Mecca & The Soul Brother: The 25th Anniversary (And Why I Bought This Album)

I know it's been a hot minute since I let this blog collect dust, but I just had to do this next piece.  Dedicated to all you hip hop heads out there.

Who remembers the album Mecca and the Soul Brother from Pete Rock & CL Smooth?  I know I do.  I was actually 7 years old when it dropped.  I was 16 when I actually copped the album, the first CD I bought myself.  Had to buy it again seven years later after some family member stole that s*** one night while I was spending the night at my auntie's place (along with my Slum Village Fantastic Vol. 2 CD).  But y'all know I had to have that album, though.

You weren't a real hip hop head without this gem

I got introduced to them from the album's first single, They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.).  Once again, I was only 7 years old when it dropped.  Knowing my mother, she would've taped this off the radio whether I asked or not.  She pretty much had taped every last one of their music videos and performances, from Showtime At The Apollo to Soul Train.  I got reintroduced to T.R.O.Y back in middle school.  I already had my tape in the deck, ready to record.  But taping it off the radio wasn't enough.  I had to have that album, mostly because of that song.  That saxophone break was hypnotic, I tell you.  You know how a song just does something to your spirit as soon as you hear the beginning?  T.R.O.Y. was the song that did it for me.




Soon as the 15-second buildup started, I either got excited or sat there with goosebumps and shivers.  Once that saxophone break kicked in, I might as well have damn near fainted!  It's like once you hear that sax break start, then you had better sit down, shut up, and don't say shit (excuse the profanity).  That song goes deep.  Got me through many a transition (passing) in my family.  I often play this song as a way of paying my respects to those who have transitioned into the universe.  This track is my all-time favorite composition.

Another song from the album I enjoy is Straighten It Out.  It's another one of my vibe-out favorites.



There are other songs from the album I'd recommend (especially T.R.O.Y.), but you gotta cop the album to fully enjoy every last track.  Find your local record store (or go online if you have to) and see if they have this on CD, cassette, or vinyl.  Seriously, buy this album...like, yesterday!!!