Ep 6. Pete Rock

Pete Rock is the sixth episode of the eighteenth season of the hit docu-series UnSung, which explores the careers and personal lives of some of the most influential but often under-appreciated musicians in the history of American popular music. This particular episode is all about the life and times of the legendary hip-hop producer and rapper Peter Phillips, better known to his fans as Pete Rock.

Over the course of his career, Pete Rock has become recognized as one of the most influential and innovative producers in the history of hip-hop music. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, Pete first burst onto the hip-hop scene in the early 1990s as part of the iconic rap group Pete Rock & CL Smooth. The duo's debut album, Mecca and the Soul Brother, is now widely regarded as one of the seminal works of the golden age of hip-hop.

From there, Pete went on to become a prolific producer, working with some of the biggest names in the industry and helping to shape the sound of hip-hop as we know it today. His unique style, which blended soulful samples, hard-hitting beats, and smooth jazz-inflected melodies, has earned him legions of fans and imitators alike.

However, despite his enormous contributions to the world of hip-hop, Pete Rock's story has often been overlooked and under-told. This episode of UnSung seeks to remedy that, with a comprehensive look at the highs and lows of Pete's career and personal life.

The episode opens with a retrospective look at Pete's early years growing up in the Bronx, New York, and how he first became interested in music. We hear from Pete himself, as well as from his childhood friends and family members, who recall his early passion for collecting vinyl and his innate talent for creating music.

From there, the episode delves into Pete's early work with CL Smooth and their meteoric rise to fame with Mecca and the Soul Brother. We hear from both Pete and CL, as well as from other artists and industry insiders who were present for their historic run in the early 90s.

The episode also explores some of the more challenging periods of Pete's career, including his struggles with addiction and personal loss. We hear from Pete's friends and colleagues, as well as from his own family members, who reflect on the toll that his success and fame took on him.

Throughout the episode, there are plenty of anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about Pete's collaborations with some of the most iconic names in hip-hop, from Nas and Jay-Z to Public Enemy and A Tribe Called Quest. There are also plenty of clips of Pete's music itself, from classics like "T.R.O.Y." and "They Reminisce Over You" to more recent tracks that showcase his continued relevance and innovation.

Overall, Pete Rock is an engaging and comprehensive look at one of the most important figures in the history of hip-hop. With plenty of new insights and behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is sure to be a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone interested in the history of popular music.