They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)

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"They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)"

Single by Pete Rock & CL Smooth
from the album Mecca and the Soul Brother
Released	1992
Format	LP single
Recorded	1992
Genre	Hip hop
Length	4:46
Label	Elektra
Producer(s)	Pete Rock
Chart positions
Billboard Hot 100 - #58 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks - #10 Hot Rap Singles - #1
Pete Rock & CL Smooth singles chronology
"The Creator" (1991)	"They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" (1992)	"Straighten It Out" (1992)

"They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" is a song by Pete Rock and CL Smooth. Inspired by the death of their close friend Troy Dixon (better known as "Trouble" T. Roy of Heavy D & the Boyz) in 1990, Pete Rock & CL Smooth recorded "They Reminisce..." as a dedication to their fallen comrade. The song became the lead single off their debut album, Mecca and the Soul Brother, released in 1992.

Over a horn and bass sample of Tom Scott's "Today", CL Smooth unravels his fond memories of T. Roy, his own childhood as one of 5 children, his absentee biological father and the love he feels for other family members such as his Uncle Doc, Uncle Sterling, Aunt Joyce, and Grandma Pam. The chorus' ad libs are provided by Pete Rock.

The intrumental version of the song was used in the main menu screen of NBA Street Vol. 2.

The b-side of the 12" pressing is "The Creator", which is taken from the group's 1991 EP, All Souled Out.

"They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" music video, (1992)

[edit] Acclaim

Although not a chart topper at the time of its release, "Reminisce..." has since gone on to become a staple song in hip hop; one that immediately recalls a certain period in time (the early 90s) as well as paying respects to lost ones, and acknowledging family members. Many critics consider it one of the best produced hip-hop songs, and it continues to appear on many "Greatest Songs" lists such as Q Magazine's "1001 Best Songs Ever", Spin Magazine's "Top 20 Singles of the 90s", and The Source's "100 Best Rap Singles Of All Time" [1].