(Thirty-Five Years)
Thirty-five years of timeless hip-hop history.
Fig. 01Mount Vernon, NY — Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth
(The Beginning)
The Road to Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon wasn't just a destination — it was where everything connected. Corey arrived with a notebook full of rhymes, hunger in his heart, and something to prove. Through KG, he was introduced to Pete Rock, a young DJ and producer building a sound of his own. From basement sessions to the energy of the block, the chemistry was undeniable: Pete behind the boards and C.L. Smooth behind the mic. Before Elektra, before the tours, and before the classics, Mount Vernon was the proving ground. That's where the partnership locked in — and where a new chapter in hip-hop began.
Occupations
Lyricist, Storyteller, and Icon
Sound
Boom Bap & Golden-Era Hip-Hop
Years Active
1991 — Present
Based In
Mt. Vernon, NY
Fig. 02T.R.O.Y. — is where it began.
(Before the Legacy)
There Was Brotherhood Before the Legacy
C.L. Smooth's legacy was shaped by more than timeless records — it was shaped by the people who shared his journey. "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" transformed the loss of Trouble T Roy into an enduring tribute to love, memory, and brotherhood. From Heavy D and Funkmaster Flex to DMX, these relationships helped shape the loyalty, discipline, and dignity Corey carried throughout his career. The world remembers the music, but the people behind it gave the music its meaning.
Fig. 03Since the Day — self-released.
(Latest Release)
Since the Day
2024 · Single · C.L. Smooth
Produced by DJ Premier, with Mike Epps. Two names that do not appear on a record casually.
Fig. 04C.L. Smooth on Drink Champs, 2024 — on choices, influence, and walking a different path.
(Drink Champs • 2024)
The Drink Champs Interview
Before C.L. Smooth became one of hip-hop's most distinctive voices, the streets were giving him stories — but Popa Dock was giving him the foundation. His grandfather was his first hero, the man he speaks about in "T.R.O.Y.," and the person who taught him discipline, strength, and how to stand on principle. With pressure and temptation all around him, Popa Dock's guidance kept Corey from letting the streets decide his future and pushed him toward the pen and the mic. C.L. Smooth makes it clear: without Popa Dock, there would be no C.L. Smooth — and no career.
“Bad association spoils useful habits.”
(The Legacy of Hip-Hop's Storyteller)
Music Still Continues
Still Moving the Crowd
More than three decades after "T.R.O.Y.," C.L. Smooth still commands the stage with unmistakable cadence, timeless records, and the kind of presence that moves every generation in the room.
The Pen Never Stops
The classics built the foundation, but the story is far from finished. From American Me, The Outsider, Multi Barz of Fury, and his upcoming project with Spunk Bigga, C.L. continues to write, record, and create grown-man hip-hop on his own terms.
Always Collaborating
From collaborations and shared stages with Mary J. Blige, Raekwon, Johnny Gill, Run-DMC, and Nujabes to building with today's artists and producers, C.L. remains connected to the culture. Different generations, new energy — the same respect for real hip-hop.
(@therealclsmooth)
Tap In. Stay Locked.
Behind the scenes. On the road. In the studio. Catch new music, live moments, rare footage, and the culture through C.L. Smooth’s eyes. The story keeps moving on Instagram.
(Stay Updated)
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