Music
Common and Pete Rock’s Collaboration Album ‘The Auditorium Vol. 1’ Is the Hip-Hop Album I Never Knew I Was Waiting For

There was a time when the pairing of rapper Common and producer Pete Rock would have easily been my most anticipated album of the 12 months. Common, a Chicago rapper turned multi-dimensional rapper, has long been one in all the most beloved MCs in hip-hop; he commands the respect of his hip-hop peers and has produced quite a few commercially successful albums and songs. “Light,” Common’s track, produced by the late GOAT producer J Dilla, is now hip-hop canon.
Likewise, Pete Rock is one in all the most praised and respected producers of ’90s boom-bap, hip-hop. He too has productions at the level of the hip-hop canon; “They Remember You (TROY)” Pete’s record along with his former bandmate CL Smooth might be the best beat in hip-hop history. It’s my favorite record of all time, no matter genre, and while “best” of anything often becomes a matter of taste, there’s no conversation about best production without this song.
When the news broke that two of the best artists from the golden era of hip-hop were collaborating on a project — the recently released “The Auditorium Vol 1” — my interest was piqued. As some extent of reference, Nas is currently working on a collaboration with DJ Premier — clearly, the GOAT level artists of the 90s have decided to collaborate. Now, I need to admit that while my interest has piqued, I do have some reservations. Listen, I’m incredibly comfortable that so a lot of my favorite artists are still capable of make work and make a living off of hip-hop. Hip-hop fans my age (mid-40s) often complain about the newer era of hip-hop and rap music, or whether hip-hop is what younger individuals are doing. As might be the case with any genre of music, as newer and younger artists enter the arena, the sound changes and evolves, and the music becomes less consistent with previous generations. This also often signifies that when older people proceed to create, their work seems outdated and less interesting, even to the core audience.
While each Common and Pete Rock are accountable for classic material, I think it’s fair to say that their best days have been behind them for many years. I’m sure neither of their egos would allow them to confess it, but I am a consumer, fan, and sometimes apologist who still listens to Common’s Like Water for Chocolate (1999) and each of Pete’s instrumental albums like they got here out yesterday. I love these artists and haven’t been as involved with any of their recent output beyond just a few listens. I will all the time pay them respect by paying for his or her projects and downloading them and listening to them because I appreciate what they’ve given to the culture and to me as a fan.
So I got excited when the first album I heard from the duo, Wise Up , had a vintage feel but sounded the better of each: Common spitting with the same drive that’s kept him in so many conversations as one in all the best rappers, and Pete with the form of groove that just… works. It’s an indicator of the entire album — vintage but on-point Pete Rock production with a ton of melodies and basslines that feel as impressive in 2024 as they did in 1992. Common sounds inspired, too. It’s almost like Common and Pete decided to be their best possible selves for a dream collaboration that each hip-hop fan still arguing about the top 5 didn’t even know we would have liked.
For example, Pete may need my 4 favorite lines on the album when he starts rapping on “All Kinds of Ideas” with the words, “I’m a soul brotha uno, Black from the future/make beats on my table if I spoil my computer/I still make hits like I used to/keep your top 5, I’m God’s favorite manufacturer.” I can’t let you know how excited I am about that; Pete has never been my favorite producer on the mic, but lines like that put a smile on my face. Not to say that the beat itself is the form of production that has made Pete Rock my favorite producer in the genre. The entire project is filled with beats which can be different enough to indicate Pete’s range while still staying true to his talents. “Fortunate,” “Now and Then,” “When the Sun Shines Again,” and “Dreamin’,” amongst others, are the explanation why anytime Pete Rock is a component of a project, whether solo or with others, I need to a minimum of take heed to it. Pete gon’ Pete and that is excellent news for each hip-hop fan.
And then there’s Common. I’ve criticized Common as a rapper for years. Mainly because I think Common was, for some time, one in all the best rappers to ever do it. He was a minimum of a part of the conversation about the top 10 rappers to do it. But I felt like Common’s growing success had polished him just a little bit. One of my favorite things about Common has all the time been his willingness to talk truth to power, regardless of whose feathers it would irritate. That led to his high-profile feud with Ice Cube and led him to repeatedly call out rap and hip-hop as an entire for being “shiny suits.” But all that modified sooner or later as his platform and profile grew. That’s not a foul thing, and even unusual — no pun intended. I just think it sometimes made Common the least compelling a part of his own albums. Still a superb rapper and songwriter, just different. It looks as if a silly thing to complain about or indicate — far be it from me to need to stifle anyone’s growth and evolution — but the conversation surrounding Common has modified from legendary rapper to rap megastar, if that is smart. Namely, Common is only a Tony Award away from a highly coveted EGOT, having won an Emmy, multiple Grammys and an Oscarfirst rapper to do it.
Music
Common on “The Auditorium Vol. 1” feels like the perfect mix of the old Common who wanted you to care about his verses and the present Common who knows he’s one in all the best to ever play and has nothing to prove to anyone, like the Common in the song “To be” from his 2005 album of the same name. I found myself reconnecting with Common’s verses in a way I haven’t been shortly. Which may say more about me than him as a rapper, but that’s just the way it is. All I know is that I enjoyed listening to Common over this Pete production.
Speaking of Pete producing (again), one in all his calling cards has all the time been using snippets of songs at the starting of records. The most famous example is The Beginning of The End “She promised me” which opens “They Reminisce Over You (TROY)”. On “The Auditorium Vol. 1”, Pete follows the same practice, but places snippets of songs at the end of the records, which either open the next song or end the previous one. I do not know, but I’m glad the snippets are there, adding to the vintage feel I have for the record.
The Auditorium Vol. 1 just isn’t an ideal record, but perfection is overrated and should never be the enemy of excellent. Two of the most respected talents in hip-hop history have created an album I didn’t know I’d be serious about in 2024. But not only am I interested, they’ve released a project that’s value listening to over and another time, not simply because it jogs my memory of 1997, but because, because it seems, 1997 still sounds amazing in 2024.
I hope Pete and Common still have loads of ideas, because if that’s the case, I’ll be waiting for the next installment in the middle of an auditorium.
Music
Paul Wall joins forces with Gracie’s Corner to get a fresh remix “Wheels on the Bus” and this is BOP

