This weekend, the Chicago-MC, actor, philanthropist, and hip-hop icon, Common brings out special guests Daniel Caeser and Dwele for his latest single entitled, "HER Love". It's the first solo release he's put out for over two years since forming the jazz group, August Greene. R&B phenom, Daniel Caesar, hailing from Toronto, sings the record's hook.
In 1994, Common, who at the time went by the name Common Sense, released a single off his album, Resurrection, that would change the genre of hip-hop as we know it, "I Used to Love H.E.R.". The song is a love story about Common's love interest who he grew up with. The song follows his relationship with her throughout his life and the narrative ends with Common revealing that the girl in the story is a figure of speech for hip hop. Right from the start, that track deemed Common as one of the best storytellers in the game.
In the new song, "HER Love", the veteran MC picks the pen back up to speak to the beloved genre who's never left his heart. The beat was produced by the late legendary producer, J Dilla. The beat being used is "Dillatronic 41" from the posthumous collection of beats Dillatronic.
"Who knew, who knew that we would take it this far.
I, I love you so just be who you are"
Daniel Caesar's soulful voice rings the question that sets the perspective of how dynamic and grand hip-hop has become. His soft tenor presence balances very well with the firm delivery and accentuation Common is well-known for in his raps.
James Poyser of the Roots, jazz drummer Karriem Riggins of August Greene, and Lonnie 'Pops' Lynn, who is Common's father, all have writing credits on "HER Love".
In the song, Common tells her how much he appreciates her as he ages. He goes down the line to mention where we've come and grown. He so cleverly names and alludes to many members of hip hop who are part of her growth. He especially references to artists who have carved their own trail in this industry like Chance the Rapper, Lil Uzi Vert, Tyler, the Creator, Noname, and Nipsey Hussle. From Jay-Z to Jaden Smith, Common just shows his love for all that hip-hop represents and has become.
His voice has continued to transcend beyond music as the rapper has become a spokesperson for #MeToo, HIV/Aids awareness, and against racism and police brutality. Hip-hop has launched the MC into opportunities across several industries and this song, "HER Love" is just a commemoration and recognition and honor to her and all her members.
Common is currently on a book and concert tour off of his latest book release, Let Love Have the Last Word.
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