C.L. Smooth is a legend based on his collaboration with Pete Rock at the beginning of the 1990s (think “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)”). However, following the break up of the duo in 1995, Smooth sunk away into the musical background, releasing isolated tracks here and there and rarely even appearing as a guest on anything. In October 2006, he returned with the release of his first solo album, American Me.
The initial single was the title track, “American Me”, with “Smoke In The Air” as the b-side. Available for your review is the digital version of the “American Me”/”Smoke In The Air” vinyl 12 inch, which I downloaded more than a year ago but never really had a chance to properly listen to until recently. For those of you that remember enjoying Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, you shouldn’t be disappointed by the mature flow of one many wrote off after a decade in the musical shadows. For those of you new to C.L. Smooth, welcome. This is definitely not a man ready to be kicked to the curb, as the politically-colored “American Me” and the heavier “Smoke In The Air” aptly demonstrate.
Check it.
C.L. Smooth – American Me (American Me 12″)
C.L. Smooth – Smoke In The Air (American Me 12″)
Visit the official C.L. Smooth site to hear more.