As a parent of 4 children and three who’ve 10-i-fund, my favorite music genre at this moment of my life are jams suitable for the age, which I can listen to without the desire to stab my eyeballs. So when “Gracie’s Corner” struck my awareness a few years ago to fill this void (and appreciating parents around the world) I knew that we found gold.
For example, while “Happy Birthday” Stevie Wonder will all the time be a birthday song of the black community, at this point he is commonplace “Gracie’s Corner” version at birthday parties For those of us who went to see “sinners” at the opening weekend.
“Gracie’s Corner” for many who have no idea (or should not have children) is a YouTube channel for youngsters. According to their side, YouTube provides “a combination of educational, funny and encouraging songs for children from various environments. Come and dance with the game when he chooses a funny journey with family and friends!”
More precisely, they take some rhymed rhymes, which everyone knows and love and put a bit on it. Which leads us to the reason behind the season. If you have not heard the “Gracie’s Corner” version “Wheels on the bus” You cannot have black children. Until now, heavy bass, hi-hat jam trap has 111 million views. Yes, you read the right 111 million views. These wipers are Swisków. Let’s say, Issa Bop.
Well, because people from the headquarters of “Gracie’s Corner” don’t play truthfully, they got here out and got Paul Walla-Tak, he has Houston rap labels, Swithahouse Paul Wall, “Master of the People”-to drop a part of what is dirty south.
Listen to me. I don’t understand how this cooperation was created by Paul Wall and “Gracie’s Corner”, but whoever played this thing must conduct seminars on synergy and creative cooperation for the whole family. I hope that this person is liable for planning a family reunion, because in that case, it is not only city trips and cooking in the city park for this family. The undeniable fact that the whole poem by Paul Walla feels like the one who was sitting, which could fit on the slow rhythm album of Mike Jones, or mainly every song during which Paul Wall has ever appeared – but still works for BOP of this children – is a nasty work of the most beautiful diversity.

Listen, I do not know if you may have a reason to pull up “Gracie’s Corner”, but in case you do it, move quickly to listen to this “wheel on the H-Town bus-to-remiks” with Paul Wall. And in case you didn’t know that “Gracie’s Corner” exists earlier, consider your life, and now you see how the life of oldsters will look and the way it differs from a lonely life. Because now I hit this remix “wheels on the bus” in a automobile with my children. This, my friends, is for all wines.
Indeed, the wheels are rolling.

(Tagstranslata) parenting, and black
Music
André 3000 wore a piano on his back to the MET gala – here’s why

André 3000 is currently and has been for the most a part of the last 30 years of one in every of the leaflets dressed at the planet. Since placing the whole generation of young black men to turban in stores with cosmetics supplies to blond wigs and kilos, there may be nothing that Atlien cannot break away.
So when he hit a haunted blue rug during the MET gala in 2025 in the entire piano on the back, even the most lost that they had to cut the thorn on the side of Mrs. Jackson a little bit of slack. By turning a single-piece black outfit with a red hat, which definitely has a specific name, only carrying what I can put on is a designer trash bag-good room one in every of the lithium at a goat level at the level of hip-hop also wore a piano … on the back. Yes. Piano. The entire 88-lake piano. I hope it was hollowed out for ease of movement; André 3000 is just not exactly a spring chicken at the moment. He doesn’t even rap by trading his notators on his famous flute collection.
Now it is extremely likely that me and your, your mother and your cousin, are wondering what can force anyone, and much more so André 3000, to cultivate the piano. Well, the answer to this query lies on Walking Promothal Exparit that André 3000 was at the MET gala. Just before he appeared in the Vogue channel for Met Gala Dwet Photo OP, group chats were in the news that André 3000 dropped the EP entitled “7 piano sketches”, while the biggest fashion night was half of the spring.
And don’t think that 3000 has returned to the bars, “7 piano sketches” is the most literal title of the album I’ve ever heard in my life; This is literally an album stuffed with piano sketches.
As you may see, the art of the album is comparable to the meta gala of the André 3000 outfit. This boy is coooooooold. This latest EP appears almost a 12 months and a half after André 3000 dropped, “New Blue Sun”, through which he began playing the flute, and never tell us more about Susa Screw and the Sasha Thumper crew. Despite the mixed reviews of “New Blue Sun”, this album was nominated for a lot of Grammy Awards during the 2025 ceremony, including the nomination for “Album of the Year”.
When everyone finally ends up talking about Met Gala costumes and a great discovery of Rihanna, prepare for the attack of dialogue about the André 3000 piano album.

