Common and Pete Rock Collaborate on New Hip-Hop Album

In a recent interview, hip-hop artist Common and producer Pete Rock shared insights into their collaborative process for their latest album, emphasizing a deep spiritual connection to their music. Common expressed that the album embodies a unique spirit, reflecting their alignment with higher creative forces. He noted that their shared experiences have shaped their journey, allowing them to serve as vessels for the music that emerged. The duo highlighted the song "A God (There Is)" as a pivotal moment in their creative collaboration. Rock recounted a lesson from the legendary James Brown, illustrating the importance of living with a song's essence before it can truly resonate. Common echoed this sentiment, recalling how the idea for the song was initially met with enthusiasm from a colleague, which encouraged him to pursue it further. Their conversation also touched on the influence of jazz music on their work. Rock expressed admiration for jazz's freedom and improvisational nature, suggesting that hip-hop artists like themselves are the modern descendants of jazz musicians. He emphasized the joy of collaboration within the genre, celebrating the communal spirit that defines both hip-hop and jazz. Overall, Common and Pete Rock's reflections reveal a profound connection to their craft, rooted in personal experiences and a reverence for musical history, as they continue to innovate and inspire through their art.