needed in this song? Pure class

[@DogonChild]

❤❤❤

[@kil44ua43]

still is

[@eugenedantzler4485]

💯💯💯 Abigail.🌹

[@AM-ri9ut]

My son found this song when he was 11, he's 19 now, and told me this is still his favorite song. 😁💯

[@iennefaLsh]

Cultured.

[@friscofunksta7528]

I hope he also knows the story behind his favorite song...

[@Crowens]

He'll cherish it for the rest of his life, it only gets better with time

[@j_h_o]

your son is dope as hell

[@SuperMurray2009]

Lemme guess. Your son's favorite game of all time is NBA Street Vol 2.

[@lilrog51]

That saxophone gets me emotional every time

[@AbrahamPalmer-wj5cb]

Same it sounds so blissful and beautiful

[@Grindtimeqann215]

Same. I always ask myself how 😢

[@NdigoDavalos]

My mom called me today to remind me of this song that’s why I’m here. This the first time hip-hop felt real and authentic to me. 😢I love my mom.❤

[@rpina420]

Still one of my favorite beats reminds me of my childhood playing NBA street vol2 and this was the opening menu song 🥲 my step dad really opened my mind to hip hop best blessing in the world

[@charleshuse4585]

Yes!!! It took me a while to find this song. I know it from NBA street volume 2. I learned the title from someone I follow on social media. Good times my friend.

[@jamarcushall6727]

Yes bro good times with my older brothers

[@YBKBigB]

I was looking for this comment 😭

[@williedakid263]

This it for me...Playin wit North Carolina mj

[@mikhailanzueta5356]

I swear, it never fails. Greatest basketball game of all time.

[@PRODBYLIIVID]

KZbin is the closest thing we got to a time capsule.

[@superperson7325]

@Henry Hayes musical solidarity for the comrades

[@peterhenshaw6654]

And a man cant catch a memory without commercial. Own you from the born just a numereal

[@rasheemthebestfirstone3274]

Mfing facts

[@truenewsexposingtheblues.7908]

Those Horns are unmatched or topped in hip hop history.

[@pep2st8p64]

Factual

[@BENJIBKNY]

One of the greatest rap songs ever created

[@guymoredudethanman]

Greatest rap song of all time. Not an ego trip, not about body count, not about money, not about fame, instead a personal familial tale & tribute to a dead friend. Poetry with a perfect jazzy beat coinciding with these beautifully delivered lines. CL’s voice, Pete’s production & beat, truly the peak of the genre. Should be the rap-equivalent of the Beatles when it comes to artists taking inspiration from the originators. Both of their records are hip-hop masterpieces

[@stevenmcmenimen9208]

Today’s rap can’t touch this masterpiece

[@erdevon3257]

​@Open-Minded Skeptic 😂

[@trainelavalais6280]

It sure can't.

[@frenchconnection3640]

Never

[@kobeisgoated29]

Kendrick lamar duckworth

[@darealestalive205]

Jermaine. Cole.

[@lawrencerodeback]

You don't know you're a 90's kid until you're feeling on songs you haven't heard for 30 years

[@Dru9120]

This is what you call ART. A timeless classic.

[@davidabia-okon6463]

I was 16 yrs. old when I first heard this track in Lagos Nigeria. This musical track made me a real Hip-Hop head till I die. I remember when first hearing it, I was in a car roaming the streets of Lagos and looking at the surroundings and people that gave me a warmth feeling and smoothness of family love. Also for me this track made Rap music a milestone in my life and till today a great admirer of one of Hip-Hop's Greatest beat maker Pete Rock and MC CL Smooth!!!

[@Diana-qy4mc]

ARE you Nigerian

[@davidabia-okon6463]

@@Diana-qy4mc yeap!!!🤙🏾

[@DomPeriod]

hip hop transcends everything, bossman love from baltimore maryland

[@77Creation]

@@Diana-qy4mc Why would someone lie about that?

[@treyparker3775]

The perfect hip hop joint.....I miss the 90s

[@angiefromChi]

Trey Parker PERFECT!!!!!

[@blackpanther1269]

Me too

[@matthewdowns7045]

Agreed 👍

[@TBA4876]

You're not the only one. The '90s had the best of everything!

[@MMoturi22]

We'll be reminiscing over you DMX.

[@kingkev6407]

Yeaaaa... 😔😔😔🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@richmondraider716]

Facts... never be another

[@gregroycampbele5880]

2pac biggie biz Markie eazy e black rob DMX heavy d mac dre and every body else we lost

[@kdogg716]

FACTS

[@djibsondasilva454]

Word up! RIP *X* 🙏

[@ZybakTV]

NBA STREET!