(Tagstotransate) Andre 3000
Music
Seven questions we have before Sean “Diddy” Combs “begins the federal process

After the official stage of selecting the jury, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Day in court is just around the corner.
On Monday, April 28, a whole lot of New Yorkers began the questionnaire process to find out their impartiality in the federal process “United States against Combs ” NBC News Reported.
The 55-year-old disgraced musical tycoon is in the face of many federal allegations, including racketeers, sexual trade and transport as a way to become involved in prostitution, resulting from many lawsuits that were filed against him. The amazing variety of complaints started to appear in months since he decided against him civil lawsuit by his ex -girlfriend and singer Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura in November 2023.
The next phase of the selection process of the jury, which might be carried out in person, will start on Monday, May 5, in court Daniel Patrick Moynihan in Manhattan. Opening declarations are to begin on May 12. The federal process is to last from eight to 10 weeks.
Since the initial notification of Cassie, which was settled only a day after its assembly, there have been many alternative allegations from many alternative parts of the rapper’s past, not to say a whole lot of gossip and growing around. Numerous documentaries and real crimes They also added to the conversation.
At this point, a lot of us can wander away in the noise of understanding how we came above all and what exactly are the tests. Many questions surround the attempt, including the technique to watch it (if possible), which is to be there and more. Below we return to clarify exactly how we came and say what to anticipate from the trial.
What are Diddy’s fees?
After the federal raid of Combs’ Los Angeles, Miami and New York, Diddy real estate was arrested on September 16, 2024 and is in the face of 5 federal allegations: tribute conspiracy, based on the allegations of prosecutors that the tycoon was led by a criminal enterprise to consolidate the assault; Two allegations of sexual trade, because he’s accused of forcing women to take part in sexual files with sex employees and drug -powered sex events “; and two cases of transport as a way to become involved in prostitution, resulting from the claims that he transported two women on state lines for prostitution.
What about all other accusations?
In addition to the trial, Combs are in the face of countless other processes and allegations, accusing him of improper behavior, abuse, rape and assault. Tony Buzbee, a lawyer from Texas, known for coping with loud lawsuit about sexual assault against powerful men (including a recent lawsuit value $ 50 million submitted against Shannon Sharpe), is involved in several trials against Diddy. He said that over 100 men and women from throughout the United States filed lawsuits against the rap tycoon or intended.
What did Diddy say?
Combs contradicts all allegations in a civil lawsuit against him. Talking with BBC NewsHis lawyers said: “Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts and integrity of the trial.”
The statement added: “In court the truth will win: that Mr. Combs never sexually attacked or trade anyone – a man or a woman, an adult or minor.”

Is Cassie expected at his process?
Filing a Cassie catchment in a civil court almost two years ago was settled outside the court the day the day after its assembly. Diddy issued an apology after a physically recording leaked, which physically attacks her in the hotel corridor. However, this led many other accusers to the allegations, including those with the participation of minors that led federal investigators to a proper investigation in the potential case. The singer, who can also be a victim 1 in court documents, will testify in court under her full name.
The judge of the American District Arun Subramanian will chair the case in the southern district of New York, People magazine Reported. The COME Defense Team, led by Marc Agnifilo, includes Teny Geragos, the daughter of the famous lawyer Marek Geragos, known for representing the Menendez brothers, amongst others.
Georgian prosecutor Brian Steel, who represented rapper Young Thuga in his loud tribute process, also recently joined the Combs defense team.
Several US lawyers assistants, including Maurene Ryan Comey, daughter of former FBI director James Comey, conducts the prosecutor’s office. Maureen Comey chased Ghislaine Maxwell in her sexual trade process.
It will end up whether the sons of Combs Justin, Christian (Combs) and Quincy (Brown), who participated in previous court hearingsmight be present.
Where is Diddy now?
From the time of arrest on September 16, 2024, Diddy was behind bars at the Metropolitan Airesent Center in Brooklyn in New York, waiting for the trial. Many attempts to his lawyers exempt from Bond and strict guidelines failed because prosecutors are anxious about his ability to influence the case.
How much is he struggling?
If he’s convicted of racketeers, Diddy is prison. Meanwhile, if he found him guilty of two allegations of sexual trade, he’s in the face of a further not less than 15 years. Transport for the purposes of prostitution fees features a maximum judgment of 10 years.
Will the process be broadcast on television?
Cameras and electronic devices are often not allowed during court proceedings, so it’s unlikely to be broadcast, Vulture Reported. Although the media is not going to be allowed in the courtroom, they will report outside.

(Tagstranslate) Cassie (T) Sean Combs
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