Legendary superproducer Pete Rock came into 2011 with a bold announcement. The acclaimed beatsmith assured fans that he would be releasing a whopping five albums before year's end. While producing tracks for other artists, Pete Rock has also found time to remind everyone why he's one of the most respected producers in hip hop.

Pete Rock produced tracks for Meek Mill and released an acclaimed joint album with rap group Camp Lo as the supergroup, dubbed 80 Blocks From Tiffanys. His work with Boot Camp Click's Smif N Wessun was soured after an album release party ended in violence involving the NYPD, but that bit of ugliness was the only negative in what has otherwise been a stellar year for the Soul Brother.

Rock played the "Rock the Bells" festival alongside rappers Common and Nas and fellow superproducer DJ Premier and participated in Red Bull's Music Academy series. There are also talks of an official DJ Premier/Pete Rock collaboration album in the works.

"The sounds are newer, we got newer equipment, newer things happening, so the sound has changed a little bit and it’s all good to me," Pete Rock said in an interview regarding his longevity. "I just keep my ear tuned to the street and see what’s going on around me and adapt."