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Common & Pete Rock Trade ‘All Kind Of Ideas’ In Their Cypher-Ready New Video

June 27, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Can I be honest with you real quick? I sort of hate how much I’ve been loving Common and Pete Rock’s rollout for their album The Auditorium, Vol. 1. As a rap journalist, I’ve tried my best to excise the term “real hip-hop” from my personal lexicon, for reasons both professional and personal that basically boil down to the same goal: Not getting stuck in my ways and succumbing to the salty old head stereotype, yelling at the kids to get off my lawn.

But with the release of the video for the third single, “All Kind Of Ideas,” I realize I may never beat the old-man allegations. This is, for lack of any and every other better term, what elder millennials and gen-Xers call “real hip-hop.” Beginning with a verse from Pete Rock in which he decries top five lists and calls himself “God’s favorite producer” and featuring a neck-twisting bassline over a crackling kick-snare combination, the song hearkens back to the Golden Era in a way that makes those vinyls feel vital rather than dusty and antediluvian.

Of note is that Common, who had become a bit of a punchline over the course of the past decade, sounds as rejuvenated and focused here as he did on previously released singles “Wise Up” and “Move Your Spirit.” Contrary to Questlove’s dire proclamations, it looks like hip-hop is far from dead yet.

Watch Common and Pete Rock’s “All Kind Of Ideas” video above.

The Auditorium, Vol. 1 is due on July 12 via Loma Vista Recordings. You can find more info here.

Common And Pete Rock Announce Release Date For Collab Album

June 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Common and Pete Rock have made magic together. They’re two of the most venerated artists in hip-hop, with classic albums and songs dating back to the 1990s. They have nothing left to prove, which is what makes their decision to collab on an entire project so exciting. They are doing it strictly for the love of the art, and to quell the desires of fans who have spent years dreaming about a Com and Rock album. Now, we have an official release date for the album, which is titled The Auditorium, Vol. 1.

Common took to Instagram on June 11 to break the news. He revealed the album title and the release date in one fell swoop. He also gave some insight into its origins. “I am super geeked and supremely grateful to announce… The Auditorium Vol. 1 dropping July 12,” he wrote. “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 rapper also discussed the anticipation surrounding the new album. He admitted that he felt great whenever fans voiced their excitement for such a long-anticipated collab. “It just makes me happy to be a part of this art form,” Common noted.

Common And Pete Rock Are Dropping On July 12

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Common wasn’t the only one who was excited to unveil the album. Pete Rock left a comment on the post with his own message. “I honor our friendship since 91 home slice lol,” he noted. “This was a dream I had for years to come together with you on something.” The producer also hyped up the results, telling fans it is well worth the wait. “Now we get to show everyone the results after working with each other on our 1st album ever,” he added. “Man this is exciting my bro Thank you so much for this @Common.”

The duo is best known for their 1996 single “The B*tch In Yoo,” which was a diss record aimed at Ice Cube. Com and Rock discussed the diss during a recent appearance on Drink Champs. The latter went on to admit that he supported Common all the way, but was disappointed to learn that Ice Cube was mad at him. The two men reconciled when Ice Cube and Common squashed their beef in 1997. Common even gave Cube a shoutout on the album announcement, citing him as an inspiration.

The post Common And Pete Rock Announce Release Date For Collab Album appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Common and Pete Rock Announce Collaborative Album ‘The Auditorium, Vol. 1’

June 12, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Common and Pete Rock have announced their first full-length collaboration, The Auditorium, Vol. 1, set for release on July 12 via Loma Vista Recordings. This highly anticipated project unites one of hip-hop’s most evocative emcees, Common, with one of its most celebrated producers, Pete Rock. The album promises to be a landmark in hip-hop history, blending the past, present, and future into a cohesive and timeless musical journey.

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Alongside the album announcement, Common and Pete Rock have released the second single from the project, “Dreamin’.” To promote the single, they also unveiled a VEVO Ctrl session performance video, showcasing their dynamic chemistry and lyrical prowess.