[@leonkabo]

2k18

[@bballfan3419]

NBA Street vol. 2 was so dope. Miss those days man.

[@anunakimafia9982]

Memories i tell ya

[@reggiewolfpac7711]

Yeah bruh I used 2 stay playing that.

[@starstarstar4643]

your generation of hip hop is wack...this is real hip hop that was played all the time in the early 90s

[@Rizzlyricist]

I used to listen to this when I was 63, and now I'm 17. This will forever be a classic.

[@somedudenameddes0121]

Bro same ong💀💀💀

[@Michelle-rm1yk]

😂❤

[@hilcobosman8736]

I used to listen to this when i was 17 im 48 now i reminisce

[@whofuckingcares420]

bopped when i was 20, then i was 50 and struggling with sin and getting it but man now im 25 and im cryyin and reminising and feelin it freal baby like that this will forever be a class

[@suiken3149]

Who are you, Benjamin Button?

[@jayelbee1111]

This song may go down as one of the greatest Hip-Hop songs ever recorded. This is definitely a classic masterpiece produced by D.J. Pete Rock!!!

[@TheCinderellaman10]

Aka Beat-man

[@oldschoollee]

Yes

[@adomix]

Yep

[@matthewallen1834]

THE greatest

[@SodaPopinksi]

This and maybe beanie Siegel feel it in the air

[@moedollars7050]

Quintessential NYC hip-hop sound. Reminiscing down memory lane myself. This will never be duplicated. Timeless.

[@zahidkhan5733]

well said

[@generfeld]

absolutely one of the best songs. it sums up all the feelings in life

[@natemoss7437]

To this day that classic NY rap is untouchable……………🔥🔥🔥

[@eugenedenbrook322]

Truth

[@dark8prince201]

facts

[@ClemClark]

no WU for me thooo

[@user-ip2rc4ff9j]

@@ClemClarkwe should kick you out of NY for that comment

[@FuturesPast1]

💯

[@cypress420ful]

A CLASSIC!!! How many people can listen to this, reminisce and go back to a time when you were young and living your best life???

[@anajuliasilva5358]

His flow is surreal

[@bretonquentin9549]

Do you refer to SP?

[@jeremyleveille1532]

His flow on this song is so damn smooth. Smooth flow/delivery. Must be why he's called CL Smooth

[@oratiletsimatsima9643]

💯

[@jamesbooth532]

'Never be another, he was my brother' beautiful stuff.

[@imyournewdaddynow4757]

The instrumental alone speaks for itself

[@Grindtimeqann215]

Fr

[@brandonblanks9610]

I reminisce listening to this at 12 and stuff going on. I'm 44 now but this aged well. I still listen

[@SalimOfShadow]

You lived those golden ages

[@skyeboogie703]

Anyone else get tears in your eyes when this track spin ?

[@Akasha2023]

Yep right now smh thinking back to them days

[@skyeboogie703]

@@Akasha2023 the good days indeed

[@janicemorales2754]

Me

[@msladylibra8373]

Yes I do i miss the 90's 😢

[@francescagirone2552]

Haven't been able to listen to this for so many years due to memories; but now I am and it's the bomb

[@nickbradfordsr80]

My pop took me to a barbershop on Bancroft street in north philly when I was 11 & as soon as we walked out the shop, this car drove by blastin this track. At the same time this kid was riding a bike humming the horn melody. This song hasn't left my mind since 💯 thank you PeteRock & CL for this magic

[@ryanhys]

Best comment ever. Thanks for making my day

[@KlitKommander]

2024** and this shit still gives me goosebumps.

[@kendallwilson4825]

Tears for me

[@latashamitchell2060]

It’s 2023 and this shit still gives me goosebumps. 💯💯💯💯

[@MT-yx5cu]

2023 March

[@abetter-_-Gamer]

1ove it !!!

[@monogramadikt5971]

2023 and the goosebumps are still happening bruz

[@jacksavage279]

The greatest hip hop song ever written.

[@TheBluesmanBlue]

Pete Rock & CL Smooth just proved without a doubt the Big Apple NYC is the rap capital of the world

[@jdl7354]

This entire album is a masterpiece. Every song, front to back, is amazing. It’s quite possibly the greatest hip-hop album of all time.

[@elmasperron0101]

Illmatic bro

[@wuwiwu3524]

I would say the main ingredient

[@bulwyf2572]

This and Passing Me By by the Pharcyde are my two favorite rap songs of all time. Why can't we have rap like that now? Something from the soul and the heart that makes you think.

