Legendary Chicago rapper Common and equally legendary producer Pete Rock join forces once again on “Wise Up,” the new single from their upcoming joint album ‘The Auditorium Vol.1’.
Picking up from the momentum of their last single “Trying”, “Wise Up” feels like a call to action to think beyond the current paradigm of mainstream contemoporary Hip Hop. On the song, Common ponders the potential of artificial intelligence for both good and bad,rapping: “AI on the rise, a tool with two sides / Can build or destroy, gotta open our eyes.”
Wise Up” feels effortless, a testament to the enduring chemistry between Common and “The Chocolate Boy Wonder” Pete Rock, and is eerily similar to the Chicago veteran’s synergy with DJ Premier, J Dilla, No ID, and Kanye West. This isn’t just a nostalgia trip, though. The track feels fresh and vital, proving that these artists can still deliver top-notch lyricism and production in the modern hip-hop landscape.
Common and Pete Rock recently stopped by Sway In The Morning to discuss their collaboration and history in the game.
More details to come as we near the release of ‘The Auditorium Vol.1’.
