Expectations for Common and Pete Rock’s forthcoming collaborative album have been sky high ever since the hip-hop legends began teasing the project via their social media properties last year. While details about the LP entitled The Auditorium Vol. 1 remain sparse, the album’s inspired lead single “Wise Up” evinces the eloquent lyricism, expert production and ‘90s throwback aura that are sure to be on glorious display when the full-length surfaces.
“’Wise Up’ represents the coming together of a New York producer and a Chicago MC doing the hip-hop we love,” Common explains in an official statement. “It feels like the spirit of where we come from, the boom bap, the basement, but it also feels forward and new. We wanted this to be the first joint because this record captures a new sound and is a new light but speaks directly to our hip-hop family.”
“Working with Common was a breath of fresh air,” Pete Rock adds. “We both connected to a higher power, which helped us tap into our greatest level of creativity. We constructed an amazing project! Common has an incredible soul, so it was easy to connect with someone who is on the same page as me.”
Watch the official video for “Wise Up” below and watch this space for additional details about the album as they emerge.
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