NY's Finest

Last updated
NY's Finest
NYsfinest.jpg
Studio album by
Pete Rock
ReleasedFebruary 26, 2008
Genre Hip hop
Label Nature Sounds
Producer Pete Rock, DJ Green Lantern
Pete Rock chronology
Underground Classics
(2006)		NY's Finest
(2008)		 Monumental
(2011)

NY's Finest is the fourth studio album by hip hop producer and emcee Pete Rock. The album was Rock's first studio album since 2004's Soul Survivor II , and was released on February 26, 2008 through the Nature Sounds record label. [1] The album's cover art was created by Fuse Green and inspired by the cover of James Brown's Hell . The instrumental version of the album was released on May 13, 2008 and includes two additional songs not available on the ordinary release; "It's So G" (which appeared with lyrics by Roc Marciano on the deluxe edition) and "When I Need It" (which later was released with lyrics by Pete Rock on the NBA Live 10 soundtrack).

Contents

Collaborations

NY's Finest, as the name suggests, features many of New York City's most respected and successful rap artists. As with previous Pete Rock albums, the album features an array of guest artists, and prior to its completion, Rock expressed interest in collaborating with rappers such as Papoose, Redman, D-Block, Jim Jones, Raekwon & Masta Killa. The album also sees Rock rapping on 7 songs. In December 2007, an EPK was released featuring Rock and other musicians talking about the album and in the studio. [2] The album was to also feature Detroit hip hop act Slum Village, in a song called "Gangsta Boogie", but was taken off the album, probably to keep with theme of the title (however, the North Carolina group Little Brother appears on the song "Bring Y'all Back").

Use in film

The album track "Best Believe" was used in the 2008 Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott comedy Role Models . [3]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [4]
The A.V. Club B+ [5]
Billboard (favorable) [6]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [7]
Pitchfork Media (6.8/10) [8]
PopMatters (6/10) [9]
RapReviews(8/10) [10]
Spin Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [11]
U-WIRE (favorable) [12]
Village Voice (favorable) [13]

Commercial performance

The album debuted at number 193 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 3,900 copies in its first week. [14]

The first single is "914", featuring LOX members Styles P and Sheek Louch, backed with B-side "The PJs", featuring Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon and Masta Killa. A third track, "Gangsta Boogie" featuring Slum Village, was also leaked onto the internet but will be an iTunes exclusive only.

Track listing

All tracks produced by Pete Rock unless noted otherwise. [15]
  1. "Pete Intro"
  2. "We Roll"
  3. "Till I Retire"
  4. "914"
  5. "Questions"
  6. "Best Believe"
  7. "Ready Fe War"
  8. "Don't Be Mad"
  9. "Bring Y'all Back"
  10. "The Best Secret"
  11. "That's What I Am Talking About"
    • Featuring Rell
  12. "The PJ's"
  13. "Made Man"
    • Featuring Tarrey Torae
    • Samples: "Take The Time To Tell Her" by Jerry Butler
  14. "Let's Go"
    • Featuring Doo Wop
  15. "Comprehend"
  16. "Gangsta Boogie"
  17. "It's So G"
    • Featuring Roc Marciano (Deluxe Edition Bonus)

Album singles

Single information
"We Roll"
  • Released: 2008
  • B-side:Til' I Retire

Charts

Chart (2008)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [16] 193
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [17] 42

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wu-Tang Clan</span> American hip hop collective

Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop musical collective formed in Staten Island, New York City, in 1992. Its members include RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and, until his death in 2004, Ol' Dirty Bastard. Close affiliate Cappadonna later became an official member. They are credited for revitalizing East Coast hip hop and are considered one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghostface Killah</span> American rapper (born 1970)

Dennis David Coles, better known by his stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper and a member of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. After the group achieved breakthrough success in the aftermath of Enter the Wu-Tang , the members went on to pursue solo careers to varying levels of success. Ghostface Killah debuted his solo career with Ironman, which was well-received by music critics, in 1996. He has enjoyed continued success in the years that have followed, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as Supreme Clientele (2000) and Fishscale (2006). His stage name was taken from one of the characters in the 1979 kung fu film The Mystery of Chess Boxing. He is the founder of his own record label, Starks Enterprises.

