This review applies to the original version of Petestrumentals.

 Working as the second volume in BBE’s Beat Generation series, the number one Soul Brother brings his slant on the idea, with PeteStrumentals. But unlike it predecessor, Jay Dee’s Welcome To Detroit, Pete Rock’s version focuses strictly on the beats, with minimal participation from emcees.

Either way, Petestrumentals is a solid release - whether you’re choosing to rap over these beats yourself, or simply relaxing and letting them mix with the blunt smoke in the air. After inheriting his father’s record collection and later building a career around it, it’s no secret that Pete Rock is a master of his craft - at times even saving careers with his phenomenal remixes. Would Run DMC’s Crown Royal even exist if Pete never made “Down With The King” for them back in 1993?

In today’s age of jacking beats and regurgitating them for the latest pop hits, PeteStrumentals shows that their still is an artform in sampling, putting new twists on old favorites. Tracks like “The Boss” and “Pete’s Jazz” subtly create musical mosaics consisting of different layers of classic samples (i.e. Issac Hayes, George McCrae), while “Get Involved” and “Smooth Sailing” will bring you back to the vibey brilliance of ’93. Some of his more recent and raw production style is saved for The UN, who lends their vocals to each “Cake”, “Nothin’ Lesser”, and “Give It To Ya’ll”, perfectly catching the NYC attitude of right now, over Pete’s beats.

While not as sought after of a producer as he was in his rookie year, Pete Rock still has the potential to create incredible beats, as evidenced on 1998′s Soul Survivor, and even further here. Some might be disappointed to find out that Pete Rock’s latest project is “only” an instrumental album, but the beats speak for themselves - at least until Soul Survivor 2 drops.