Live Review: Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Tall Black Guy

Backing up hip hop legends is never easy for the local talent but DJ Trey, Soul Benefits and Samrai set the scene with strong performances before Detroit native Tall Black Guy (a last-minute replacement for P-Money) dropped a dope set that mixed soul, jazz, groove, hip hop and funk into a seamless aural orgasm. 

International hip hop tours have had a pretty hit and miss past as far as our fair shores are concerned. Too many big name American artists have treated their Australian jaunts as little more than an excuse to get on the piss, something reflected in many a half-assed, shambolic set from people who should know better. Thankfully, Pete Rock & CL Smooth not only lived up to, but also actually surpassed, the hype that their first-ever Australian tour generated.

There's something magical about the classic one MC and one DJ formula and Pete Rock & CL Smooth delivered a flawless set culled from their relatively limited back catalogue of two LPs and one EP. The chemistry between the two New York natives was evident as they bounced off each other with ease and, in the process, sent the crowd into the stratosphere.

Not surprisingly, it was the material from Mecca & The Soul Brother that received the best crowd response, but choice cuts from The Main Ingredient (such as I Get Physical) and All Souled Out (The Creator with Pete Rock on the mic) were also well received. It's easy to be cynical about reunions, but with this level of energy and new material around the corner Pete Rock & CL Smooth may be on the verge of scaling new heights in a remarkable second stage of their career.