Month: October 2016

Babygrande Records is proud to announce Don’t Smoke Rock, the upcoming release from Smoke DZA and Pete Rock. Due on December 2, 2016, Don’t Smoke Rock shares the effortless production of legendary and prolific hip-hop producer Pete Rock and the lyrics of the critically acclaimed Harlemnite Smoke DZA aka George Kush. The first taste of the 13-track offering comes via “Limitless,” featuring Mass Appeal/Def Jam’s newest signee Dave East who, alongside Smoke DZA, adeptly rides Pete Rock’s ominous, gritty production while establishing themselves as unstoppable. “Limitless” is a perfect introduction to the sound Smoke DZA promises on the album’s intro. The track premiered today via Billboard. “It’s a vibe, it’s a painting, it’s a moment,” he says. “Something that comes around once in a while. I come from old Harlem, before it was a Chase Bank & Starbucks on every corner. Before gentrification.” Pete Rock shares the sentiment, “As diehard New Yorkers, It was important for us to make a record that embraces what New York truly feels like. We wanted to bring the listener into our world.” With pre-gentrified Harlem in mind, the production on each song bleeds that Uptown attitude: subdued swagger that could turn against you at any moment. Smoke DZA completes the picture with rhymes steeped in daily Harlem life, where old meets new without ever confusing who actually runs the block. In the lyrical department, Smoke gets some assistance from Pete Rock himself on “1 Of 1,” with Pete serving as the elder statesman encouraging