Rap Legends Pete Rock and Common Are Bringing Hip-Hop Back With Their Upcoming Joint Album

It takes a true rap legend to bring the magic of old-school hip-hop into the future. Word on the street is, Pete Rock and Common are teaming up to do exactly that.

Obviously, fans are excited and want to know every nitty-gritty detail about their upcoming project. Luckily, we have answers! Here is what we know so far about the unofficial rap duo's joint album.

Veteran hip-hop artists have an insatiable need to step in and remind the younger folk exactly how it's done. Renowned producer and DJ Pete Rock has long felt this itch.

News began to spread that he and Common were teaming up for a project in late 2023 — but this wouldn't be the first time! The pair have a long and well-documented history of working together.

In 2011, the two contributed their music geniuses to each other's bodies of work. Pete was featured on Common's ninth studio album, Dreamer/The Believer, while Common made an appearance on Pete's collaborative studio album with Smoke DZA — Don't Smoke Rock.

"You ever miss that feeling of a good release in hip hop? Remember how exciting that felt? [I] always feel like I got something to prove but it's just fun to me to make music," Pete wrote in an Instagram post after news of the joint album surfaced online.

"Competing to make good music with all the different personalities involved today [has] just gotten dry. We love hip hop and you will know just how much. Stay tuned!"

Common also confirmed the collaboration when he appeared on The Beat With Ari Melber on MSNBC. The 51-year-old hinted that the album will be inspired by arguably one of the best hip-hop eras to date — the 90s.

"I’m working on a new album with Pete Rock and just, the energy of that music," Common said. "Whether it’s Brand Nubian, A Tribe Called Quest, or De La Soul — because they just got their music on streaming — it’s been inspiring to hear.”

Along with fellow MC Kanye West, Common reigns as one of the most recognized rappers to ever emerge from the Windy City. Naturally, his career has been characterized by insightful and introspective lyrics that address major civic issues, especially in the Black community.

His decades-long tenure in the entertainment industry has earned him remarkable respect as one of the most thought-provoking lyricists out there.

Pete Rock, whose real name is Peter Phillips, is no rookie in the rap game either. The Bronx native has quite the repertoire.

Pete has been contributing his legendary production skills to hip-hop since the 90s — it's no wonder why he feels so strongly about bringing the old-school back to the future!

As of this writing, we don't know the name of the project or when it's slated to be released, but hopefully, we won't have to wait long for more details to emerge!