Common and Pete Rock Enlist Jennifer Hudson, Bilal and Posdnuos for Collaborative Album ‘The Auditorium Vol. 1’
Common and Pete Rock have announced their anticipated new album “The Auditorium Vol. 1,” dropping July 12 via Loma Vista.
“The Auditorium Vol. 1” will feature guest appearances from Jennifer Hudson, Bilal, PJ and De La Soul’s Posdnuos. In tandem with the announcement, the pair released the single “Dreamin'” touting a sample of Aretha Franklin’s classic “Day Dreaming.” They previously teased the project with “Wake Up,” which dropped in May.
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“For me, this all started with A Dream,” Common wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Hip-hop fans have long anticipated a full-length collaboration from Common and Pete Rock. The two have worked together in the past, for Common’s 1996 Ice Cube diss track “The Bitch in Yoo” and Pete Rock’s “Verbal Murder 2” alongside Big Pun and N.O.R.E. two years later.
Common last released the two-part album “A Beautiful Revolution” in 2020 and 2021, while Pete Rock most recently dropped his “Baby Boy Beat Tape” with Bleq Saevan last year.
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