Late last month, the duo released “Wise Up,” the first single off their new project. “Wise Up” captures the essence of the Golden Age of Hip Hop while infusing it with a contemporary feel, making it resonate across any era of hip-hop. This single set the stage for the upcoming album, generating excitement among fans and critics alike.

The Auditorium, Vol. 1 is expected to be an absolute banger, offering a rich tapestry of beats and rhymes that reflect the duo’s deep roots in hip-hop culture. Common’s introspective lyrics paired with Pete Rock’s masterful production create a soundscape that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

Fans eagerly await the release of The Auditorium, Vol. 1, anticipating a groundbreaking addition to Common and Pete Rock’s legacies. With the release date fast approaching, the hip-hop community is abuzz with excitement for what is sure to be a historic collaboration.

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The post Common and Pete Rock Announce Collaborative Album ‘The Auditorium, Vol. 1’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Common and Pete Rock Announce Collaborative Album ‘The Auditorium, Vol. 1’ appeared first on The Source.

Common & Pete Rock Deliver Another Soulful Boom-Bap Jam With “Dreamin’”

June 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Common and Pete Rock are not at the beginning of their careers anymore. Or are they? That is a question you have to ask yourself based on the way these two are still delivering at a high level. These two Midwest legends wowed fans with their recent collaboration “Wise Up”. On the lead single to their forthcoming rapper/producer album, The Auditorium Vol. 1, Pete flipped MC Shan’s “The Bridge” to perfection. Couple that with the flawless drum pattern and meticulous flows from Common, the track has become an instant success. It has listeners’ expectations for this album sky high and we do not foresee this tape failing. Part of the reason is because of this second offering from Common and Pete Rock, “Dreamin’”.

This track is equally impressive on all fronts. Common brings the compelling and introspective lyrics and Pete Rock is in his bag with another lethal combo of a killer sample and drums. The “Daydreamin’ and think of you” vocals are stunningly soulful and beautiful, as well as being perfectly mixed. Also giving this instrumental character are the triumphant horn sections and twinkly pianos. All of these elements are in perfect harmony with one another and signify that greatness is inbound on The Auditorium. Speaking of which, the collaboration album is due on July 12. Features will include Bilal, Jennifer Hudson, Posdnuos, and PJ. There will also be 15 tracks and a good chance of all killer and no filler. You can check out “Dreamin’” on all streaming platforms now or you can view the live session that dropped moments ago below. We guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Listen To “Dreamin’” By Common & Pete Rock

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Ice Cube Was Furious With Pete Rock For Producing Common’s Diss

June 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Ice Cube and Common have become two of the most revered elder-statesmen in hip-hop. They went from critical darlings to crossover stars who landed major roles in film and television. They also hated each other during the 1990s. Cube and Com went at each other’s throats during the most dangerous period in the genre’s history, and it took the urging of Minister Louis Farrakhan for them to settle their differences. They weren’t the only two people involved in the beef, however. Pete Rock told his side of the story during a recent episode of Drink Champs.

Pete Rock recounted his legendary career during the podcast. He spoke on his falling out with former partner, CL Smooth, and his upcoming album with Common (the other guest). What listeners didn’t see coming, though, was Rock’s recollection of how much Ice Cube hated him. The producer laced the track for Common’s diss, “The B*tch In Yoo,” so Cube evidently felt as though Soul Brother No. 1 had chosen sides. To be fair, he kind of did. “Of course Ice Cube was a little upset with me,” Pete Rock told the hosts. “That man had me feeling bad, man. He’s like, ‘Yo, he was angry, he was upset.’”

Pete Rock Eventually Smoothed Things Over With Ice Cube

The producer felt bad about the situation. Fortunately, things blew over when Cube and Common agreed to end the beef in 1997. Pete Rock said that he was thrilled to discover that Cube had let his anger go the next time he encountered him. “‘Aww Pete, come on,’” the producer recalled him saying. “‘You good, bro, you good.’” Rock and Cube have remained on good terms, but it’s worth noting that the producer was all for Common firing shots off back in 1996.

