Pete Rock has opened up about his split from former groupmate CL Smooth.
The legendary producer appeared on Drink Champs alongside Common this past weekend and talked about his tumultuous history with Smooth, which has seen various breakups and reunions over the last 30 years.
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“He’s the best talent I ever came across in my whole life. I’ve never heard a guy rap like this, I’ve never heard a voice like this,” he began, praising his former collaborator. “We shared great times together. Don’t get it all fucked up now, we’ve had our good times.
“Just like life, people have ups and downs. And sometimes, when we’re in the negative zone, we go like this [does split motion]. What we would wish for each other is growth, but when one is growing and one isn’t, then it’s still uneven.”
He added: “It should never be like this. Ever. We should still be together but some things, you know, that I can’t tell the whole public. But certain things happen in a partnership that just can’t be… and people won’t understand. I don’t want to be the only one speaking on someone who’s not here, but I wish him the best in life.”
Pete Rock later expanded on his comments in an Instagram post where he said: “This goes for anybody once in a group with a partner or partners. When things go left take the high road.
“You have people who rejoice separation! When i make my business my business people start making up their own story cuz it’s nobody’s business but mine plain & simple like it or dont.”
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He continued: “You have people who tell their stories no problem and be on dem podcast talkin bout personal pronlems,thats not me mayne! Fuck drama. That shit happened thats my business. Let people say and think what they want.
“Ignorance is bliss and real ones know this but dont believe groups stay 4ever. That only happens when 2 men really respect one another and their boundaries and has had similiar experiences happen to them and it gives each individual great understanding.
“Thats the important part! But i wish no ill will on CL Smooth but i kept telling yall for years i have moved on with all due respect . i can accept it.”
Pete Rock and CL Smooth first broke up in 1995 following two classic albums, 1992’s Mecca and the Soul Brother and 1994’s The Main Ingredient.
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The pair later put their differences aside and worked together on Rock’s solo projects Soul Survivor and PeteStrumentals. They were at one point even teasing a third album together.
However, by 2018, the Mount Vernon, New York natives had again fallen out, putting to bed plans of another project.
