COMMON has opened up about how his girlfriend, singer Jennifer Hudson, inspired parts of his newly released album.
The Good Morning Love rapper released The Auditorium, Vol. 1 on Friday, a collaboration album with DJ Pete Rock.
The new release includes a special feature from Jennifer, 42, on the track A God (There Is).
The two were first rumored to be dating in 2022 and confirmed their relationship at the end of January.
Jennifer rose to fame as a finalist on Season 3 of American Idol in 2004.
The singer has since had an illustrious career, even joining the exclusive club of EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award) winning members.
FEATURING, JEN
Speaking on the release of his new album, Common, 52, said that her role as Aretha Franklin in the 2021 biopic influenced his record with Jennifer.
“When I played it to musician friends, they were like, ‘Who is that singing?'” Common told People.
“I’m like, ‘That’s Jennifer!’ It doesn’t sound like things you’ve heard from her before. I love that we were able to utilize her gifts in a new space. She brought it, man.”
The new track uses a sample from There Is a God by Valerie Simpson, which Common assumed was sung by Aretha.
After making the connection, he instantly thought of his girlfriend to be featured on the track.
“The light bulb went off. ‘Wait, that song makes me feel like Aretha. Jennifer played Aretha,'” he said.
Jennifer Hudson and Common’s ‘private’ romance revealed from secret dates to dramatic declaration of love
“(I said) ‘Jennifer, why don’t you sing on this?’ She’s like, ‘Oh man, I would love to sing on it.'”
The Come Close rapper also discussed his new track, Chi-Town Do It, which features an ode to Jen’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois.
“Forget the red carpet, our stars align forever / Chi-Town is where we are in time,” he raps in the song.
“Champion lover that could come with a ring / That got a ring to it, you and I theme to it,” reads a later lyric.
Common noted how strong his relationship is with the Dreamgirls star.
“I am in a great partnership, and, man, (Jennifer) is somebody I do really care about and do love and am growing with,” the rapper explained.
“The potential of a ‘champion lover’ means, ‘Yo, you are the one.’ I am feeling that. It’s a lot of potential there is what I’ll say.”
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
The couple confirmed their relationship on January 22, 2024, when the rapper appeared on Jennifer’s talk show.
Common brought Jennifer flowers and affectionately kissed her on the cheek before she read a fan question that asked if he was dating anybody.
I am in a great partnership, and, man, (Jennifer) is somebody I do really care about and do love and am growing with.”
Common
“I’m in a relationship that is with one of the most beautiful people I’ve met in life,” he said as the crowd cheered.
“She’s smart, she loves God, she has something real down to earth about her. She’s talented.”
Common gushed over his girlfriend’s qualities, noting how she was an EGOT winner and won an Oscar for her first movie.
“To me, it’s one of those things where I found where seeing her happy actually makes me really happy,” he added.
“I’m very grateful. I thank God every day and I’m just letting God guide this relationship.”
Last month, People asked Jennifer for further details on her relationship with Common.
“Everything is wonderful. That’s all you need to know,” she said.
Both Jen and Common have one child from previous relationships.
Common shares his daughter, Omoye Assata Lynn, with his ex, Kim Jones, while Jennifer shares her son, David Jr., with her ex, David Otunga.
