Common and Jennifer Hudson have lit a fire under the rumors of their relationship. Common appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show and answered a pressing question from the host: “Are you dating anyone?”
Common pulled out his charm in response: “I’m in a relationship that is with one of the most beautiful people I ever met in life. She’s smart, she loves God, she has something real down-to-earth about her, she’s talented.”
You can see the Chicago couple tease their romance below.
As we observe and celebrate the life and acomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the date of his birth, we must recognize the posthumous impact Dr .King on the minds of those generations that succeeded him, including that of the Hip Hop community. His cultural influence, the cohesive force of his voice and his undying love for all of mankind makes Dr. King’s works so attractive to the creatives and aficianados of Hip Hop music.
Some artists may have mimicked his commanding vocal tone, while some have even adopted proactive stance on civil and human rights, but here, we have come up with a list of songs from some of the fans’ favorite artists who have put a piece of the King via his speeches in their music.
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five – “The King” (Sampled “I Have A Dream” speech)
Boogie Down Productions – “Love’s Gonna Getcha” (Sampled “Been To The Mountaintop” Speech)
Common feat. Will I A.M. – “A Dream” (Sampled “I Have A Dream” Speech)
dead prez – “Malcolm Garvey Huey” (speech reference unknown)
Tyga – “Careless World” (Sampled “Been To The Mountaintop speech)
The world has come to stand and acknowledge the 50-year mark of the assassination of a man who is defined as being the most influential civil rights leader in American history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On April 4, 1968, as he stood on the balcony of Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Dr. King was fatally struck with a bullet by James Earl Ray, an unlawful racist. The striking assassination of Dr. King follows a sturdy 14-year reign serving as a dominant figure in the civil rights movement fighting for the security of legal rights for African Americans. It was a fight drilled with nonviolence and civil disobedience, being burgeoned by the vile acts of racial segregation, disenfranchisement, and exploitation of all hanging from the centerfold of racism.
The powerfully symphonic voice of Dr. King in his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech delivered at the 1963 March on Washington sets the tone for emotional empowerment. It is currently the most sampled Dr. King audio recording in hip-hop history. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his sound legacy. Here are nine hip-hop songs sampled by the legendary leader’s voice.
1. Sadat X “Return of the Bang Bang” (2010)
Reigning from the silver-tongued posse who is bound to their divine blackness is Sadat X of Brand Nubian on the solo tip with “Return of the Bang Bang.” The unorthodox emcee takes to the mic to drop insight about his daily journey as a seasoned vet returning to the game. In his signature abstract style, Sadat uses Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” passage to serve rightful diction in his tunnel of bars. “Return of the Bang Bang” is featured on Sadat’s 2010 sequel gem Wild Cowboys II.
2. Heavy D & the Boyz “A Better Land” (1989)
One of the golden era’s finest, the late Heavy D is pouring his soul out in rhyme in “A Better Land” with his boyz about improving the meager conditions of impoverished communities. The telling track starts with a sample of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech that ends with one of his most acquainted quotes, “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men, are created equal.”
3. Edo G feat. Masta Ace “Wishing” (2004)
Donald Trump is not the first President of the United States to be highly scorned by most of his country. Back in 2004, George W. Bush was in office, turning America’s dream into a nightmare with his jest-like measures. Edo G and Masta Ace took to the mic to release their wishes while demanding intrinsic change in the American way. After Masta Ace crops the title of a dreamer, Dr. King’s infamous line about his dream for freedom and justice in Mississippi hoards the track.
4. Cyhi Da Prynce “Ring Bellz” (2010)
Cyhi Da Prynce is honoring his cultural edge through the barrels of black history in “Ring Bellz” a song from his 2010 mixtape Royal Flush. While mixing his braggadocios persona with black excellence, the G.O.O.D. music wordplayer takes it from Fredrick Douglass to Stokely Carmichael, with the profound words from Dr. King’s beloved speech leading the track.
5. Common feat. will.i.am “A Dream” (2006)
Chicago’s renowned poet in rhyme Common teamed up with will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas for a true hip-hop measure that reflects on the progression and condition of blacks in a known racist America, the way Dr. King stood sturdy for titled “A Dream.” Owning the same desire for nation zenith, just as King, it was sensible for the abstract collab to start with King’s pacifying “We gonna work it out” saying.
6. Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five “The King” (1988)
With Melle Mel being heralded as one of hip-hop’s earliest conscious rappers, the lingering legacy of Dr. King has certainly played a role during hip-hop’s infancy. The hip-hop pioneer rocks the mic with delight honoring the deeds of Dr. King by recognizing the Civil rights icon’s brightest accomplishments while calling for the bells of freedom. “He brought hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak.”
7. Wu-Tang Clan “Never Let Go” (2014)
Known for their supremely motivational rap hymns, the Wu-Tang Clan hit the masses with a dream driven tune in signature fashion. Docking off of their sixth studio album A Better Tomorrow is “Never Let Go” an ode to survival during challenging times. Before Masta Killa leads and after U-God anchors the track, a courteous potent chunk of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is heard where the beloved leader makes one of his most bracing points, “For many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.”
8. Boogie Down Productions “Love’s Gonna Get’cha (Material Love)” (1990)
Emphasis is something KRS-One has mastered as a lyricist. Amid the prime of Boogie Down Productions‘ fourth studio album Edutainment comes its top single “Love’s Gonna Get’cha (Material Love),” a song that serves as a warning about the detrimental lust that comes with chasing after material things. To throw emphasis on “movin’ on,” the voice of Dr. King chanting the phrase from his final speech “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top.”
9. Immortal Technique feat. Chuck D, Brother Ali, and Killer Mike “Civil War” (2011)
Budding off of the musically factious Immortal Technique‘s 2011 compilation album The Martyr is “Civil War” featuring Chuck D, Brother Ali, and Killer Mike, an unapologetic effort to audibly express “trying to survive cultural assassination,” the great PE lead makes it clear in the chorus. The track samples a selection of King’s final speech, where the iconic leader encourages the destruction of fear in exchange for glory.
Dr. King’s call for sound justice fused into a faithful dream for African Americans has thrived its way into hip-hop culture out of the purpose of nature. The infancy of hip-hop culture is a result of movements that brewed during Dr. King’s time. Movements that were centered in the fight for justice and art of freedom such as the Black Panther Party and Black Arts Movement, who all commonly owned a desire to climb the path of racial justice. The youth of hip-hop’s beginnings dreamed of topnotch mobility out of the hood, reversing the culture of police brutality, and several cases of discrimination ceased. Now, since the culture has grown into a universal phenomenon, Dr. King’s dreamy element of justice is emblematic in hip-hop whenever he is sampled on a track.
SoundExchange, the premier music tech organization powering the future of music, announced today that award-winning artist, actor, author, and activist Common was honored with the SoundExchange Music Fairness Award for his advocacy with the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA).
“Common is a master lyricist, respected by his peers in the art form, and an outspoken advocate for creators,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “He is also an accomplished actor, poet, and philanthropist, all while advocating for performers’ right to be paid when their music is played on terrestrial radio. We are honored to work alongside Common and to recognize him with the SoundExchange Music Fairness Award.”
Common joins previous SoundExchange Music Fairness award recipients Gloria Estefan and Dionne Warwick. He was presented with the honor by SoundExchange CEO and President Michael Huppe at the company’s 20th anniversary celebration at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
The Roots Picnic has been a staple of the band’s hometown, Philadelphia since 2008, bringing guests from across the spectrum of their collaborators and friends to Penn’s Landing. For those of us on the West Coast, though, the exciting festival has been a little difficult to attend. That all changes next year, when The Roots bring The Roots Picnic to LA, thanks to the Hollywood Bowl. Roots Picnic: Hip-Hop Is The Love Of My Life will take place on Saturday, June 29, along with special guests Arrested Development, Black Sheep, Common, Digable Planets, The Pharcyde, Queen Latifah, and more. Tickets for the event go on sale Thursday, December 14, at 10 AM PT at hollywoodbowl.com. The full Hollywood Bowl 2024 season will be announced in February 2024.
For the most part, The Roots have been busy as the house band of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (who helped keep their friendship tight), but individual members like Questlove and Black Thought have been busy with endeavors ranging from memoirs (see Uproxx’s interview with Black Thought about The Upcycled Selfhere) to planning the Grammys’ Hip-Hop 50 tribute (which he says caused him to lose some teeth). Quest is also set to direct Disney’s live-action remake of The Aristocats.
With Black Friday behind us, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday share the week following Thanksgiving. Giving Tuesday, often described as a global day of giving or a global generosity movement, is held each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The amount of charities to donate to may seem overwhelming, but we have made a list for hip-hop fans who want to donate to a good cause led by some of their favorite artists.
