The Underground’s Best Kept Secret

     In a world of cookie-cutter artists chasing trends and clout, there are few figures in hip hop as refreshingly authentic and multi-dimensional as Perfect Pete — the UK rapper, producer, and graphic design powerhouse formerly known as Cuban Pete. His story is not one of overnight virality or industry plants, but of dedication, creativity, and an unshakable work ethic that has quietly made him a respected figure in underground hip hop circles worldwide.

From Freestyles to Full-Length Projects
   Perfect Pete’s roots in hip hop go back to the early ‘90s when he first began writing rhymes as a teenager around the age of 15. His early days were raw — lacing bars over Pete Rock instrumentals on 8-track demos that may never see the light of day. But that wasn’t the point. Hip hop wasn’t a calculated career move for Pete — it was embedded in his DNA.

   For years, Pete was a staple at open mic events, known for his freestyle ability long before he ever laid down an official track. It wasn’t until around 2013 that he truly stepped into recording music seriously — not initially to chase fame, but as a clever marketing extension of his first passion: graphic design.

   “I mostly stuck with freestyling on open mics at events for many years,” Pete told Hip Hop Empire in a recent interview. “It wasn’t until about 2013 ish that I started recording music properly with artists I had been doing artwork for.”

   That natural blending of worlds — music and visual art — would soon become his calling card.

Collaboration Over Clout
   One of the things that sets Perfect Pete apart from many artists is his genuine love of collaboration. He thrives on working with others, especially when it forces him out of his comfort zone. His #C75Friday series was a testament to that — a relentless run of collaborative singles with various underground heavyweights.

   Among his proudest collaborative moments are tracks with his brother in rhyme, Krumb Snatcha, and his recent powerhouse link-ups with Kinetic9 (of Killarmy/Wu-Tang extended family fame). Their chemistry led from one-off tracks to working on a full joint album, currently in the works.

   “We’re around a lot of the same people so we’ve interacted for years,” Pete explained. “I thought we had something compatibility wise so I asked him if he wanted to do an EP originally, and that turned into an album.”

Beyond the Wu-Tang Affiliate Myth
   Given his collaborations with several Wu-Tang affiliated artists, Pete is often assumed to be an “affiliate” himself — a label he openly rejects.  “To be honest I hate the whole affiliate thing,” Pete clarified. “Dick riders ruined that decades ago. I just work with people.”

   True to his ethos, Pete has worked with various members of Wu-Tang’s extended family, from Hell Razah’s Ghetto Government Officialz to Team O.B.E.Z. headed by Menace. But as Popa Wu (RIP) once told him directly, “An affiliate can’t make another affiliate.” Pete’s loyalty lies firmly with his own brand: C75 Live.

The Rebirth of Perfect Pete 

   The transition from Cuban Pete to Perfect Pete wasn’t just a rebranding — it was a reclaiming of identity. The decision came partly out of necessity (thanks to PayPal flagging the word “Cuban”) and partly from years of building a new reputation beyond his old moniker.

   The nickname “Perfect Pete” stuck after Raf from Dirt Platoon kept calling him that in admiration of Pete’s precision with graphic design. Eventually, Pete leaned into it fully.

“It just felt right,” Pete said.

C75 Live: More Than Music
   C75 Live, Pete’s creative hub, was born out of simplicity — “C” for Cuban, “75” for his birth year, and “Live” because, well, it rhymed. But what started as a clever name soon grew into an influential platform. 

   Founded in 2010, the C75 Live website has become a hotspot for underground hip hop content, racking up nearly 700,000 visitors to date and serving as a promotional tool for artists under Pete’s banner.

   Now, with the launch of perfectpete.hiphop and the release of his aptly titled album Rebirth, Perfect Pete is doubling down on both the music and the visuals. His services range from cover art, logos, and merch designs to music production, CD sales, and custom apparel via his ‘Perfect Fits’ line.

Wisdom from a Veteran
   Despite his accolades and accomplishments, Perfect Pete stays grounded — offering sincere advice to aspiring artists and creatives.

   “Do you! Be original, don’t dick ride, be honest with yourself and others, don’t be scared to call out wack shit but also focus on the positive. Do what you love the best you can. Don’t be afraid to say no. But most of all… Stay safe!”

What’s Next for Perfect Pete?
   2025 looks like another pivotal year for Perfect Pete. With upgraded studio equipment, multiple solo and collaborative projects in the works, and an ever-expanding visual catalog, Pete shows no signs of slowing down.

   Whether it’s behind the mic or behind the graphics, Pete continues to elevate — always staying true to himself, his craft, and his C75 Live movement.

Perfect Pete isn’t chasing trends. He’s building legacy.

Follow Perfect Pete:
• Website: perfectpete.hiphop
• C75 Live: c75live.com

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