Superproducer Pete Rock on Kanye West, J. Dilla, and why “Nas is the Most Intellectual MC”

It’s safe to say that hip-hip wouldn’t be the same without Pete Rock. A legendary producer and pioneer of the culture’s soul movement, many peg the man born Peter Phillips as arguably one of the greatest producers in the game. Since his emergence in the early ‘90s, as one-half of the duo Pete Rock and CL Smooth, his sound has served as a blueprint for a plethora of today’s most talented knob turners. Recently, rolling out caught up with Rock in Chicago to discuss his evolution as an artist, losing J. Dilla and what exactly makes him one of the greatest producers of all time. –gavin philip godfrey 

What do you think your biggest contribution to music has been?
My biggest contribution to music is actually making the beats and making records for other people … for myself and for my group, which I was a part of from 1990 to 1994. I think my biggest inspiration that made me want to contribute to the hip-hop game were people like Howie T., Marley Marl, Teddy Riley, Larry Smith, Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin — people like that, that were producing [and] that I was following and listening to. 

Has Kanye West earned the merit to call himself “the new version of Pete Rock?” Who are other artists from his generation that inspire you?
Kanye West is like one of my favorite producers right now, next to J. Dilla. I have to say Dilla is No. 1 in my heart and if he was still around, he would know that [and] I would tell him that. I think Kanye is incredibly talented — coming out of Chi-Town. He just kind of came out of nowhere and surprised everybody — big ups to Kanye West.  

Aside from CL Smooth, which MC have you had the most synergy with in your career?
I’d have to say Nas. 

Why Nas?
To me, he’s the most intellectual MC. I’ve never heard anybody spit like him. The things he says — if you really think about it really makes a whole lot of sense and it can make a difference in your life, know what I’m saying? 

What makes you one of the greatest producers of all time?
The fact that I really love hip-hop, probably more than most [artists] … keeps me going and keeps the longevity. The fun of making music and creating something new and putting it on to the world, man that gives me a rush …