Pete Rock Tells All: The Stories Behind His Classic Records

Similar to the DJ Premier article, Complex recently caught up with legendary Hip-Hop producer Pete Rock to find out some of the stories behind his greatest hits (solo, CL and productions). Complex always seem to smash it when it comes to stuff like this, and it's safe to say that this article is no expection. I also have no doubt that he will be adding a few more classics to the vault on June 28th when his collaboration album with Smif N Wessun finally drops. One of the all-time greats - arguably the greatest. Read the full article HERE.

Wretch 32 - Don't Go (Feat. Josh Kumra)

Here is the 3rd single from Wretch 32's upcoming debut album, Black & White, which will be out August 14th on Ministry's sister label, Levels Entertainment. Everything about this is completely different to the two previous singles, but it's just as catchy and easy to love. Could very well be one of the albums of 2011 at this rate.

Drake - Marvins Room

Another new piece from Drake's upcoming sophmore album, Take Care, which is set to be released later this Summer. As with Dreams Money Can Buy, I prefer this to most of the stuff off Thank Me Later. I actually like Drake, but hate the label he is signed to.

Bad Meets Evil (Eminem & Royce Da 5'9") - Fast Lane

Some incredibly sick visuals for the lead single off Eminem & Royce Da 5'9's collaborative EP, Hell: The Sequel. One of the best Hip-Hop tunes of 2011, and probably the best Hip-Hop video of 2011 - reminds me of an updated version of Hot Thing by Talib Kweli. I hope Em takes what he done on this EP on to his next album, because this tune alone is better than anything off Relapse and Recovery.

Skyzoo - Expensive Habits (Feat. Jesse Boykins III)

My favourite track from Skyzoo's latest mixtape, The Great Debater, which was released yesterday. I don't think I have ever heard a bad track from Sky; he consistently puts out Hip-Hop straight from the heart - dope lyrics, dope beats and dope rhymes. I have a lot of love Mr. Boykins too. Get your copy of the mixtape HERE (I would happily pay for this).

P Money & Blacks - Gassed On A Riddem x Madness (Feat. Lauren Mason & Jammer)

Here are my two favourite tracks from P Money & Blacks' collaborative mixtape, Blacks & P, which was released yesterday on iTunes and is currently sitting top of the Hip-Hop/Rap chart. Not many Grime artists excite me, but P Money does and I find it refreshing how he has embraced Dubstep and created a whole new sound that cannot be touched by any other MC - Blacks is the perfect partner in crime for him too, spitting solid bars from start to finish. Get all 21 tracks right NOW, you won't regret it.

Beyoncé - Party (Feat. André 3000)

A new track from Beyoncé's upcoming album, 4, which features OutKast member André 3000 and is produced by G.O.O.D. Music buddies KanYe West & Consequence. Nothing to say about this track, apart from the fact that it is absolutely amazing. Thank you B.

Elzhi – It Ain’t Hard To Tell

Second video from Elzhi's tribute mixtape to NaS and his classic Hip-Hop release, Illmatic. Elzhi is probably better than your favourite MC. If you've been living under a rock, then you can download the tape HERE.

Royce Da 5'9" - Second Place (Prod. DJ Premier)

Amidst all the hype about the new Bad Meets Evil EP, Royce decided to take to his Twitter and release this Preemo produced joint, which is taken from his upcoming album Success Is Certain (out July 26th). Massive.

Vanilla - Work It Out x The People x Whisper

Vanilla is a UK based Hip-Hop producer - there isn't much more I can tell you about him (because that's all I know), but I do know one thing, he is one talented geezer who judging by his SoundCloud has had a very busy 12 months. A couple of weeks ago he released High Life, which is a beat tape of 27 soul-sampling hip hop instrumentals, inspired by some of the greatest producers to ever live such as Dilla, Madlib and Onra. This is genuinely one of the best beat tapes I have heard for years - he has sampled some of my favourite Soul records of all-time and brought back that real soulful Hip-Hop sound, which I feel has been somewhat lost in recent times. I think Dilla would be happy that there is still music like this being made, and that more than anything makes me a very happy man. This will probably be the most played thing on my iPod during 2011 - it is THAT good! Get your copy of this for FREE - you would be an idiot if you didn't.

P.S. I even decided to put up 3 tracks in order to convince you.