Common talks Jennifer Hudson feature on new album, addresses ‘ring’ bars . Common recently shared insights about his new album and how his girlfriend Jennifer Hudson inspired some tracks. He released “The Auditorium, Vol. 1,” a collaboration with producer and DJ Pete Rock, on Friday, featuring Hudson on the track “A God (There Is).”
In an interview with a news channal, Common, 52, discussed how Hudson’s role in the 2021 Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” influenced her appearance on the record. He recalled sharing the track with musician friends who were curious about the vocalist.
“That’s Jennifer!” he revealed. “It doesn’t sound like anything you’ve heard from her before. I love that we could showcase her talents in a new way. She nailed it.”
Common thought of Hudson, 42, when he heard the song’s sample, Valerie Simpson’s “There Is a God,” which he had always associated with Franklin. “A light bulb went off,’That song reminds me of Aretha. Jennifer played Aretha,'” Common explained. “‘Jennifer, why don’t you sing on this?’ She was thrilled and said, ‘I’d love to.'”
He also discussed his new track “Chi-Town Do It,” which features lines that might reference Hudson. In the song, Common raps: “Forget the red carpet, our stars align forever Chi-Town is where we are in time.” Later, he adds: “Champion lover that could come with a ring , That got a ring to it, you and I theme to it.”
Common modestly explained the lyrics, saying, “I am in a great partnership, and Jennifer is someone I truly care about and love. The ‘champion lover’ means, ‘You are the one.’ I feel that way.” He added, “There’s a lot of potential there.”
Hudson praised Common during an interview with a channal at the 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards but kept details about their relationship private. “Everything is wonderful,” she said.
The couple, humorously dubbed “Commifer” or “J-Comm,” hinted at their relationship during Common’s appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” Hudson asked him if he was dating anyone, and Common, amidst cheers, responded, “Yes, and I’m in a relationship with one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met.” He described his partner, clearly referring to Hudson, as talented and accomplished, noting she had to have an EGOT and her own talk show.
“Let’s get straight to the point, Mr. Common,” Hudson began. “As a host, it’s my duty to ask what everyone is curious about. Are you dating anyone?”
The audience erupted in cheers, causing the Grammy-winning rapper to laugh nervously. “Yes,” he admitted. “And I’m in a relationship with one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met.”
He elaborated, describing someone who could only be Hudson: “She’s incredibly talented. I set my standards high—she needed to have an EGOT, win an Oscar with her first film, and have her own talk show.”
Later, on the “Today” show, Common reflected on the interview, emphasizing his preference for privacy regarding his relationships. “I like to keep my personal life private,” he explained. “But we were on her show, and it was a lot of fun.” He also mentioned that he considers himself the “marrying type” and is open to marriage “sometime in the future.”
