Pitchfork

In this current climate of cold polyphonic hip-hop soundscapes, it's easy to reminisce about the funky, sweater-warm soul the unstoppable production/sampling legend Pete Rock cranks out. Rock's never quit doing the thing he does best, but a new full-length album showcasing his deft organic touch is always a welcome treat.

So there's much to look forward to come February 26, when Nature Sounds and Soul Survivor Records issue NY's Finest, Pete's latest solo LP. Of course, you knew the notoriously collaboration-friendly Rock couldn't do it alone, and the disc sports guest turns by Raekwon, Masta Killa, Redman, Papoose, Jim Jones, Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Little Brother. Little Brother? Hey, they're not from New York!

A single for the Jim Jones-laced "We Roll" is out now, while Rock has a handful of shows lined up in the coming weeks, with the next happening tonight (February 21) in DC.

NY's Finest:

01 Pete Intro
02 We Roll [ft. Dipset (Jim Jones & Max B)]
03 Till I Retire
04 914 [ft. Styles P & Sheek Louch]
05 Questions [ft. Royal Flush]
06 Best Believe [ft. Redman & LD]
07 Ready Fe War [ft. Chip Fu & Rene (of Zhane)]
08 Don't Be Mad
09 Bring Yall Back [ft. Little Brother]
10 The Best Secret [ft. Lords of the Underground]
11 That's What I Am Talking About [ft. Rell]
12 The PJ's [ft. Raekwon & Masta Killa]
13 Made Man
14 Let's Go [ft. Doo Wop]
15 Comprehend [ft. Papoose]

Pete Rock:

02-21 Washington, DC - Cue Bar
02-22 Los Angeles, CA - Fat Beats
02-23 San Francisco, CA - Mezzanine
02-26 Jersey City, NJ - FYE (in-store)
02-27 New York, NY - All the Right
02-28 New York, NY - Highline Ballroom *
03-01 Smithtown, NY - The Cop Shop
03-07 Baltimore, MD - The Turntable Club

* with Wale, Kid Cudi, Torae