[@kingkev6407]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@samrose3205]

For me it's this song and Award Tour

[@jeffhobbs1729]

Pharcyde was so dope

[@HER_ROOTS]

Same!! Omg!! Love those two

[@indiadelon8771]

Same i have others but those are definitely in my top 5

[@jtallday31]

This song specifically doesn't need a time check. We all love to remenisce ❤

[@007diego2]

this is the most powerful, deeply felt hip hop song, that was ever made.

[@resonatingtruths]

I was born in May of 92. I love that fact that this song entered the world just a month later. I’ve had this song playing in my head for as long as I can remember and it’ll never go away. This is what pure perfection sounds like.

[@Therealmoseslupai]

May ‘94 here! I can relate.

[@resonatingtruths]

@@hunduns9901 ???

[@hunduns9901]

@@resonatingtruths how did the song enter the world just a month ago?

[@resonatingtruths]

@@hunduns9901 I didn’t say it entered the world a month ago.

[@Holyghost_444]

@@resonatingtruths happy belated 30th

[@cwdadvan7875]

This song makes me cry sometimes.

[@marvin405]

Its so grounded in reality. The reminisce part is so emotional and using the name Troy, which is also someone he knew.

[@angiefromChi]

CW & Dad Van me Too ♥️😢💯

[@getoheisman1776]

I feel you reminds me of the good times I had in highschool life has change for the worse

[@calitostratford5751]

Absolutely. When I was in the 6 line on the way to work. In Texas now but this is what molded me.

[@SmokinAcesProd]

It’s weird because it always hit me like that too. But not in a sad way if that makes sense

[@Reality-p5p]

It's a shame that there's no labels that will promote this type of creativity nowadays ✌️

[@Ares14]

I miss when Hip hop music use to tell stories that were meaningful. There use to be art to it.

[@IbrahimKhalil-gw4yt]

Still is. You're just looking at the wrong crowd.

[@1aml3g3nd13]

Ibrahim Khalil It’s just some bullshit comment for upvotes. There’s PLENTY of storytellers out there like you said. You just have to look for them.

[@kimberleychoudhury3358]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJaQkmmdl9Zjla8

[@elimun10]

1aml3g3nd13 Difference is that back in the day this was the regular. Everyone had their own style and storytelling or sending a message was the main focus. You didn’t really have to look for it since it was all around. Now you have to really search for it, and it sucks because these types of rappers get no recognition so most can’t continue making songs

[@brandonmcclain9988]

Illogic, Saba, J.I.D, a lot of dreamville, to name a few

[@robynsegg]

This song is damn near every black kid's life wrapped up in less than 5 minutes. 💋

[@CJCPROSUB-]

Robynsegg- You have a good and safe week for life. X Love

[@PurifyLoveTruth]

Wow, YESSSSS!!!

[@jesuschrist3165]

This beat embodies the spirit of hip hop

[@insuchaway]

The saxophones in T.R.O.Y and U.N.I.T.Y are outstanding!

[@OwenBestEnt]

Goosebumps every single time!! Now this is true story telling hip hop

[@Amidat]

I thought it was just me - LOL

[@jhj22]

Pete Rock in a 2007 interview with Village Voice: I had a friend of mine that passed away, and it was a shock to the community. I was kind of depressed when I made it. And to this day, I can't believe I made it through, the way I was feeling. I guess it was for my boy. When I found the record by Tom Scott, basically I just heard something incredible that touched me and made me cry. It had such a beautiful bassline, and I started with that first. I found some other sounds and then heard some sax in there and used that. Next thing you know, I have a beautiful beat made. When I mixed the song down, I had Charlie Brown from Leaders of the New School in the session with me, and we all just started crying."

[@nigelbrowne1408]

Thanks for sharing. Jhj22

[@LordBlackNephew]

Wrd.... Life is hard, but there are things along the way that makes it easier.

[@armeengreen1176]

I remember seeing that interview when it came out

[@ninomartinez1554]

Awesome

[@nikitiabazemore611]

He was referring to Trouble T-Roy from the rap group Heavy D & The Boys #RIP

[@missg1727]

Me and my sister wrote down this song just to get those lyrics down packed. We'll once it was wrote and we started to read the lyrics it just completely opened our eyes. Imagine being that young 12 and 14, growing up in the crack era, and completely understanding the meaning of this song. It I think it's one of the greatest songs in Hip Hop..

[@ariansoutherland8398]

Keep going!...

[@kishacole4861]

Facts

[@BlackDollCollectors]

Hip Hop..touchEd the souls of so many of us…

[@jonah6212]

Insane production levels for a 1992 joint... unreal. Pete Rock is the one and CL Smooth the only MC that could have blessed this track at the time. Prophesied track.

