It's been nearly 19 years since Common released his critically acclaimed album, Like Water For Chocolate. The Chicagoan rapper's project served as his first major label album which was released via MCA. The project had a supergroup of the most revered producers on it. Questlove served as the executive producer, and although he had a few production credits, the late J Dilla handled a large portion of the production. This week, we brought back the project's hit single, "The Light" for our #TBT.
Common and J Dilla's chemistry was undeniable on "The Light" which went on to win the Best Rap Solo Performance at the 2001 Grammy awards. At the time, the song served as one of the few anthems in hip-hop that empowered women in the way that he did. Along with Common's lyricism, Dilla's soulful production on the track made it a feel-good anthem.
The two worked together on frequently up until Dilla's passing in 2006. During an interview in 2014, Common recalled witnessing Dilla's genius in the flesh.
"J Dilla was truly one of the most purest musicians I've ever met, like purest creators. Always about like, what felt right to him. I can try to talk him into something but if it’s not his thing or he’s not feeling that, he’s not gonna really do that" he said. “It was incredible to have J Dilla in your dining room making beats – it was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had.”
Quotable Lyrics
Few understand the union of woman and man
And sex and a tingle is where they assume that it land
But that's fly by night, for you in the sky I write
For in these cold Chi night's moon, you my light