COMMON opened up about how his girlfriend, singer Jennifer Hudson, inspired parts of his recently released album.
The Good Morning Love rapper released The Auditorium, Vol. 1 on Friday, which is a collaboration album with DJ Pete Rock.
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The new release features a special appearance from Jennifer, 42, on the track A God (There Is).
The two were rumored to be dating in 2022 and confirmed their relationship in late January.
Jennifer rose to fame as a finalist on season 3 of American Idol in 2004.
Since then, the singer has had an illustrious career, joining the exclusive club of EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winning members.
FEATURED, JEN
Speaking about the release of her new album, Common, 52, said her role as Aretha Franklin in the 2021 biopic influenced her record with Jennifer.
“When I played for musician friends, they said, ‘Who’s singing?’” Common said People.
“I’m like, ‘That’s Jennifer!’ It doesn’t sound like anything you’ve heard from her before, I love that we were able to utilize her gifts in a new space, man.
The new track uses a sample of Valerie Simpson’s There Is a God, which Common said he assumed was sung by Aretha.
After making the connection, he immediately thought of his girlfriend to appear on the track.
“The light bulb went off. ‘Wait, this song makes me feel like Aretha. Jennifer played Aretha,'” he said.
“(I said) ‘Jennifer, why don’t you sing that?’ She’s like, ‘Oh man, I’d love to sing in that.'”
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 sings in the song.
“Champion lover who could come with a ring / Who has a ring, you and I fear for it,” reads a later lyric.
Common noted how strong his relationship with the Dreamgirls star is.
“I’m in a great partnership and man, (Jennifer) is someone that I really care about and love and grow with,” the rapper explained.
“The potential of a ‘champion lover’ means, ‘Hey, you’re the one.’ I’m feeling it. It’s got a lot of potential, that’s what I’ll say.”
ON THE RIGHT PATH
The couple confirmed their relationship on January 22, 2024, when the rapper appeared on Jennifer’s talk show.
Common brought Jennifer flowers and kissed her affectionately on the cheek before she read a question from a fan asking if he was dating anyone.
I’m in a great partnership and, man, (Jennifer) is someone I really care about, love and grow with.”
Common
“I’m in a relationship with one of the most beautiful people I’ve met in my life,” he said as the crowd applauded.
“She’s smart, she loves God, she has something real about her. She’s talented.”
Common praised his girlfriend’s qualities, noting how she was an EGOT winner and won an Oscar for her first film.
“For me, it’s one of those things where I found that seeing her happy actually makes me really happy,” he added.
“I’m so grateful. I thank God every day and I’m just letting God guide this relationship.”
Last month, People asked Jennifer for more details about her relationship with Common.
“Everything is wonderful. That’s all you need to know,” she said.
Jen and Common have a son 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.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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