Nas, Save the Music foundation: For over 25 years, Nas’ organization has been delivering equitable access to music education for millions of students nationwide. Find out more and donate at https://www.savethemusic.org.
Beyoncé, BeyGOOD foundation– BeyGOOD foundation: Founded by Queen Bey, BeyGOOD focuses on economic equity by supporting marginalized and under-resourced programs, committed to serving people through educational scholarships, the advocacy of internships, and access to resources for advancing entrepreneurship and small business sustainability across the country and abroad. In addition to donating, people can volunteer with various affiliated causes. Find out more at https://beygood.org/.
Chance the Rapper, SocialWorks: Since 2016, Chance the Rapper’s Chicago-based organization has been empowering youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement. In addition to making a donation, supporters can also cop some SocialWorks swag on the site at https://www.socialworkschi.org/about-us/
50 Cent,G-Unity: In addition to being a successful rapper, 50 Cent is known to be a savvy businessman and his charity is helping empower youth with a year-long course that equips students in high-need communities with business acumen so they can start their own companies and achieve generational wealth. Find out more and donate at https://gunityfoundation.org
Akon, the Borgen project: Growing up in Senegal, Akon did not always have access to electricity, a problem facing many people still today. In 2014, Akon launched the “Akon Lighting Africa” project to help Africans access low-cost yet sustainable energy through solar power. In addition to donations, fans can also volunteer to be part of the organization’s efforts. More information can be found at https://borgenproject.org/electricity-to-africa/#:~:text=In%202014%2C%20Akon%20launched%20the,to%20more%20communities%20in%20Africa.
Snoop Dogg, Snoop Youth Football League: It’s no secret that Snoop is a many of many talents- rapper, entrepreneur, gamer, and football expert. His Youth Football league, which now includes basketball and football, helps provide youth with a solid foundation through sports. Find out more and donate at https://snoopfootball.com.
Big Sean, Sean Anderson Foundation: Detroit native Big Sean’s nonprofit focuses on providing Detroit-area youth with programs designed to promote economic prosperity, education and training, physical and mental health initiatives, and more. More information can be found at https://seanandersonfoundation.org/about/
Alicia Keys, Keep a Child Alive: Alicia Keys’ charity provides HIV/AIDS service and support for 9 community organizations that serve people throughout Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and India. Find out how you can get involved or donate at https://www.keepachildalive.org
Kanye West,Donda’s House (Common has also donated): Kanye’s mother played an important role in his life and he’s honored her legacy through Donda’s house, which provides programming that combines creative arts such as music and fashion with business development, marketing skills, and event planning to young adults on the south side of Chicago. More information can be found at ) https://www.macfound.org/grantee/dondas-house-10104166/
Rihanna, Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF): the foundation was founded in 2012 by Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. CLF invests in climate justice initiatives in the Caribbean & United States and helps communities prepare for and withstand natural disasters. To find our more, visit https://claralionelfoundation.org
J Cole, Dreamville Foundation: North Carolina native J Cole’s charitable organization provides programs, events, and charitable donations that empower and inspire youth in his native Fayetteville to achieve success in reaching their dreams. Supporters can donate at https://www.thedreamvillefoundation.org
DJ Premier is an iconic producer who has really influenced many others to follow in his footsteps. His career has lasted for decades and it is pretty obvious as to why. He might go down in hip-hop history as the greatest to ever lay down an instrumental. Over the course of his time in the industry, he has not dropped too many projects of his own.
However, over the past year and change, Premier has been staying pretty active. Just last year, he teamed up with Bumpy Knuckles for a 17-song project, KoleXXXion. Then, at the end of June 2023, Premier did his thing for Teflon’s tape, 2 Sides To Every Story. Finally, the Houston native came out with his first solo LP in about 12 years. That was with the third installment of the Beats That Collected Dust series, which began in 2008.
Listen To “In Moe (Speculation)” By DJ Premier And Common
Now, one of those beats is getting some serious bars laid down on it. The rapper joining him in the booth this time is Illinois legend, Common. He tackles the slow-mo, boom-bap production on “In Moe.” The new title was revamped to “In Moe (Specuation).” Common is still showing flashes of greatness all these years later.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new single from DJ Premier and Common, “In Moe (Speculation)?” Is Common a top-five rapper of all time? Is DJ Premier a top-five producer of all time? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around DJ Premier and Common. Furthermore, stay with us for all of the best song drops.
