Hailing from … Read Full Bio ↴Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth is a rap group from the 1990s.
Hailing from "Money Earnin'" Mount Vernon, New York, this DJ-MC duo first made noise in the rap world on the 1991 EP, All Souled Out. It sold moderately well enough to justify Elektra Records clearing the way for 1992's Mecca & the Soul Brother LP.
As a producer, DJ Pete Rock (Peter Phillips) tended to prefer obscure soul and jazz sides for sample sources, frequently making use of horn-driven hooks. Lead vocalist C.L. Smooth (Corey Penn) tended to be philosophical in his raps, and he mostly avoided profanity. Their signature hit was “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)”, a dirge for fallen friends, specifically, Troy "Trouble T-Roy" Dixon, a dancer for fellow Mount Vernon, New York rapper and cousin of Pete Rock, Heavy D. (Dwight Myers).
1994's The Main Ingredient was the follow up, and they appeared on a string of guest appearances for 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-DMC’s 1993 comeback single 'Down with the King'. Despite all this, the duo failed to go gold on any of their own releases.
Separating in 1995 (shortly after a well-received Sprite TV commercial), they eventually reunited on a handful of cuts from Pete Rock’s solo recordings: Soul Survivor (1998), PeteStrumentals (2001) and Soul Survivor II (2004). They 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 compilation, The Best of Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth: Good Life, was released on Elektra in 2003.
For Pete's Sake
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I collect the loot and then I knock the boots
A smooth dark lover, prefer to be called the chocolate lover
Cuz I can do wonders under cover
I'm dip-dip-dope, I rhyme like riz-ope
I cleanse like soap, cause it's the great black hope
Stay away from the penile, I can rock the senile
Hons always wave cause slick like blue nile
Plus the way that I flow blood clot
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm, yeah
So funky, like a street junky
Like I said before, here we go, c'mon
For Pete's sake I break and update, wait, I radiate
The dub played to navigate the tune I make
I fit like a slipper, so catch the Big Dipper
Vital signs are quicker, not the flat line picture
Showtime original, official with the smooth criminal
I hit the cliches on the subliminal
With the soul technician to fill the prescription
In addition listen close to the mission
The P.E.T.E.R.O.C.K., resume
With the route to Brut by Faberge
No doubt, to shout about a 20-bar segment
Off spring the lyrics when the microphone's pregnant
Give it a rubdown, now here's the sermon
Everywhere you go you hear Mecca from the Vernon
Pound for pound, uptown, I get down
And bound to spin the record like a merry-go-round
The cut don't flow that I touch is not a preemie
And who would ever see me when I dream of Jeanie
I don't think so, peace, I gotta go
And shake like an earthquake, cousin, for Pete's sake
To my man
Here come's the rugged one, plus the way I flip it
I collect the loot and then I knock the boots
A smooth dark brother, prefer to be called the chocolate lover
Cause I can do wonders under cover
I'm dip-dip-dope, I rhyme like riz-ope
I cleanse like soap, cause it's the great black hope
Stay away from the penile, I can rock the senile
Hons always wave cause I'm slick like lunile
Pete Rock on the boot knock, on the boot knock
Plus the way that I flow blood clot
Yo, my style's cock-diesel and I can do the hustle
Niggas know the time, I don't have to flex a muscle
I'm not the type to fake it, I wouldn't try to take it
Tie your girl to the back of my Jeep butt-naked
Slide her monkey ass down the hill
So if you don't want beef, money, chill for Pete's sake
To my man
Music please
The Mecca's sweet like nectar, maybe cause you need it
There's a ribbon in the sky, but I wonder if you see it
In the days of thunder, notice how I suplex in the proper context
Here steps the one, the answer to the riddle
Survey says the black press can make you wiggle
The staff to the craft, the stroke of a pena
Perfect stranger, melody arranger
Loopholes are filled when I build with the skill
Liquid steels the mic on the Rock's chill
No financial aid wade when I'm paid
Deep as the Everglade, the escapade a renagade
Study in the archives, place your bet, sonny
Head crack back to back for the bail money
For you, a chapter, slayed by the author
Lickin' on your daughter, say, south of the border
Now, here we are with the funky repertoire
Draw warm like a spa, star, forget all the hoopla
C.L. Smooth and Pete Rock
Could break and penetrate, piece of cake, cousin, for Pete's sake
To my man, for Pete's Sake, c'mon
The lyrics of For Pete's Sake by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth are a classic example of the duo's impeccable flow and rhythm, intertwined with intricate wordplay and clever metaphors. In this track, they take on a braggadocious tone, boasting about their lyrical prowess and smooth style as they collect money, women, and admiration. The lyrics paint a picture of a confident, self-assured rapper who knows exactly how to rock the mic and get the party started.