During a 2011 interview with Complex, Pete Rock claimed that he encouraged the Chicago rapper to respond to Ice Cube. “I remember getting a call from Common saying how upset he was about getting disrespected by Ice Cube,” Rock told the outlet. “I told him, ‘If you need my help, I’m here.’” He went on to commend both rappers for the way they handled the beef. “That’s how real men are supposed to get down,” he posited. “But this was a wax thing. I think Common stood up as a man and told him how he really felt. It was memorable, man. Very classic moment.”

[via]

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[WATCH] Pete Rock Opens Up About Repeated Splits with CL Smooth on Drink Champs

June 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pete Rock and CL Smooth were among the defining hip-hop duos of the 1990s, producing some of the era’s smoothest tracks alongside other legends like Gang Starr and A Tribe Called Quest. However, their long-term collaboration has been punctuated by frequent splits and reunions. Despite their attempts to rekindle their musical partnership in the 2000s and 2010s, the duo has struggled to maintain a stable working relationship. The reasons behind these splits have often remained shrouded in mystery—until now.

In a recent episode of Drink Champs, Pete Rock shed light on the pattern of their breakups, speaking candidly about his former partner. “He’s the best talent I ever came across in my whole life,” the acclaimed producer praised. “I’ve never heard a guy rap like this, I’ve never heard a voice like this. We shared great times together. Don’t get it all f*cked up now, we’ve had our good times.”

According to Rock, the issues that led to their repeated separations were not rooted in personal clashes but were rather a natural result of spending extended periods around the same person. “Just like life,” he remarked. “People have ups and downs.”

These ups and downs eventually hindered Pete Rock and CL Smooth’s ability to grow as a cohesive unit. Rock explained that their personal growth trajectories began to diverge, creating an imbalance in their partnership. “Sometimes, when we’re in the negative zone, we go like this,” he said, illustrating with a splitting motion. “What we would wish for each other is growth, but when one is growing and one isn’t, then it’s still uneven.”

Rock also stated that he believed the duo should still be together today, although he chose not to get into the specific reasons for their continued separation. “We should still be together,” he asserted. “But some things, you know, that I can’t tell the whole public. Certain things happen in a partnership that just can’t be… and people won’t understand. I don’t want to be the only one speaking on someone who’s not here, but I wish him the best in life.”

Watch the interview below.

The post [WATCH] Pete Rock Opens Up About Repeated Splits with CL Smooth on Drink Champs first appeared on The Source.

The post [WATCH] Pete Rock Opens Up About Repeated Splits with CL Smooth on Drink Champs appeared first on The Source.

Pete Rock Reveals Why He Stopped Working With CL Smooth

June 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Pete Rock and CL Smooth were a definitive rap group of the 1990s. They made some of the smoothest hip-hop of the era alongside Gang Starr and A Tribe Called Quest. As with any long term collab, however, tensions arose. Pete Rock and CL Smooth went their separate ways in 1995, and despite linking back up for reunions in the 2000s and 2010s, the two artists always seem to split. There hasn’t been a whole lot said about the reasoning for these numerous splits. That is, until Rock addressed the pattern during a recent episode of Drink Champs.

Pete Rock had nothing but positive things to say about his former partner. “He’s the best talent I ever came across in my whole life,” the producer explained. “I’ve never heard a guy rap like this, I’ve never heard a voice like this. We shared great times together. Don’t get it all f*cked up now, we’ve had our good times.” It wasn’t a matter of clashing personalities, but rather the natural tensions that rise from being around the same person for years on end. At least, that’s how Rock felt. “Just like life,” he noted. “People have ups and downs.”

Pete Rock Still Wants To Be A Duo With CL Smooth

These ups and downs ultimately made it difficult for Pete Rock and CL Smooth to grow as a duo. The former noted that growth for them as individuals began to differ from their growth as a unit. “Sometimes, when we’re in the negative zone, we go like this [does split motion],” he stated. “What we would wish for each other is growth, but when one is growing and one isn’t, then it’s still uneven.” Rock then shocked the hosts and the listeners by claiming that he and CL Smooth should still be together today. He didn’t care to get into specifics as to why they weren’t, however.

