Common Teams with Jhene Aiko, Admires Her “Unique Voice”

July 7th, 2014 by K104

Image Courtesy Def Jam RecordingsCommon has recruited Jhené Aiko for his 10th album, Nobody’s Smiling, which arrives July 22 via Def Jam. The rapper expressed his appreciation for the R&B newcomer’s artistry and her distinctive vocal ability.

“Jhené Aiko is an artist that I truly respect,” said Common during an interview with Rap-Up TV. “I think she has a unique voice in music, in culture. When I say unique voice, not only is it her singing voice, but her perspective, who she is, what she offers to the world is something that’s very, very special. It’s a soul to it. It’s a spirit to it.”

He revealed that together they collaborated on a “fresh” song called “Blak Majik.” He explained, “It’s also a feel-good, fun song, but it’s hard, it’s rough. It’s something special about that song too.”

The concept-driven project, which is inspired by the violence in his hometown of Chicago, includes contributions from Cocaine 80s, Elijah Blake and Vince Staples, and production from No I.D.