Throughout the song, there are references to black culture and history, such as when they call themselves the "great black hope" and make nods to Mecca, Vernon, and the Everglades. The lyrics are peppered with clever wordplay, such as "slick like blue nile" and "rhyme like riz-ope," that showcase the duo's skill as wordsmiths. The chorus of the song, "For Pete's sake," serves as both a rallying cry and an exclamation of disbelief at their own skills.
Overall, For Pete's Sake is a celebration of black culture, hip hop, and lyrical skill, all wrapped up in a catchy and infectious beat.
Line by Line Meaning
Here come's the rugged one, plus the way I flip it
I am coming with my tough image and my unique style.
I collect the loot and then I knock the boots
I make money and enjoy women's company.
A smooth dark lover, prefer to be called the chocolate lover
I am a dark-skinned guy who loves ladies or chocolate-flavored things.
Cuz I can do wonders under cover
I am capable of doing things that no one expects me to do.
I'm dip-dip-dope, I rhyme like riz-ope
I am an amazing rapper who enchants his audience.
I cleanse like soap, cause it's the great black hope
My words can inspire and motivate people.
Stay away from the penile, I can rock the senile
Don't mess with my manhood, I have skills to impress even older people.
Hons always wave cause slick like blue nile
Ladies always greet me as I'm cool and charming like the Nile River.
Pete Rock on the boot knock, on the boot knock
I am an outstanding musician who knows how to make people dance.
Plus the way that I flow blood clot
It's amazing the way I can rap with confidence and precision.
The Mecca's sweet like nectar, maybe cause you need it
The music is the best thing that can happen to you, you just don't know it yet.
There's a ribbon in the sky, but I wonder if you see it
There are wonderful things happening around you, but you don't realize them.
In the days of thunder, notice how I suplex in the proper context
I am capable of accomplishing great things even in difficult situations.
Here steps the one, the answer to the riddle
I am the solution to your problems, the one you're looking for.
Survey says the black press can make you wiggle
People love my music, it has the power to make you dance.
The staff to the craft, the stroke of a pena
I am good at writing lyrics and composing music.
Perfect stranger, melody arranger
I can create melodies and harmonies that you've never heard before.
Loopholes are filled when I build with the skill
I am capable of fixing mistakes and making my work perfect.
Liquid steels the mic on the Rock's chill
My voice is so smooth and captivating that it can enchant everyone.
No financial aid wade when I'm paid
I don't need someone's help to succeed, I can do it on my own.
Deep as the Everglade, the escapade a renagade
I am a rebel with a strong will and a deep personality.
Study in the archives, place your bet, sonny
I have studied the music archives and I've learned how to create great music.
Head crack back to back for the bail money
I can create music that people will pay great money to listen to.
For you, a chapter, slayed by the author
I am writing this song for you and I'm making it unforgettable.
Lickin' on your daughter, say, south of the border
I am unapologetic and I'll do whatever I want, even if it's controversial.
Now, here we are with the funky repertoire
I am presenting you my amazing music collection.
Draw warm like a spa, star, forget all the hoopla
My music has the power to create a warm and relaxing atmosphere, forget the hype and just enjoy it.
C.L. Smooth and Pete Rock
I am joined by another amazing musician, C.L. Smooth.