“We should still be together,” the producer asserted. “But some things, you know, that I can’t tell the whole public. Certain things happen in a partnership that just can’t be… and people won’t understand. I don’t want to be the only one speaking on someone who’s not here, but I wish him the best in life.” This take is a far cry from 2018, when Rock and Smooth decided to scrap their planned third album. The duo teased a reunion on wax after Smooth appeared on Rock’s Soul Survivor series, but the excitement was short-lived. According to HipHopDX, the album was scrapped due to resurfacing tensions.

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Common Expresses Gratitude to YE and J Dilla for ‘Be’ on Album’s 19th Anniversary

May 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Common’s Be has hit its 20th anniversary. Hitting Instagram, the Chicago legend recalled the success of the classic project. “I was reminded that yesterday was the 19th anniversary for Be,” Common wrote. “How grateful I am to Ye and J Dilla and all the artists and musicians who created on that album.”

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After much speculation, Common and Pete Rock have finally released their new single, “Wise Up.” The track blends the essence of the Golden Age of Hip Hop with a contemporary feel, creating a sound that resonates across all eras of hip-hop.

This collaboration brings together one of hip-hop’s most evocative emcees, Common, with one of its most celebrated producers, Pete Rock, setting a tone for what could be their most impactful work in decades.

To launch “Wise Up,” Common and Pete Rock partnered with director Marleaux Desiré to create an inspiring and creative visual presentation. The video captures street-level community stories, visually representing the themes explored in the song. It includes visual ideations from ILLIMITÉWORLD and still photography by creative director Alonzo Hellerbach.

“Wise Up” marks a significant moment in hip-hop, showcasing the perfect pairing of Common’s lyrical depth and Pete Rock’s legendary production skills. The single pays homage to their roots in the Golden Age and demonstrates their ability to evolve with the times, offering a universal appeal that transcends generations.

This release is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, as it signals the potential for more potent collaborations between these two iconic artists. With “Wise Up,” Common and Pete Rock reaffirm their status as influential figures in hip-hop, continuing to shape the genre with their innovative and thought-provoking work.

The post Common Expresses Gratitude to YE and J Dilla for ‘Be’ on Album’s 19th Anniversary first appeared on The Source.

The post Common Expresses Gratitude to YE and J Dilla for ‘Be’ on Album’s 19th Anniversary appeared first on The Source.

WATCH: Common and Pete Rock Release New Single and Video “Wise Up”

May 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The post WATCH: Common and Pete Rock Release New Single and Video “Wise Up” first appeared on The Source.

The post WATCH: Common and Pete Rock Release New Single and Video “Wise Up” appeared first on The Source.

Common Goes Back To His Battle Rap Roots In His ‘Wise Up’ Video With Pete Rock

May 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Over the past few years, some of the stars of hip-hop’s Golden Era have experienced career resurgences by getting back to their roots and teaming up with producers whose energy matches their own. For instance, Nas hooked up with Hit-Boy to release a string of albums that many fans called his best in years.

Common is the latest ’90s mainstay to mine his youth for inspiration, teaming up with Pete Rock for “Wise Up,” a new single that evokes the spirit of gritty, sample-driven battle rap.

“‘Wise Up’ represents the coming together of a New York Producer and a Chicago MC doing the hip-hop we love,” the near-EGOT winner explained in the press release for the single. “It feels like the spirit of where we come from, the boom bap, the basement, but it also feels forward and new. We wanted this to be the first joint because this record captures a new sound and is a new light but speaks directly to our hip-hop family.”

The song is Common’s first new track since the 2021 release of his fourteenth album, A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 2. However, his profile still looms large over hip-hop; Com’s fellow Chicagoan also teamed up with a New York boom-bap producer, DJ Premier, on his new single, “Together,” which samples Premier’s prior collab with Common, “The Sixth Sense.”

Watch Common and Pete Rock’s “Wise Up” video above.