Quotable Lyrics:
Charge into the game or give Chicago crash Chi’ n****s get dough, is that just how they bred? Carryin’ toasts like a celebration Why do they hate he, like a undeveloped nation? It’s levels to this, mines is elevation I excel, LL acceleration
Before the surprise surprise release of Beats That Collected Dust, Vol. 3 in September, it had been over a decade (Vol. 2 was released in 2011) since DJ Premier released a volume of the fan-favorite series.
As is the case with every Volume, every beat has its own unique origin story; from who they initially may have been produced for, to why they ended up collecting “dust.” The beats may be dusty, but they still bang, and one of Beats That Collected Dust, Vol. 3 standouts, “In Moe,” has now added another chapter to its story, as the instrumental has been graced with vocals from legendary multi-hyphenate Common.
While it’s been far too long since they last collaborated, Preem and Common demonstrate they still “play life and music in the same key,” and just like they did with “The 6th Sense” (the lead single from Common’s classic, and Grammy Nominated Like Water For Chocolate album), DJ Premier and Common catch lightning in a bottle again with “In Moe” (Speculation). “In Moe” (Speculation) is now available at all DSP’s and you can now watch the video below.
“In October, I posted a clip of me playing the “In Moe” (Instrumental) Vinyl on IG, and the comments went crazy. It’s currently at 4.4 million views. Artists like Busta Rhymes, Action Bronson, and Common said they would love to rhyme on it” DJ Premier shares.
“Common delivered a dope verse that same week. On the night of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame event, Chaka Khan went on her IG Live during her induction and brought Common onstage during her performance to do the Melle Mel verse of “I Feel For You.” I called him the next morning to see if we could do a video at my studio while he was still in NY. We only had a short window, due to me going to 45 King’s funeral, and then to another wake later that night for my co-manager’s father-in-law. The energy was very positive that day, and we accomplished the mission. “
In addition to their new single and video “In Moe” (Speculation) being released (Common’s first new single in over two years), Premier will also be performing at tonight’s 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in Seville, Spain. Preem will perform alongside Feid, as their collaboration, “Le Pido A Dios,” is nominated for Best Hip-Hop/Rap Song.
On Monday, November 6, Jennifer Hudson stopped by Late Night With Seth Meyersand discussed becoming an EGOT winner, dressing as Missy Elliott for Halloween, and overcoming her fear of public speaking to successfully host The Jennifer Hudson Show. It was a lovely exchange, but Hudson saved the relationship talk for Gayle King and the CBS Mornings crew. Hudson’s love life is a point of interest (again) this week, as a viral Backgrid paparazzi photo of Hudson and Common — an Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar winner, for those keeping score at home — holding hands in New York City is making the rounds. So, are they dating?
Jennifer Hudson and rapper Common were spotted holding hands in New York City. https://t.co/zrIgvRiuBA
“Professional Jennifer is doing well,” King said toward the end of the five-plus-minute segment. “Personally, is Jennifer doing well? Word on the street is you’re very happy [and in] a very nice relationship.”
Hudson confirmed she is, indeed, “very happy” before King politely added the caveat that Hudson’s relationship is “with someone who shall remain nameless,” which earned a belly laugh from Hudson. That’s when co-host and former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson cut in more directly, saying, “So, you booed up?”
“Booed up?” Hudson responded. “Hmm, I think it’s more sophisticated than ‘booed up.’” Burleson pressed on with brave investigative journalism to further clarify whether Hudson is in a “situationship” or “entanglement,” to which Hudson said, “It’s definitely not an entanglement. That’s for sure!”
Dating rumors around Common and Hudson started bubbling in August 2022, shortly after news broke that they would be starring in the action-thriller Breathe. Hudson more or less shut the rumor mill down in September 2022. She told Entertainment Tonight, “People create their narratives of it, and it’s like, OK, you know, how you feel. We shot a film together, and he played my husband. We gotta eat in between those moments.”
To Hudson’s point, they were photographed together at Nobu in Malibu, California this February (as noted by People), and then, TMZ asked Hudson about it again this August. Hudson expertly side-stepped the question by saying, “Rumors say a lot of things, but he’s a beautiful man. I will give you that. That’s for certain.” Within the same report, TMZ relayed that unnamed sources told the outlet Common and Hudson had “been together for months.”
Neither Common nor Hudson have explicitly publicly confirmed that they are dating each other, but this week’s hand-holding and talk-show giddiness are the most convincing clues in our evidence pile.
Missy Elliott is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
