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.
It's Like That
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rotate the megahertz where you heard it first
The perpendicular said none similar
Quadruple any figure quick on the trigger
Helter skelter wig out by the goodfella
Not Lou Pinella 'cause I'm black and mo' betta
Bust a phenomenum we come to get busy
Many many march 'cause I'm heavy on the starch
Never tell a farce when I scale on a arch
Jammin' on the radio, brothers say, "way to go"
Shape it like Play-Do, soprano at the Chateau
My theory periodically flows a odyssey
Bigger than modern technology
So save all the chit-chat when I kick a format fat
It's like that...
C.L. is the attribute you salute
'Cause I gotta make loot, can't afford to be cute
Enter the equilibrium in a medium
Breaking your cranium with no ultimatum
Drop a psalm like a bomb, never land in your palm
And now I'm so cool and calm
Pure unadulterated, premeditated
Lyrical form, Pete Rock is the storm
Sophistication I kick to a nation
I rare compilation I call recreation
The prognosis, so mackadocious
Straight up ferocious for those who can focus
Large like the Beatles, ask all my peoples
Never make movies, so don't talk sequels
So, hon, save the chit-chat when I kick a format fat (it's fat)
It's like that...
I'm all sold out, no doubt, without a question
The blessing your guests in a suprucated session
Anyway your honor, heresay the melee
Is here for the payday, so A to the K
Or should I say Deda, original baby par
Smooth like a reservoir, the funky Shang-Ri-La
No shame in my game, I'm set to entertain
And if it wasn't for the fame, skinz would never know my name
So back off a tad bit, that's a bad habit
'Cause I write the raw...for sure
Now I'm a flip a style and get crazy versatile
Never fragile 'cause I'm flowin' like the Nile
Swing a jewel or a gem, notice how I say them
With my approach, smoke a rhyme to a roach
A four-season lover, light-skinned and bigger
But what I deliver come before the cotton picker
So here's to another hit, perfectly legitimate
When I hit the skinz, guaranteed to keep the candle lit
So save all the chit-chat when I kick a format fat
It's like that...
The lyrics in Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's song "It's Like That" are a showcase of the duo's exceptional lyricism, wordplay, and rhyme schemes. The lyrics are filled with metaphoric references and puns that require deep interpretation to fully grasp their underlying meaning. The first verse talks about catching the vibe of the music early and how they are unique in their approach to music. The second verse mentions the importance of breaking new ground in the music industry, as well as the artist's stance on being "cool and calm." The final verse talks about the artist's ability to write raw and honest lyrics and their unapologetic attitude towards transforming the music industry.
The lyrics in "It's Like That" have different layers of meaning depending on how one interprets them. For instance, in the line "Prepare yourself to catch a verse from the big purse," the "big purse" might refer to the artist's big earnings from their music career. In the verse "Many many march 'cause I'm heavy on the starch/Never tell a farce when I scale on an arch," the artist might be referencing their extraordinary ability to make music that resonates with a large audience, without compromising their principles.
In summary, "It's Like That" is an ode to the artist's love for music, their passion for breaking new ground, and their unique style of lyricism that sets them apart from other artists in the music industry.
