Common and Pete Rock revealed their upcoming album, 'The Auditorium Vol. 1,' set to release on July 12, will feature Jennifer Hudson.
In a highly anticipated announcement, Common and Pete Rock revealed their upcoming album, The Auditorium Vol. 1, will be released on July 12. The album will feature an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Common's girlfriend, Jennifer Hudson. Joining her are Bilal, PJ, and De La Soul’s Posdnuos, promising a diverse and dynamic musical experience.
The announcement was accompanied by the release of the album's lead single, "Dreamin'," which creatively incorporates a sample of Aretha Franklin’s classic, "Day Dreaming." This follows the earlier release of the teaser track "Wake Up" in May, further building excitement for the full album.
Common took to Instagram to share his excitement and the personal significance of this project.
“For me, this all started with A Dream,” he wrote. “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."
He continued, expressing gratitude for the support: "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 collaboration between Common and Pete Rock has been long-awaited by hip-hop fans. The two have a history of working together, notably on Common’s 1996 Ice Cube diss track, "The B**ch in Yoo" and Pete Rock's "Verbal Murder 2," which featured Big Pun and N.O.R.E. in 1998.
In January, the rapper appeared on Today with Hoda & Jenna, where he discussed his relationship with Hudson.
When the two hosts asked the rapper if he was aware of the buzz surrounding his appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Common opened up about the moment.
"We had a little fun, and it was great to be on The Jennifer Hudson Show," the 52-year-old said. "And you know I felt like, 'Man, why not just be loving and honest with who I am and who we are?'"
He added, "I'm a person that is very private, I know what things are sacred. So any relationships I have are not for public consumption, but at the end of the day, on her show we had a good time."
Common, who has never been married, was asked by the women if he now believes that he is ready to tie the knot.
"I feel like I have grown and the work that I have done on myself has allowed me to see that I am the marrying type," the And Then We Rise author shared. "I'm capable and have the capacity. At some point in my life I may want to do that. I would know when the right time is. For me, everything is divine, like I work from that discernment that when God speaks into your stomach and your heart and into your stomach. So when I feel that, I will communicate that with that person and if she's feeling that, then that will be that."
Common and Hudson first sparked dating rumors in 2022. In November, the pair was spotted holding hands, and have since attended various outings including basketball games together. The pair remained tight-lipped about their romance until Common’s episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, where they sweetly confirmed their relationship status while gushing about each other's accomplishments.
Hudson, 42, kicked off the interview by asking the "Glory" rapper, "Are you dating anyone?"
Common replied, "Yes," before going into details about the relationship. While he doesn't say her name, he lists all of his partner's accomplishments -- and they all point to Hudson.
"I'm in a relationship that is with one of the most beautiful people I've met in life," he said. "She's smart, she loves God, she has something real down to earth about her. She's talented."
While Hudson looked on and smiled, Common revealed that he set his standards pretty high "'cause she had to have an EGOT."
"She had to win an Oscar on her first movie," he added. "She had to get her own talk show."
Common then turned the question on Hudson, who also confirmed her relationship status. "I'm dating this brother, and I am very happy," she said.
When Hudson asked Common if he's happy, the "Come Close" rapper couldn't help but gush more.
"This relationship is a happy place for me," he said to the sound of applause. "For me, it's one of those things where I found where seeing her happy actually makes me really happy. I'm very grateful. I thank God every day and I'm just letting God guide this relationship."
After a member of the audience yelled, "She's the one," Common agreed, saying, "Speak on it."
The GRAMMY-winning rapper still maintained his privacy, but he took one more moment to dish on his romance.
"We keep it private but I want to acknowledge how wonderful she is, how great she is," he noted.
Hudson agreed, "I feel that same way about my partner."
For more on Common and Hudson's romance, click below.
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