Common & Pete Rock – The Auditorium, Vol. 1 (Album Review)

Common and Pete Rock prove they haven’t lost a step in “The Auditorium, Vol. 1.”

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TOP 5 SONGS

5. Wise Up

“Wise Up” features a beat that every single person that calls themself an MC will

“Wise Up” is powered by an explosive Pete Rock beat that isn’t for the weak. Thankfully, Common hits several clutch shots on it. Using his signature emphatic rap style, the Chicago native does some storytelling, bringing up the struggle, resiliency, adversity, and maturation required to make it out of the South Side of Chicago. I know my explanation of Common’s lyrics sounds simple, but trust me, the way he breaks them down is powerful.

4. Dreamin’

Anytime Common makes a track with the word “dream” in it, expect heat.

“Dreamin’” is driven by an elegant, jazzy boom-bap beat featuring a soul sample that should sound familiar to you. Over it, Common relies on a steady flow and wise words to pay homage to all the legends of hip-hop and black culture, explaining how they have impacted people like him for generations. Common also ensures we don’t forget the influence he and Yaasin Bey have had on the culture as well (and I’m cool with that kind of self-promotion).

3. Stellar

Common kicks ass in “Stellar.”

“Stellar” is one of those tracks that confirms when Common is gassed up, he can put your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper in a headlock. In the track, which is driven by this beat that tries so hard to keep up with the Chicago rapper, it trips up a little, Common hits us with his punchiest delivery and wittiest punchlines to speak on his ultra-competitive nature and borderline Godly powers. I just feel like Common plays no games like Kysre here.

2. All Kinds Of Ideas (Ft. Pete Rock)

When was the last time you heard Pete Rock rap? 1997? In “All Kinds Of Ideas,” he gets behind the mic and holds his own against Common.

Over this old-school hip-hop beat with some amazing DJ scratches, Pete Rock hits us with flawless bars that prove he still believes he’s that n***a behind the mic and outside of the booth. As for Common, he shines by delivering this highly efficient rap verse that has him sounding like a rapper who can whip your ass when it comes to dishing out history lessons.

Was Pete Rock the HitMaka of his generation?

1. Fortunate

Common killed this s**t.

In “Fortunate,” Common reflects on all the positives in his life, from his great health to his real friends to his pride in his roots. He also mentions loving the respect he’s getting through all the effort he’s been putting into the game. One reason this song stands out is its almost divine quality. Not only does it feature a hook that seems religious, but it also incorporates a hip-hop beat with elements that exude mystical elements. Rest assured, you still get the same assertive deliveries and sturdy flows from Common.

SONG-BY-SONG RATING

1. Dreamin’ (4.5/5)

2. Chi-Town Do It (4/5)

3. This Man (4/5)

4. We’re On Our Way (4.5/5)

5. Fortunate (5/5)

6. So Many People (Ft. Bilal) (4/5)

7. Wise Up (4/5)

8. A GOD (There Is) (Ft. Jennifer Hudson) (4/5)

9. Stellar (4/5)

10. Lonesome (4/5)

11. All Kinds Of Ideas (Ft. Pete Rock) (4.5/5)

12. When The Sun Shines Again (Ft. Posdnuos) (4/5)

13. Everything’s So Grand (Ft. PJ) (4/5)

14. Now And Then (4/5)

15. Outro (N/A)

RGM RATING

(B) (84%)

No, really, Common really hasn’t lost a step.

First and foremost, as I like to do in these reviews, I want to pay homage to the production. The Auditorium, Vol. 1 features some of the most beautiful, nostalgic-sounding, and high-quality hip-hop beats I’ve heard in a while. These beats evoke a deep connection with the genre that has captivated generations. They also highlight Common’s versatility and perspectives while providing a diverse backdrop that allows him to shine. Kudos to Pete Rock for understanding his collaborator and reminding us why we appreciate H.E.R.

Everybody thinks you gotta rap fast and s**t to make people f**k with your music, but Common proves that’s not true with the release of this project. In The Auditorium, Vol. 1, you don’t get flashy flows or infectious melodies out of him; instead, you get straightforward, concise verses. As for the magic, it lies in Common’s wonderful words. Throughout the project, he doesn’t waste his bars on some superficial or fake tough guy s**t; he focuses his time on black greatness, overcoming odds, leaning from difficult experiences, and more. This is what meaningful sounds like, folks.

For me, Common has always been slightly outside of my top 10 rapper’s list. When you consider how many dope MCs have graced this earth, that’s actually pretty impressive. With this album, he makes the case that he might need to be elevated to a higher spot.