Pete Rock's back and does he ever sound focused. After producing the big single, "Be Easy", for Ghostface's "Fishscale" album, and dropping a 12" on Nature Sounds with verses from Raekwon and Masta Killa on "PJ's" and Sheek Louch and Styles P on "914", he's back with arguably his best track in years.
It takes a great producer to fit their style around an artist who normally wouldn't fit. In this instance its Dipset's Jim Jones. Despite rumours of big money G-Unit deals and a back catalogue of R'n'B remixes, "PR" somehow managed to get the Byrd Gang's most talked about member in the studio to record this slice of NY street realness.
If you've heard Jay-Z's "American Gangster" or had your ear anywhere near to the ground, you will be aware that Neptunes, Timbaland and Dirty South style beats have begun to take a back seat in NY to a re-emerging sound that is more akin to the classic New York sampling sound. Where "American Gangster" sounds too slick and knowingly experimental however, "We Roll" delivers by the bucket load.
Jim Jones lays down the same flow as always but it has a totally different feel over the jazzy organ and horn samples. I've never heard of Max B, but he drops a nice verse and an even nicer chorus leaving it to Pete Rock to take it home, spitting a verse which ices the cake, especially as he stands up next to the likes of Jones and Max B.
The feel of this track is what's so special about it though. It reminds me of Big L with gangster raps over gorgeous loops, tones and textures that are evocative of New York even if you've never been there. One of my favourite rap joints of the year.
↓ We Roll ↓
Pete Rock: discogs / myspace
Jim Jones: discogs / myspace
Max B: myspace
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