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Common and Pete Rock's highly-anticipated joint has finally arrived.
On Friday, July 12, the veteran rapper and legendary producer delivered their collaborative effort The Auditorium Vol. 1 via Loma Vista Recordings/Concord. Common unleashes fresh, cohesive bars over soulful beats produced by Rock. The 15-track LP begins with "Dreamin'" and segues into "Chi-Town Do It," which contains classic samples of Ye's "All Falls Down" and James Brown's "The Boss." The duo also serves up fresh collaborations with Bilal, Jennifer Hudson, Posdnuos of De La Soul and PJ along with other hits like "Fortunate," "Wise Up" and "All Kinds of Ideas."
"For me, this all started with A Dream," Common said when he first announced the album. "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. It’s been a dream of mine to work with the LEGENDARY @realpeterock (on more than just one song). I’ve been Dreamin’ my whole life."
"I have to say, the love you all have been showing has been INCREDIBLE," he continued. "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."
"SO GRATEFUL TO FEED PEOPLE GOOD MUSIC AGAIN," Pete Rock said after the album dropped. "Thank you @atlasprime and all of the home team. We did it! And what we been speaking on for so long is finally here my brotha @common."
The Auditorium Vol. 1 comes three years after Common dropped his previous solo album A Beautiful Revolution. Since then, he released the soundtrack for the Netflix series "MO" with Kareem Riggins and Patrick Warren. He also teamed up with DJ Premier for their song "In Moe (Speculation)" last year.
Common and Pete Rock have spent the past few months bringing their music to major platforms. Earlier this week, the duo invited Posdnuos and Bilal to joint them for a special performance of "When The Sun Shines Again." Watch their performance and listen to their new album below.