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C.L. Smooth
Biography
As one-half of the classic-era hip-hop duo Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, C.L. Smooth was responsible for penning some of hip-hop's timeless classics, including "The Creator," "Straighten It Out," "Take You There," and the landmark "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)." His smooth voice, effortless flow, and conscious lyrics were easily recognizable signatures of Smooth's style, and with Pete Rock's soulful and funky backing, they distinguished themselves as a formidable duo even amid the flourishing of many other acclaimed alternative rap groups in the early '90s. Smooth, born Corey Penn, was raised on his grandparents' jazz music. Growing up in Mount Vernon, NY, his grandfather always used to find ways of integrating jazz into many aspects of his daily life; thus, it was only natural that Smooth would gravitate toward his literal soul partner, Pete Rock, a friend whom he met in grade school. Signed to Elektra, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth released three highly regarded efforts -- 1991's All Souled Out EP, 1992's Mecca and the Soul Brother, and 1994's The Main Ingredient -- which quickly inducted them into hip-hop's elite with similar jazz-rap groups like A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr.
Selected Discography
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