[@mikehuntz187]

I'll never get tired of listening to this

[@Paula-nt2uc]

Right

[@stephaniejordan9066]

😐

[@Thespeedrap]

That's when you know that's good music when there's no time limit when hearing.

[@theruddyone6443]

@@Thespeedrap Actual Factual

[@johnbaxter3439]

Greatest hip hop song ever! Pour out the liquor to everyone that’s not here with us.

[@d.harris790]

This takes me back to when hip hop was at its purists. You didn’t just play one or two songs, you played the entire tape/cd. The way Pete rock and CL sampled Tom Scott & The California Dreamers' is priceless still to this day!!

[@thespeakersoftruth7187]

There's no replacing this. Shout to Pete Rock & CL Smooth. Respect the culture. - Rama 💪🏿

[@urbanlife007]

I've said this before and I'll say it again.... This is the best Hip-Hop song ever.

[@ethanjohnson4542]

FACTS!

[@SodaPopinksi]

I was thinking this and maybe beanie Siegel - feel it in the air.

[@spooky686]

New York at its finest, I was 16 and that shit still hits home.

[@psychokitty444]

Really like how CL broke down how all these folks who helped him grow are bigger than their flaws... The teen mom who didn't take her frustrations out on him and found a supportive partner in the end, the pops with a drinking problem who made sure he had a father figure looking out, the rival who believed in his talent. Real lyricism right there.

[@olumideononaiye5748]

No swearing No gratuitous use of the N word A brilliant story Empathy Appreciation Knowledge A dope beat All time classic

[@Brooklyn3955]

I play this for kids in NYC on the smartboard every now and then. I teach high school. Play it on the Smart Board (snow days, days before summer vacation, etc). They don't have a clue.

[@Cryptofun325]

@@Brooklyn3955 I love Bedsty Brooklyn my home town.

[@benjamincaldas1953]

@@Brooklyn3955 I keep hearing and reading things like this about NYC. It’s truly sad b/c musically once upon a time, as NY goes the whole country goes.

[@swagmixtape5647]

Underrated comment. Period.

[@swagmixtape5647]

@@Brooklyn3955 your making differences. Never forget it.

[@jonm1365]

From a time when rap and hip-hop had depth, heart, love, and flavor...it was an honor and blessing to experience those times.

[@82dupont]

80 and 90s rap is becoming like classic rock. It will be relevant well after the current t rap scene is extinct.

[@Here4Porsche]

@jamesdeer3129 Yes, Boogie Down Productions had a Uzi like gun on their By All Means Necessary cover - great album too. RIP Scott La Rock

[@reddog1500]

This song reminds me of the early days. A confused teenager in a new world trying to figure his way out. Now I can sit in my house and listen to it all over again with understanding, while I build this legacy, this empire.

[@lovelykiyah7415]

Amazing

[@RMSounds]

thats great. what is the empire

[@theherbiebrown]

“With understanding.”

[@bigrickb84]

I'm 39. To this day this song brings me to tears. Just reminiscing over loved ones. Love this song.

[@kobebetty]

I just lost my Aunt Marge recently. I reminisce about the wonderful times we had together. RIP Aunt Marge much love! ❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@eliotduke1753]

The golden age of rap.

[@pauldennis2859]

Still hits hard in 2022 ...legends

[@remy5301]

A white fella that always comes back to this to relive my childhood.

[@shahid8545]

Tears starting Falling down my face during a listen to this song because the music is so good snd brings me back to when it first came out and how far time has gone on. I was born in 78 and this was released in 91 so I was 13yrs old and the nostalgia is too much. For a moment I remembered my childhood and it got me in my feels. Peace to everyone out there. Hope you live well and long.

[@don2nd650]

🙏🙏🙏

[@B.Moore-Ready]

Same here I'm a 78 baby as well 👊

[@traceya573]

78 here too and that's how I feel as well

[@guwo2ps739]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Sharingan6138]

I hear you bro. Much love. I was born in 85 and this song was always playing in the 90s and the best part of 90s was the early 90s 90-93, golden tracks. It's good to feel that nostalgia and that sad feel and that time that has passed because it makes you appreciate the really good things in life more knowing that they wont be around forever. At least we can play this song and cherish that time bro. God bless much love

[@Tuco_V.]

At 53yrs old imo this whole album is in my top 3

[@whatudoin1]

Best hip hop song of all time Beat , lyrics, flow, subject matter... Timeless

[@mostlypeacefulprotestor1310]

I agree, The Formula to me is right there with it...

[@pm7715]

Agree with you 100%.

[@printland7895]

Certified Classic I swear Pete Rock is one of the best producers in the world, and he can rap too =)

[@JayzoTheNextKobeBryant2.0]

This Song Hits Harder Now Then It Did Back Then