C.L. Smooth knows his history, from Mt. Vernon’s deep musical tradition to his own jazz bloodline, the lyrical strength and breadth he exhibits comes from within. Before, major record deals, international tours and fanfare across the globe, the name C.L. rang through Mt. Vernon’s 4-square miles. The same streets that birthed this legend are the same streets that inspire him today.

All those mornings of waking up to the sound of jazz horns and soul music has had more of an effect on how he harnesses his talent than anything else. C.L. never left and he never forgot that feeling of cutting his first record. He is a creator and “American Me,” the highly anticipated LP promises to show and prove. Too many artists today try to fit a mold; C.L. has always made his own way in the game and he’s done it again.

“American Me” is about misconceptions. It’s about the things people say, the things people perceive, right or wrong it’s about the speculations that we force on each other. C.L. is spelling it out, politically and personally, he’s bringing the real deal, in spite of everyone and everything else. His lyricism isn’t about brut force; instead he showcases what he’s come up against and why he’s still here. Major or independent, his grind has stayed true, beyond the music and in the music; this LP is just the beginning.

C.L. views his new material as an extension of the Mecca Don, another chance to add to his already full body of work. The difference is he can actually listen to himself now. As someone who is admittedly his own worst critic, being able to appreciate and perfect his own labor has brought a new dimension to his creative process. For C.L. fans across the globe that means his best work yet.

C.L. the artist, the gentleman and the father is ready to re-introduce his own brand of hip-hop and be the first to come back to spawn a movement. Wiser, focused and grateful to life forces like the grandparents who nurtured him and his two children Lil Corey and Shaqcor (who are just now able to understand his sacrifice); C.L. has raised the bar.