The comeback trail can be a slippery slope to climb, even for the most revered rap veteran. So when a largely underappreciated lyricist such as CL Smooth attempts a full-fledged return with his first solo effort, American Me, the chances of success are slim. Add to that the fact that former partner Pete Rock's jazzy production is absent from the disc, and the odds are further stacked. Still, the Mecca Don manages to spit in the face of father time and deliver a long-overdue lyrical onslaught. read more...

With so many issues in today's music with regards to an artist's responsibilities to its audiences, music deserves a savior. In that sense the return of conscious hip hop is not only grateful but warranted. In a world were youth are lead by a pied piper it is extremely necessary that the followee be responsible for the followers.

In his own words...the game needed me to come back, rap icon CL Smooth returns to the mic ready to continue where he left off. Solo this time but still with the same exemplary efforts from his days performing as rap duo Pete Rock & CL Smooth.

As the 'Mecca Don' begins down the same beaten path of hip hop, along its winding roads and ever changing weather, he is fully equipment with over a decade of experience that is surely to accompany him to longevity.

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