Interesting Facts about the Song:
Line by Line Meaning
Prepare yourself to catch a verse from the big purse
Get ready to hear an excellent rap from me
Rotate the megahertz where you heard it first
Play my music on the radio to share it with the world
The perpendicular said none similar
My style is unique and original
Quadruple any figure quick on the trigger
I make a lot of money and don't hesitate to spend it
Helter skelter wig out by the goodfella
I'm having fun and enjoying life
Not Lou Pinella 'cause I'm black and mo' betta
I'm succeeding in life because of my own talents, not because of my skin color
Bust a phenomenum we come to get busy
I'm here to make great music
Deep in roots but my name ain't Kizzie
I'm proud of my history and heritage
Many many march 'cause I'm heavy on the starch
I'm confident and sure of myself
Never tell a farce when I scale on a arch
I always tell the truth and don't exaggerate
Jammin' on the radio, brothers say, 'way to go'
People appreciate my music and show me love
Shape it like Play-Do, soprano at the Chateau
I'm flexible and can make my music fit any situation
My theory periodically flows a odyssey
My ideas and creativity are always evolving and changing
Bigger than modern technology
My talents and skills are greater than anything man-made
So save all the chit-chat when I kick a format fat
Stop talking and just listen to the greatness I'm about to deliver
C.L. is the attribute you salute
People respect me and appreciate my music
'Cause I gotta make loot, can't afford to be cute
I need to make money and can't waste time being fashionable
Enter the equilibrium in a medium
I'm balanced and in control
Breaking your cranium with no ultimatum
I'm so good, I can blow your mind without giving you any warning
Drop a psalm like a bomb, never land in your palm
My raps are powerful and can have a big impact
And now I'm so cool and calm
I'm confident and at ease
Pure unadulterated, premeditated
My music is authentic and carefully planned out
Lyrical form, Pete Rock is the storm
My rap skills are impressive and undeniable
Sophistication I kick to a nation
I'm bringing intelligence and class to my music
I rare compilation I call recreation
My music is a unique blend of different styles and influences
The prognosis, so mackadocious
My future looks bright and full of potential
Straight up ferocious for those who can focus
My music is intense and powerful for those who put in the effort to appreciate it
Large like the Beatles, ask all my peoples
I'm a big deal and my fans will tell you how great I am
Never make movies, so don't talk sequels
I'm not interested in making boring, predictable music
So, hon, save the chit-chat when I kick a format fat (it's fat)
Don't waste your breath talking, just listen to how amazing my music is
I'm all sold out, no doubt, without a question
My music is popular and in high demand
The blessing your guests in a suprucated session
I'm bringing joy and happiness to my listeners
Anyway your honor, heresay the melee
I'm not sure how to explain it, but my music is exciting and intense
Is here for the payday, so A to the K
I'm working hard to make some money
Or should I say Deda, original baby par
I go by different names and have a lot of different influences
Smooth like a reservoir, the funky Shang-Ri-La
My style is smooth and funky, and I'm bringing good vibes to my listeners
No shame in my game, I'm set to entertain
I'm proud of what I do and I'm dedicated to entertaining people
And if it wasn't for the fame, skinz would never know my name
If I wasn't popular, no one would know who I am
So back off a tad bit, that's a bad habit
Don't criticize me or interfere with my success
'Cause I write the raw...for sure
My music is honest and authentic
Now I'm a flip a style and get crazy versatile
I can switch up my style and do whatever I want with my music
Never fragile 'cause I'm flowin' like the Nile
I'm strong and powerful, like the Nile river
Swing a jewel or a gem, notice how I say them
I'm showing off my wordplay and rhyming skills
With my approach, smoke a rhyme to a roach
My music is so good, it can even make a roach dance
A four-season lover, light-skinned and bigger
I'm loved by people of all races and sizes
But what I deliver come before the cotton picker
My skills and talents are more important than anything else
So here's to another hit, perfectly legitimate
I'm confident that my music will continue to be successful
When I hit the skinz, guaranteed to keep the candle lit
When I perform, I know I'll keep the energy and excitement going
So save all the chit-chat when I kick a format fat
Stop talking and just listen to how amazing my music is
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COREY PENN, DAVID EMANUEL COHEN, PETER O PHILLIPS, RICK FRANK, STAN BRONSTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dvalley1561
Only the real ones come here
@ML.555
Pete Rock & CLSmooth one of the best duos in hip-hop legendary!
@kung_fu_licious7051
Just a 90s kid feeling nostalgic listening to this in 2023 😅😎
@lorenzoritacco
How is this beat even possible
@demetrius067
2020 STILL bumps!!!!!!!✊🏽✊🏽👍🏽👍🏽
@72cpugeek
Facts !!!
@terrencestith6675
absolutely timeless
@isaacmcfadden918
Man!! Pete Rock was no joke with da tracks back then!! I really miss this time in hip hop!!!...who remembers the song they did with Grand Public called "Skin?"
@leffphield
Me. But the basement.
@elway6519
It's like that yall! I love this entire album...can dance to this.