The hip-hop world is buzzing with the fresh collaboration between two titans of the genre: the legendary producer Pete Rock And the iconic rapper Common. Their newly formed partnership has culminated in a debut album, aptly titled The Auditorium Vol. 1, signaling not just a one-off project but the beginning of an exciting musical journey together. As they embark on tour, Pete Rock and Common share insights into their creative synergy, hinting at more volumes to come and a deep-seated musical bond that feels almost predestined.
“It’s a blessing that we connected at this point in our lives, and if God’s willing, we will continue to just create,” Common expressed in a Zoom interview alongside Pete Rock. He emphasized the potential for future collaborations, envisioning “more volumes of ‘The Auditorium’” and exploring various creative avenues together. This sentiment of a destined connection and ongoing partnership underscores the palpable chemistry evident in their music.
From the very first track, “Drwamin’,” The Auditorium Vol. 1 showcases an undeniable musical synergy. For an hour, Pete Rock and Common deliver a collection of uplifting and thought-provoking tracks, including “Wise Up,” “Lonesome,” and “Now and Then,” enriched by collaborations with artists like Bilal and Jennifer Hudson. The album is a testament to their combined artistry, blending Pete Rock’s signature soulful production with Common’s insightful lyricism.
In a candid conversation, Pete Rock and Common delve into the spiritual dimensions of their creative process, the excitement of touring together, unforgettable concert experiences, and Common’s affinity for jazz music.
The Spiritual Spark of Creation
Interviewer Steve Baltin initiated a profound discussion by questioning whether the duo felt a sense of “channeling” or divine inspiration during the album’s creation. Pete Rock affirmed this, reflecting on years in the music industry where “magic happens” through a deep love for the craft. He believes that being immersed in this passion naturally inspires one to “shine in that way.”
Common elaborated on this spiritual connection, describing the album as possessing a unique “spirit.” He felt a strong alignment with “the creator,” allowing the music to flow through them. He attributed the ease of songwriting to Pete Rock’s inspiring beats, which he sees as gifts from a higher power. This shared spiritual perspective appears to be a cornerstone of their creative partnership, adding depth and authenticity to their music.
Tracks Born from Inspiration and Divine Moments
When asked about specific songs that embodied this spiritual essence, Pete Rock pointed to “A God (There Is).” He recounted a story about a creative disagreement with Common regarding the song’s rhythm, humorously comparing it to “disagreeing with James Brown.” Despite initial creative friction, Common ultimately embraced Pete Rock’s vision, leading to the song’s powerful and authentic feel.
Common echoed this sentiment, highlighting “A God (There Is)” as a pivotal track that sparked the album’s creative momentum. He described an immediate connection to the beat and a natural flow of lyrics. Another track, “Dreaming,” also emerged from a moment of divine inspiration, where the concept of dreams and dream visitations came to him instantly upon hearing Pete Rock’s beat. In contrast, “Lonesome” presented a different kind of creative challenge. Common initially struggled to tap into the vulnerability required for the subject matter until Pete Rock’s encouragement to embrace universal loneliness unlocked the song’s emotional core.
James Brown, Michael Jackson, and Live Performance Excitement
Recalling Pete Rock’s James Brown anecdote, Baltin playfully asked Common if he would ever disagree with James Brown himself. Common, with reverence, stated he would never dare to disagree with the music icon, emphasizing his deep respect for Brown’s artistry, especially concerning rhythm. Pete Rock shared a formative childhood experience of meeting James Brown at age seven, a moment he believes contributed to his own musical destiny.
Shifting to live performances, Baltin inquired about what Pete Rock and Common anticipated most from their tour. Pete Rock expressed “honor and a pleasure to bless the world with good music,” emphasizing the unique experience of live performance and the connection with fans. Common echoed this excitement, describing live performance as “one of the purest connections you could have with people.” He looks forward to sharing the music they love and creating a dynamic and conceptually rich show with Pete Rock.
When asked about the greatest performers they had ever witnessed, Pete Rock immediately named James Brown. Common reminisced about his first concert, The Jackson Five, citing Michael Jackson as the ultimate performer. He also lauded Erykah Badu and Prince for their exceptional live shows, showcasing a diverse range of musical influences.
Jazz Roots and Collaborative Spirit
The conversation took an insightful turn as Baltin drew a parallel between the collaborative nature of hip-hop and the improvisational spirit of jazz. Common readily embraced this connection, identifying himself as a “jazz artist” at heart, in addition to being a hip-hop artist. He expressed deep admiration for the freedom and expression inherent in jazz music, viewing hip-hop at its best as embodying similar artistic liberty. He sees hip-hop musicians as “children of some of these jazz artists.”
Prompted to name jazz artists he feels most connected to, Common listed giants like John Coltrane, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and Freddie Hubbard. He particularly emphasized the profound impact of John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, an album he considers timeless and universally resonant. This connection to jazz underscores the depth and musicality underpinning Pete Rock and Common’s collaborative project, enriching The Auditorium Vol. 1 with layers of history and artistic lineage.
The Auditorium Vol. 1 is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the spiritual and musical synergy between Pete Rock and Common. Their collaboration promises to be a lasting force in hip-hop, with fans eagerly anticipating not only their tour but also future volumes from this dynamic duo. The album stands as a beacon of creative partnership, rooted in mutual respect, shared spirituality, and a deep love for music.
