It’s true that Lupe Fiasco’s representative from Atlantic Records contacted me last fall and he did so while I was in mourning over the sudden death of my cousin Heavy D. I gave the representative a conditional “yes” to use T.R.O.Y. for Lupe’s album but only based on the condition that I be involved on the project. It’s what I always say when approached by people who want to use that particular song. I was never contacted again. At no point was there any follow up from Atlantic Records. Now, the story gets twisted and it’s being said that I said “yes.” The part about my conditions has been left out to make me seem like I’m a hypocrite. When I heard about the song again, it was done, completed, and playing on the radio…and that was Monday night.

It’s true that people have made T.R.O.Y. over. I can’t control what’s done with my work after it’s already out there but I can control who gets my blessings. Those who involve me and respect me in the process, get my blessings. Those who work behind my back – but all the while putting up a front like I’m down with it – don’t.
I’m flattered that they wanted to remake my song and that they respect it for the classic that it is. I just think they should have talked to Atlantic Records to make sure things were done right. The biggest violation is from Atlantic Records but what can you expect? Labels are corporations and their whole point is to sell records. If they respect the artist in the process that would be nice, but they’re not required. For as political as Lupe as, I expected him to know that and to have hopefully made them more accountable. I’m surprised that he’s siding with the corporation on this.

Technically, there was no crime committed with the release of Lupe’s version of my song. Technically, the song can be out there but I’m not talking about legalities. I’m asking: Where’s the respect for the code among artists?

No ego, but I know my place in this game. I’m recognized as a legend and I accept that. But most of all, I’m a grown man. The love and admiration that people have for me as a producer and as a man of honor has been non-stop, consistent for over 20 years. That’s based on something that can’t be touched. My music and my character stands for itself. T.R.O.Y was a career-defining song has gotten me invited to the White House. It’s not just because people think the production is dope. It’s also because of what the song stands for. I want my music to touch people but I don’t want to be walked over or lied on in the process.
I admit that my outburst on Monday night on Twitter was based on my reminiscing about Heav and Troy. I think about them every day. I apologize for being emotional about this. I had no intentions of hurting Lupe’s career. That’s not me. I’m known for building up not breaking down careers. Moving forward, I’m 100% in control and focused on what’s good.

Pete Rock:

Who ever Re-created that didn’t do a good job @ all. #nohate

I’m not flattered @ all. Dat shit is wack, and the producer should be ashamed of his fuckin self. Smh

As G-Bo rightfully points out:

It is UN hip-hop to impose limits on ANYTHING. It’s detrimental to creativity. My generation was the best to ever do it. Why NOT jack us?

So yo, the point is, do your thing, sampling is the foundation. Ain’t nobody ask Jefferson Pilot or Tom Scott before producing a heartfelt tribute to a lost friend. And it’s not like they just threw on the instrumental. But, BUT, knowing the resonance and historical context of the song AND knowing that the OG cats involved in the production are around and reachable, why not give a heads up? Ask for a dap maybe if you really think you’re that fly? Humble? Respectful?

Big L Tribute Mix

Big Pun Tribute Mix

Whitney Houston Tribute Mix

Black Fist Friday Guest Mix feat. Pete Rock

Black Fist Friday Guest Mix feat. ?uestlove

“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