Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth break down the classic hip-hop anthem "T.R.O.Y." for Complex TV's Magnum Opus series. They discuss their beginnings in Money Earnin' Mount Vernon and the music spawned by the culture of that community - a phenomenon Pete Rock refers to as a "natural progression." The pair go on to detail their first foray into the music industry courtesy of Heavy D. & the Boyz. Hev's DJ Eddie F. was a staunch advocate for the pair, who would go on to make hip-hop history on an unlikely hit inspired by the loss of their friend and mentor Troy Dixon aka "Trouble" T. Roy; Dixon fell to his death in a freak accident while Heavy D. and a handful of other artists were out on tour together in the midwest. The Mecca Don and Soul Brother #1 responded to the untimely loss according to their respective talents. Inspired to dedicate a track to their friend, they began work on "They Reminisce Over You" - a heartfelt song that would become a seminal memorial anthem and omnipresent classic; "T.R.O.Y." remains atop the list of hip-hop's greatest songs. Despite the passage of time and trends the song stands as Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's magnum opus - the unlikely catalyst that would push them from collective pain to legendary status. Check the footage below for the full story.