Could break and penetrate, piece of cake, cousin, for Pete's sake
We can create amazing music that can break any barrier and move people.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PETER (PKA PETE ROCK) PHILLIPS, CORY (PKA C.L. SMOOTH) PENN, MAXWELL DIXON, PETER O. PHILLIPS, COREY BRENT PENN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lucas Bicske
Here come's the rugged one, plus the way I flip it
I collect the loot and then I knock the boots
A smooth dark lover, prefer to be called the chocolate lover
Cuz I can do wonders under cover
I'm dip-dip-dope, I rhyme like riz-ope
I cleanse like soap, cause it's the great black hope
Stay away from the penile, I can rock the senile
Hons always wave cause slick like blue nile
Pete Rock on the boot knock, on the boot knock
Plus the way that I flow blood clot
… Mm-hmm, mm-hmm, yeah
So funky, like a street junky
Like I said before, here we go, c'mon
For Pete's sake I break and update, wait, I radiate
The dub played to navigate the tune I make
I fit like a slipper, so catch the Big Dipper
Vital signs are quicker, not the flat line picture
Showtime original, official with the smooth criminal
I hit the cliches on the subliminal
With the soul technician to fill the prescription
In addition listen close to the mission
The P.E.T.E.R.O.C.K., resume
With the route to Brut by Faberge
No doubt, to shout about a 20-bar segment
Off spring the lyrics when the microphone's pregnant
Give it a rubdown, now here's the sermon
Everywhere you go you hear Mecca from the Vernon
Pound for pound, uptown, I get down
And bound to spin the record like a merry-go-round
The cut don't flow that I touch is not a preemie
And who would ever see me when I dream of Jeanie
I don't think so, peace, I gotta go
And shake like an earthquake, cousin, for Pete's sake
… To my man
… Here come's the rugged one, plus the way I flip it
I collect the loot and then I knock the boots
A smooth dark brother, prefer to be called the chocolate lover
Cause I can do wonders under cover
I'm dip-dip-dope, I rhyme like riz-ope
I cleanse like soap, cause it's the great black hope
Stay away from the penile, I can rock the senile
Hons always wave cause I'm slick like lunile
Pete Rock on the boot knock, on the boot knock
Plus the way that I flow blood clot
Yo, my style's cock-diesel and I can do the hustle
Niggas know the time, I don't have to flex a muscle
I'm not the type to fake it, I wouldn't try to take it
Tie your girl to the back of my Jeep butt-naked
Slide her monkey ass down the hill
So if you don't want beef, money, chill for Pete's sake
… To my man
… Music please
… The Mecca's sweet like nectar, maybe cause you need it
There's a ribbon in the sky, but I wonder if you see it
In the days of thunder, notice how I suplex in the proper context
Here steps the one, the answer to the riddle
Survey says the black press can make you wiggle
The staff to the craft, the stroke of a pena
Perfect stranger, melody arranger
Loopholes are filled when I build with the skill
Liquid steels the mic on the Rock's chill
No financial aid wade when I'm paid
Deep as the Everglade, the escapade a renagade
Study in the archives, place your bet, sonny
Head crack back to back for the bail money
For you, a chapter, slayed by the author
Lickin' on your daughter, say, south of the border
Now, here we are with the funky repertoire
Draw warm like a spa, star, forget all the hoopla
C.L. Smooth and Pete Rock
Could break and penetrate, piece of cake, cousin, for Pete's sake
… To my man, for Pete's Sake, c'mon
sheem1973
This beat is SICK!!! 🙌
Simo
Beat is disgusting
Whatabouthiphop1
No lies fuggin told!
Paul De Veaux
Was bangin' this my first year of college. Classic's like this never get old.
Danny Meeker
This LP ROCKS.... soooo underrated. Very happy that I got to see them perform live in '93.
waters228 91
Naw, it ain't underrated. Many hip hop heads regard this as a classic.
Robert Schleeter
One of the best albums of the 90s
questmotion
Been playing this master-piece of a gem since the album dropped, must've heard it a thousand times, still as fresh as ever !
Roger Moore
Completely satisfying. I could listen to this while feeling creative or thinking about something intellectual
Antonio Gambardella
the classic hip-hop 🔥💣👊🎙🎼🎤