Hip-hop heavyweights Common and Pete Rock are riding high on the success of their first full-length collaboration, “The Auditorium, Vol. 1.” The duo recently dropped a fresh video for “When The Sun Shines Again,” a standout track from the album released this summer to critical acclaim.
The visually striking clip, helmed by directors Marleaux Desire and ILLIMITEWORD, features guest appearances from neo-soul crooner Bilal and De La Soul’s Posdnuos. It’s the latest in a series of videos showcasing the album’s artistic vision, with Pete Rock’s signature boom-bap production providing the sonic backdrop.
Common and Rock wrapped up their 19-stop “The Auditorium Tour” last Friday with a bang, packing New York City’s Webster Hall. The tour’s finale capped off a whirlwind week in the Big Apple, which included a sold-out three-night, six-show residency at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club.
The pair’s creative synergy hasn’t gone unnoticed by the industry. They recently snagged four BET Hip Hop Awards nominations, including nods for “Best Duo Group” and “Impact Track” for their socially conscious joint “Fortunate.” Common’s razor-sharp wordplay earned him a “Lyricist of the Year” nomination, while Pete Rock’s masterful beats landed him in the running for “Producer of the Year.”
“The Auditorium, Vol. 1,” out now on Loma Vista Recordings, marks a high point in both artists’ storied careers. Common’s introspective rhymes and Pete Rock’s soul-drenched production create a perfect storm of old-school authenticity and contemporary relevance.
Two of the genre’s most respected veterans serves as a potent reminder of rap’s enduring power. With “The Auditorium, Vol. 1,” Common and Pete Rock aren’t just nodding to hip-hop’s past – they’re carving out its future.
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