About.com Exclusive: C.L. Smooth's American Me Due in October
You probably remember C.L. Smooth from the 90's duo Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, whose critically acclaimed album Mecca & the Soul Brother still inspire legions of hip-hop artists today. Well, if you don't that's only because C.L. Smooth has been on a ten-year hiatus from hip-hop. Not to worry, though, Smooth is back for the first time with his solo debut American Me slated for early October on Black Heart Entertainment / Shaman Works. One of the album's Executive Producers, Lamar Gilliam, told About.com exclusively that American Me will feature producers Mike Loe, R-Sonist (Heatmakerz), Divine Mill, and Squarta.
"Being as big a fan of true hip-hop music as anyone, I'm excited about this record because C.L. Smooth is truly a legend of the game. This album is history in the making," said Gilliam. "I can't recall another rapper in the game who took 10 years away from the mic only to come back to still remain one of the dopest ever. C.L. said that he had 'unfinished business' with the industry and on American Me, he's proving that this is only the beginning of the return of the Mecca Don," he added.
As the Mecca to Pete Rock's Soul Brother, C.L. dazzled with his seamless flow and intricate wordplay on songs like "The Main Ingredient," "Straighten It Out," and "They Reminisce Over You."
On American Me, C.L. tackles both political and personal misconceptions head-on, his swift delivery still intact. While his rhymes have become more accessible, the poetics are still as convoluted and as intriguing as ever. The Mecca Don has never had to rely on thuggery or gangsterism to grab ears, and he's not about to start. Admittedly his own worst critic, C.L. succeeds in elevating his sound without compromising the creative process. Fans will be impressed with thunderous tunes like "Smoke in the Air" and the title track "American Me," as well as smoothed out grooves like "C.L. Smooth Unplugged" and "The Outsider."
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