By 1994, Pete and CL were darlings of both fans and critics, still on a high after 1992’s Mecca & The Soul Brother and the album’s emotional smash single “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.).” Two years later, they had grown even more as men and artists.
The duo’s ‘90s swan song is a powerful double album that still resonates with Golden Era hip-hop fans: 16 cuts deep and full of intelligence, fire and warmth. Beats-per-minute-wise, the album mostly clocks at a comfortable strutting pace, bolstered by Pete Rock’s pioneering use of filtered basslines and a recently-hatched obsession with Rhodes piano.
The lead single, “I Got A Love,” is a perfect example of the group’s ‘94 steez: a super-catchy and respectful, but far-from-soft love track, suitable for any rap fan’s romantic needs. “Take You There” and “Carmel City” cover similar ground. Considering CL
Smooth’s top-level brag rapper status, cuts like “I Get Physical,” “Get On The Mic” and “Check It Out” effectively reminded competitors not to test him.
Limited reissue on Clear Double Vinyl.
Tracklist:
A1. In The House
A2. Carmel City
A3. I Get Physical
A4. Sun Won’t Come Out
B1. I Got Love
B2. Escape
B3. The Main Ingredient
B4. Worldwide
C1. All The Places
C2. Tell Me
C3. Take You There
C4. Searching
D1. Check It Out
D2. In The Flesh
D3. It’s On You
D4. Get On The Mic