<i>Stillmatic</i> 2001 studio album by Nas

Stillmatic is the fifth studio album by American rapper Nas, released on December 18, 2001, by Ill Will and Columbia Records. In contrast to his previous work's gangsta rap themes, the album contains socially conscious and philosophical themes similar to that of his 1994 debut Illmatic. Nas' lyrics address topics such as ghetto life, American politics, and his feud with rapper Jay-Z.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Masta Ace</span> American rapper (born 1966)

Duval Clear, known better by his stage name Masta Ace, is an American rapper and record producer from New York City. He appeared on the classic 1988 Juice Crew posse cut "The Symphony". He is noted for his distinct voice and rapping proficiency, and has influenced several MCs.

<i>Immobilarity</i> 1999 studio album by Raekwon

Immobilarity is the second studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan-member Raekwon, as a follow-up to Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.... It was released in November 1999 on Loud Records, and peaked in the Top 10 of the US album charts. The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on December 20, 1999.

<i>A Gangster and a Gentleman</i> 2002 studio album by Styles P

A Gangster and a Gentleman is the debut studio album by American rapper Styles P. The album was released on July 9, 2002, through Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Interscope Records. Styles P was the second member of the Lox to record a solo album, after Kiss Tha Game Goodbye by Jadakiss was released in August 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slum Village</span> American hip hop group

Slum Village is an American hip hop group from Detroit, Michigan. The group was formerly composed of the rappers Baatin (1974–2009), T3, and rapper / producer J Dilla (1974–2006). J Dilla left in 2001 to pursue a solo career with MCA Records. Elzhi joined in his absence, after which Baatin also left due to health complications.

<i>Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II</i> 2009 studio album by Raekwon

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II is the fourth studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon, released September 8, 2009, on Ice H2O/EMI Records in the United States. The album experienced numerous delays to its release due to Raekwon's approach of continual re-writing, as well as distribution issues with his record labels. Serving as the sequel to his critically acclaimed debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... (1995), Pt. II maintains many of the themes covered on its predecessor, and features guest appearances from several Wu-Tang Clan members, as well as Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss and Beanie Sigel.

<i>Made in Brooklyn</i> 2006 studio album by Masta Killa

Made in Brooklyn is the second solo studio album by Wu-Tang Clan member Masta Killa. The album was released on August 8, 2006, by Nature Sounds. Recording sessions took place during 2004 to 2006. Production was handled by Pete Rock, Bronze Nazareth, Whyz Ruler and MF Doom, as well as guest appearances from all the other seven surviving Wu-Tang Clan members. Upon its release, Made in Brooklyn has received generally favorable reviews from music critics. The album peaked at number 176 on the US Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wu-Tang Clan discography</span>

The Wu-Tang Clan is a New York City-based hip hop musical group, consisting of ten American rappers: RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Cappadonna and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard.

<i>Monumental</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Pete Rock & Smif-N-Wessun

Monumental is a collaborative studio album by American rapper and record producer Pete Rock and hip hop duo Smif-N-Wessun. It was released on June 28, 2011 through Duck Down Music. Recording sessions took place at DaMan Studios in New York. Production was handled entirely by Pete Rock, who also served as executive producer together with Steele and Tek. It features guest appearances from Black Rob, Buckshot, Bun B, Freeway, Heltah Skeltah, Hurricane G, Jahdan Blakkamoore, Memphis Bleek, Raekwon, Styles P, Top Dog and Tyler Woods. The album peaked at number 110 on the Billboard 200 and number 24 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

<i>The Wonder Years</i> (9th Wonder album) 2011 studio album by 9th Wonder

The Wonder Years is the fourth studio album by American record producer 9th Wonder. It was released on September 27, 2011 through his own label It's a Wonderful World Music Group. Recording sessions took place at Khrysis' Crib, at the Peanut Gallery in Raleigh, North Carolina, at Brightlady Studios, and at Record Plant in Los Angeles. Production was handled entirely by 9th Wonder himself, who also served as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Terrace Martin, Median, Phonte, Actual Proof, Big Remo, Bird & The Midnight Falcons, Blu, Erykah Badu, Fashawn, GQ, Halo, Heather Victoria, Holly Weerd, Kendrick Lamar, Khrysis, King Mez, Mac Miller, Marsha Ambrosius, Masta Killa, MeLa Machinko, Murs, Problem, Raekwon, Rapsody, Skyzoo, Talib Kweli, Tanya Morgan, Thee Tom Hardy and Warren G. The album peaked at number 76 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.

