1991 was the year that it all broke loose for producer Pete Rock and his rhyme partner, CL Smooth. But the duo was far from an overnight sensation. The two friends had been on the grind since high school in Mt. Vernon, NY in the mid-'80s, and Pete had been building up to his big moment since he first manned the decks on WBLS's hugely influential "In Control With Marley Marl" radio show, starting in 1987. In '91, Pete's talent finally forced him from the studio shadows into the spotlight, and after remixes and co-productions for Heavy D (1989's Big Tyme album), Johnny Gill ("Rub You The Right Way," 1990), and Elektra label-mates Brand Nubian ("Slow Down," 1990), it was time for top billing. As Pete's rep skyrocketed with a revolutionary remix to Public Enemy's "Shut 'Em Down" in 1991, the stage was set. The duo's debut EP, "All Souled Out", was the perfect set-up – and bridge to – their flawless LP, Mecca & The Soul Brother, which appeared only one year later. Fans new (thanks to a recent revival, resulting from the song's use in a Google / Android commercial) and old are sure to know the EP's only single, "The Creator."