Ever since Common’s debut album, 1992′s Can I Borrow A Dollar?, the Chicago rapper has worked frequently with producer No I.D. (known during those early days as Immenslope). His last album, 2011′s The Dreamer/The Believer, was produced entirely by No I.D. And now, the two have officially linked, as Common has signed with Artium/Def Jam Recordings, where the producer is Executive Vice President.
Their first order of business will be releasing the 42-year-old’s upcoming album, Nobody’s Smiling. The project is reportedly inspired by the violence that is plaguing his native Chi-Town, and will hit stores July 22. The first single, “Kingdom,” featuring Vince Staples, dropped last week.
“I’m honored to team up with No I.D. and be a part of the Artium and Def Jam family,” Com said in a statement release by Def Jam. “Creating this album and signing to Def Jam feels like a new beginning for me. I feel like a new artist because I created this album with the purpose to give back to my city and to the culture of hip hop. Def Jam is part of the foundation of hip hop and being able to work with No I.D. was returning to my foundation now with new energy and new hunger.”
“Common and I have a long history of making great music together,” No I.D. added. “His rich legacy and robust talent are perfect additions to the Def Jam family. It’s particularly significant that he’s coming under our roof for his 10th album as a matured artist and cultural ambassador. It’s a tremendous boost for the spirit of Def Jam as well as the world of hip-hop.”
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