<i>Wu Block</i> 2012 studio album by Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch

Wu Block is a collaborative studio album by American rappers Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch. Louch announced the album in 2011, in an interview. The album was released on November 27, 2012, by E1 Music. The album features guest appearances from Raekwon, Jadakiss, Cappadonna, Method Man, Styles P, Masta Killa, GZA, Erykah Badu and Inspectah Deck.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wu-Tang Clan anthology</span>

The Wu-Tang Clan is a New York City–based hip-hop musical group, consisting of ten American rappers: RZA, GZA, Raekwon, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. This list chronologically displays the albums of each group member including collaboration and side group albums. This list does not include compilation albums, mixtapes, or extended plays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Papoose discography</span> American rapper discography

The discography of Papoose, an American rapper signed to his own label Honor B4 Money Records and formerly Jive Records, consists of four studio albums, 29 mixtapes, and eight singles.

"Wu-Tang Forever" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his third studio album Nothing Was the Same (2013). The song was released as the album's first promotional single on September 12, 2013. "Wu-Tang Forever" features a significant sample of "It's Yourz" by the Wu-Tang Clan. The song was produced by frequent collaborator Noah "40" Shebib. The song has since peaked at number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Masta Killa</span> American rapper (born 1969)

Jamel Irief, better known by his stage name Masta Killa, is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Though one of the lesser-known members of the group, he has been prolific on Clan group albums and solo projects since the mid-1990s. He released his debut album No Said Date in 2004 to positive reviews, and has since released three additional albums.

<i>No Said Date</i> 2004 studio album by Masta Killa

No Said Date is the debut studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Masta Killa. The album was released on June 1, 2004, by Nature Sounds. The album features guest appearances from Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Streetlife, Prodigal Sunn, Killah Priest, Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Allah Real, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and GZA.

"Wu Tang Forever" is a song by American rapper Logic, featured as the sixth track on his 2018 album YSIV. The song is a homage to the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and features all living members of the group: Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, RZA, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, U-God, Masta Killa and GZA, as well as Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Jackpot Scotty Wotty; deceased member Ol' Dirty Bastard received a writing credit. The song shares the same title as the group's second studio album.

References

  1. ↑ Nature Sounds :: Releases :: Natural Selection Archived February 26, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ↑ "Pete Rock - NY's Finest EPK". YouTube. 2007-12-14. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  3. ↑ "Soundtracks - Role Models (2008)". imdb.com. IMDb.com. Retrieved 2015-11-01.
  4. ↑ Brown, Marisa (2008-02-26). "Allmusic review". Allmusic.com. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  5. ↑ Rabin, Nathan (2008-03-10). "The A.V. Club review". Avclub.com. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  6. ↑ Billboard review [ dead link ]
  7. ↑ "The Guardian review". London: Guardian. 2008-02-17. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  8. ↑ "Pitchfork Media review". PitchforkMedia.com. 2008-06-11. Archived from the original on 2008-06-11. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  9. ↑ Pauline, Alexis. "PopMatters review". Popmatters.com. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  10. ↑ "RapReviews review". Rapreviews.com. 2008-02-26. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  11. ↑ "Spin review". Spin-cdnsrc.texterity.com. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  12. ↑ "U-WIRE review". Highbeam.com. Retrieved 2012-08-29.[ dead link ]
  13. ↑ Hastings Cameron (2008-03-04). "Village Voice review". Villagevoice.com. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  14. ↑ Aliya Ewing (March 5, 2008).hip hop album sales week ending-3-2-08 :: Sales Archived 2014-09-12 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ↑ "Soul Brothers - Pete Rock / DJ Semtex / Pete Rosenberg « Old To The New - Ryan Proctor's Beats, Rhymes & Hip-Hop Nostalgia". Oldtothenew.wordpress.com. 2007-12-17. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  16. ↑ "Pete Rock Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
  17. ↑ "Pete Rock Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.