“So what do Prince Paul, K-Def, Buckwild, Evil Dee and Pete Rock do in 2012 ? Simple. They’re LOOKIN4GALT”, MacDermot that is.

Peace to Math.

Just received the updated official statement which confirms a press conference will take place (probably already is) in front of the NY criminal courts. An earlier version requested a peaceful gathering to protest the NYPD behavior and alleged wrongful arrests.

New York, NY
June 30th, 2011

Official Statement
On Tuesday, June 28th, Pete Rock, Tek & Steele (of Smif N Wessun) were celebrating the release of their collaborative album, ‘Monumental.’ It was a peaceful gathering inside of a sold-out Tammany Hall (lower-east side Manhattan, NY) to see the group perform new music from the project. Earlier in the evening some guests wanted to enter the event but were turned away by the management and bouncers employed by the club. A minor argument ensued, but eventually was diffused by the bouncers. Thirty minutes after that minor skirmish 15-20 uniformed Police Officers from the 7th precinct arrived at the venue. Shortly after even more uniformed officers arrived. The officers then hurried into the club and began macing and assaulting individuals inside the club, dragging one of them out and pummeling him directly in front of the club. Present at the event were artists, industry tastemakers, fans, photographers, and cameramen. Several people began filming and recording the unprovoked brutality, much to the dismay of the police. The officers then began to mace and assault anyone within arms length, including several women. Kenneth Montgomery, the group’s attorney, who was in attendance at the event, stated that the Police “behavior was unjustified, unprovoked, and simply barbaric considering there was no provocation.” Pete Rock, Tek and Steele fortunately were not harmed, however some of their friends & family were assaulted by the Police. The group’s attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, is addressing the situation now with local community leaders & is available for comment with more detailed information.

Today at 12PM EST, Pete Rock & Tek & Steele of Smif N Wessun will be holding a press conference to address all questions at New York Criminal Court on 100 Centre Street, New York, NY.

For more detailed information on the incident please contact:

Kenneth Montgomery
917-770-5590
ken@kjmontgomerylaw.com

Last night there was a clash between NYPD and attendees of the release party for Pete Rock & Smif N Wessuns’ new record. The violence seems to have started as the crowd spilled into the streets after the performances ended. Most eyewitness accounts claim unduly force was used to disperse the crowd. No official statements have been issued by NYPD or the venue, Tamanny Hall, at this time. Louie Skaggs was reportedly violently arrested. Amateur footage of the incident has been published by many concerned witnesses.

*correction: An initial version of this post stated Louieville Sluggah was arrested. This has been corrected to reference other Bucktown affiliated rapper Louie Skaggs

Pete Rock, DJ Muro and Magachin were guest DJs on the Deadly Dragon Sounds radio show earlier this week. via EVR

stream: Pete Rock, DJ Muro and Magachin on Deadly Dragon Sounds

But Trife did make some noise. With roots in Long Island and Queens he ran with other area artists including Roc Marciano, who later would go on to introduce him to Pete Rock and Busta Rhymes. With the re-prioritization of live performances in recent years it’s disappointing to consider the new opportunities a rapper with his talent could have had to show and prove. Astute observers removed from the Tri-State may still have heard rumors of Technical Rival Implying Flagrant Excellence, of Long Beach battles with Subroc and Zev Love X or of rhyming outside radio stations with Natural Elements and Nas. But then again, chances are when you see the name Trife it will likely only trigger a faint acknowledgment of an unrelated artist from Ghostface Killah’s extended fam, which reminds me, someone should really add to that Discogs entry.

We were hoping to change all that one day by getting Terry in the studio, but like many of our grand ideas, it was not meant to be. We’re left only with rough bedroom recordings and memories of uplifting conversations. Respect to Robbie over @ Unkut for asking about him and much respect to Marci who recently hinted at writing some music for his fallen friend and was also generous enough to share some of his memories of Trife which we hope to be publishing separately soon.

RIP

Trife – Trife (Prod. by Trife)

Trife & Megalon aka Tommy Gunn (1999)

Pete Rock – Give It To Y’all ft. Roc Marciano, Trife

Ghostface Killah – How U Like Me Baby (Original version)

Kanye West – The Joy ft. Jay-Z, Charlie Wilson, Kid Cudi (Prod. by Pete Rock)

The main reason why I went to this showcase in NYC. Pete Rock & CL Smooth performing the classics as they end their set with the uber-classic “T.R.O.Y.” I literally got the chills when the beat dropped. What a crazy feeling.

Yo La Tengo – Here To Fall (Pete Rock Remix)

Mr. Chop & CL Smooth – T.R.O.Y. (The Resurrection)

video by Kevin Couliau. Link

Some cool pictures of Pete Rock taken at the most recent Noisemakers event in NYC. Download the audio here. Much thanks go out to Natty and her patented smirk for the pics!

It went down last night in NYC. Pete Rock producing new joints for Smif-N-Wessun, Kanye West and Camp Lo is dope. He also speaks on how the beat for Juicy came about and Q-Tip straight up jacking Jazz (We’ve Got) from him. Funny story of the night: Big Punisher eating a bag of onion rings while doing his verse for Verbal Murder in the booth. Somehow, I can picture that. RIP.

Download Noisemakers with Pete Rock 4.7.10 / audio

Found out about this just now. A minute later, I bought my ticket. If you’re not sure what this is all about, get familiar. link

Pete Rock joins Hot 97′s Peter Rosenberg for a night of music and conversation at the latest installment of Noisemakers at 92YTribeca. House band The Noize will perform throughout the night, paying tribute to Pete Rock’s music. Pete Rock’s impeccable recording, producing and remixing career is one of the most distinguished in rap history and one that includes collaborations with Nas, Common, Mary J. Blige, Ghostface Killa, Busta Rhymes, Public Enemy and Run-DMC, among many others.

Wed, Apr 7, 2010
7pm Doors, 8pm Show

92YTribeca
200 Hudson Street
NYC