The Main Ingredient is the second album by the hip-hop duo Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, released in 1994. The album follows their critically acclaimed debut album, “Mecca and the Soul Brother,” and features the duo’s signature sound of soulful production and socially conscious lyrics.
The album’s title is a nod to the 1972 soul album of the same name by The Main Ingredient, which the duo sampled heavily on several tracks. The album features collaborations with several notable artists, including Grand Puba, Heavy D, and Deda.
The album in question in the flylyf studio! On heavy rotation.
The Main Ingredient album includes standout tracks such as “I Got a Love,” “The Main Ingredient,” and “Take You There,” which all showcase Pete Rock’s skillful production and C.L. Smooth’s introspective lyrics. The album also features the hit single “The Creator,” which features a sample of the song “Quiet Place” by jazz-fusion band Return to Forever.
The Main Ingredient is widely regarded as a classic of 1990s hip-hop, and has influenced many subsequent artists in the genre. It was praised for its sophisticated production, intelligent lyrics, and the chemistry between Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth. The album cemented the duo’s place as one of the most important and innovative groups in hip-hop history.
Have a listen…
Who they sampled for the album
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth sampled a variety of artists on The Main Ingredient album, including:
- The Main Ingredient – the duo heavily sampled the 1972 soul album of the same name by The Main Ingredient, particularly on the tracks “In the Flesh,” “It’s On You,” “Sun Won’t Come Out,” and “All the Places.”
- Return to Forever – the track “The Creator” features a sample of the song “Vulcan Worlds” by the jazz-fusion band Return to Forever.
- The Moments – the track “All the Places” features a sample of the song “What’s Your Name” by the R&B group The Moments.
- The Fatback Band – the track “Get On the Mic” features a sample of the song “Put Your Love (In My Tender Care)” by the funk band The Fatback Band.
- Kool & The Gang – the track “Take You There” features a sample of the song “N.T.” by the funk group Kool & The Gang.
- Eddie Bo – the track “I Got a Love” features a sample of the song “From This Day On” by the funk musician Eddie Bo.
These are just a few examples of the many samples used on the album, which demonstrate Pete Rock’s skillful use of sampling to create a unique and innovative sound.
Not all plain sailing
Yes, there were some issues during the recording of The Main Ingredient album. One of the main challenges was the strained relationship between Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth. The duo had creative differences and disagreements over the direction of the album, which led to tension and arguments in the studio.
In addition, the recording process was disrupted by personal issues affecting both members. C.L. Smooth’s brother passed away during the making of the album, which had a significant impact on his mental and emotional state. Pete Rock also experienced personal problems, including a difficult breakup with his girlfriend.
Despite these challenges, the duo persevered and completed the album, which was released to critical acclaim in 1994. The Main Ingredient is considered a classic of 1990s hip-hop and a testament to the duo’s talent and creativity, despite the obstacles they faced during its creation.
Commercial success
The album was a commercial success, selling well and receiving positive reviews from both fans and critics. Although it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some other hip-hop albums released in the same year, such as Nas’ Illmatic or The Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready to Die, it still sold well and became a classic of the genre.
The album reached #8 on the Billboard 200 chart and #2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The lead single, “I Got a Love,” reached #52 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
The Main Ingredient’s enduring popularity has led to several reissues and anniversary editions, including a deluxe 2-CD set released in 2007 to celebrate the album’s 15th anniversary. The album continues to be celebrated for its innovative production, socially conscious lyrics, and the chemistry between Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, and remains an important and influential album in the history of hip-hop.
The studio
The studio that is featured on the cover of The Main Ingredient album is called the Electric Lady Studios. It is a recording studio located in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of Manhattan, New York City.
Electric Lady Studios was founded in 1970 by musician Jimi Hendrix, who named the studio after his 1970 album “Electric Ladyland.” The studio was designed specifically for Hendrix’s use and featured state-of-the-art recording technology and a unique layout with multiple rooms and a spiral staircase connecting them.
After Hendrix’s death in 1970, Electric Lady Studios was used by a variety of artists, including Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones. In the 1990s, the studio became closely associated with the hip-hop community and was used by a number of influential artists, including Wu-Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, and of course, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth.
The studio is still in operation today and has been renovated and updated with modern recording equipment, while still maintaining its unique character and history. The studio’s legacy as a landmark in the history of music, and in particular, its association with Jimi Hendrix and the New York City hip-hop scene of the 1990s, has made it a beloved and iconic recording space.
Just one more…
After the release of The Main Ingredient, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth recorded only one more album together before going their separate ways. In 1995, they released the EP “The Basement,” which featured a remix of the track “One in a Million” from The Main Ingredient, as well as several new tracks.
However, the duo’s working relationship was becoming increasingly strained, and they eventually parted ways due to creative differences and personal issues. Pete Rock went on to have a successful career as a producer, working with artists such as Nas, Jay-Z, and Kanye West, and releasing several solo albums. C.L. Smooth also released several solo albums and collaborated with various artists, but did not achieve the same level of commercial success as Pete Rock.
Despite their short-lived partnership, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth’s legacy in hip-hop remains significant, and their work together on The Main Ingredient and Mecca and the Soul Brother continues to influence and inspire new generations of artists.
