by Jake Paine
posted October 26, 2010
hiphopdx.com

After some reunion shows with Pete Rock and an appearance on John Legend & The Roots " "Wake Up!", CL readies his first LP in years.

Legendary New Rochelle, New York emcee CL Smooth will soon release his second solo album, The Emancipation of Corey Penn. Using the rapper "s government name, the work will follow-up Smooth "s 2006 American Me project, which boasted production from longtime Diplomats producers The Heatmakerz and Naughty By Nature member Kay Gee. A year later, CL released The Outsider, but the work was divided between remixes, new material and live performances.

The project does not have a confirmed date, but is anticipated for late 2010 or early 2011 release, according to publicists.

Known largely for his 1990s work with partner Pete Rock, CL Smooth has been in the news lately for reunion shows and a box-set reissue of the duo "s classic 1992 album Mecca & The Soul Brother. The release included popular hit "T.R.O.Y. (They Reminisce Over Year)" which CL wrote in dedication to late Heavy D & The Boyz member Trouble T-Roy.

Earlier this year, CL Smooth appeared on John Legend & The Roots " Wake Up! release on Columbia Records, which garnered a Top 10 debut.