One of the most prolific artists of all time, Common has been coming out with music ever since his 1992 Can I Borrow a Dollar album. That’s 21 years… and I know that because this period of time summates my entire life. The fact that he is coming out with another album this July 22nd, called Nobody’s Smiling, is just mind-blowing. With this in mind it is appropriate to discuss what is, in my opinion, Common’s magnum opus– Like Water For Chocolate.
Released in 2000, Common really found his groove in a way that he didn’t fully display in his previous three albums (though all are commendable projects). One of the most significant facts about this album is this marks the official formation of the legendary Soulquarians. With Common acting as one of the figureheads of the group, artists including J Dilla, Mos Def, Erykah Badu, ?uestlove, James Poyser, D’Angelo, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, and more, this neo-soul group was a powerhouse for exemplary music projects during this era. These artists worked remarkably close on all of one anothers’ music.
My personal favorites include “The Light”, “The Questions”, and “Nag Champa”. All of these tracks were produced by Jay Dee, among the 11 total he produced on this album. “The Light” and “Nag Champa” both have an ethereal and sensualistic ambience to them– one that melts your soul. “The Questions” is the perfect collaboration with Mos Def, in one of the best songs ever released by either Common or Mos Def. The most enjoyable part of this song is the fun philosophical storyline it provides. Indubitably, the best portion: “Why do these fine ghetto women got so much ass/ Why did Dr. J shave his beard and mustache?/ How you got high expectations but got low patience?/ How come this joint named ‘The Questions’ is so John Blazin’?”
If you haven’t already listened to it, Like Water For Chocolate is a must-listen for all hip-hop fans. The guys who worked on this album set the entire stage for where we’re at in hip-hop today. If that’s not enough, listen to it in preparation for Nobody’s Smiling that comes out– don’t forget– July 22nd.
