Guy Lochhead, 29/08/10
Legendary hip hop partnership whose few releases leave an idea of what hip hop could’ve become. 1992-released ‘Mecca And The Soul Brother’ most accurately communicates their sound and intent, from nostalgic, domestic dramas and actually decent rap love songs to more driven, questioning songs about the lack of thought in contemporary black youth culture. Coupling Pete Rock’s jazz-and-soul- sample-based production and CL Smooth’s conscious – but never self-righteous – lyrics and Rakim-like delivery, the duo were one of the greatest groups of hip hop’s second ‘golden age’. I will include the cassette of ‘Mecca And The Soul Brother’, which includes two bonus tracks.