Common and Pete Rock have released their first joint album The Auditorium Vol. 1 — check it out below.
Now available on streaming services as well as other formats such as CD, cassette and vinyl, the 15-track album features contributions from De La Soul‘s Posdnuos, Bilal and Common’s girlfriend Jennifer Hudson.
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Backed by warm, thumping production from the Soul Brother Number One, the Chicago MC delivers some of his best lyrical performances throughout the project.
He touches on various topics, ranging from vivid street tales (“Wise Up”) and 50 years of Hip Hop (“Dreamin'”) to spirituality (“A GOD [There Is])” and love and loneliness (“Lonesome”).
Prior to its release, Common described making a full album with Pete Rock — who he worked with in the past on “Verbal Murder 2” and the Ice Cube diss song “The Bitch In Yoo” — as a bucket list moment.
“For me, this all started with A Dream. A Dream to let the world know I’ve been here. A dream to be a part of Hip Hop. A Dream to MC at a level where De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, KRS-One and Ice Cube knew who I was,” he wrote on Instagram. “It’s been a dream of mine to work with the LEGENDARY @realpeterock (on more than just one song).”
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He added: “I have to say, the love you all have been showing has been INCREDIBLE. And know, anytime someone says they are ‘looking forward to that album you are doing with Pete Rock’ – It just makes me happy to be a part of this art form.
“We pray and hope that this music will move your spirit and be with you for the rest of your life. Thanks to all who helped make it happen and to all of you for the Supreme Love. GOD Bless.
The 52-year-old has also hailed The Auditorium Vol. 1 as one of his best albums, putting it up there with fan-favorite projects like Be, Like Water For Chocolate and Resurrection.
“Y’all gon’ think I’m just talking, but this new Pete Rock joint. I’ma see y’all when I come back, whenever I’m back, and y’all can tell me if I’m bullshittin’ or not,” he said at a MusiCares panel in California earlier this year.
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“It’s in my top [three],” he added. “I’ve had a couple people coming in saying, ‘Yo, this is one of your best albums.’ So I’m excited about it.”
