Pete Rock is one of the most revered producers in Hip Hop history. As one-half of the early ’90s rap duo Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, the Mount Vernon, New York native crafted the timeless “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” before solidifying his pedigree with classic cuts for Nas (“The World Is Yours”), Public Enemy (“Shut ‘Em Down Remix”), Run-DMC (“Down With the King”) and many more.
Combined with more recent collaborations with JAY-Z, Kanye West and Busta Rhymes, as well as the third installment of his PeteStrumentals series that dropped last year, it’s safe to say Pete Rock remains the Soul Brother Number One as he enters his fourth decade in the rap game.

Looking to impart his wisdom on the newest generation of producers, Pete Rock has teamed up with Tracklib for their latest Beat Battle competition to offer one lucky winner the chance to work with the man himself.

Staying true to Pete’s soul-sampling foundation, aspiring producers must create a beat by flipping the 1970s soul gem “Handle With Care” by Ben Aiken, released on the influential label Philly Groove Records (home to The Delfonics and First Choice).

The winner, selected by Pete Rock, will win a one-on-one virtual studio session with the legendary producer, as well as an MPC Live II Retro Edition (worth $1400) autographed by the Chocolate Boy Wonder himself.

In addition to offering up-and-coming producers this rare opportunity, Pete Rock sat down with Tracklib to reminisce about his journey in Hip Hop. The 51-year-old beatsmith recalled learning how to produce from his cousin, the late Heavy D, falling in love with sampling through pause tapes and how the E-Mu SP-1200 changed his life.