25th Anniversary of Common's Like Water for Chocolate
Digest
This podcast episode delves into the career of rapper Common, specifically analyzing his pivotal album, *Like Water for Chocolate*. It begins by tracing Common's career from his early work and the impact of "I Used to Love Her" to his signing with a major label. The episode then explores his Chicago upbringing and musical influences (gospel, blues, and soul), highlighting the formation of the group CD and his unique blend of socially conscious lyrics and musical experimentation. A significant portion focuses on the Soulquarians collective and the collaborative, jam-session style recording process behind *Like Water for Chocolate*, mentioning key collaborators like D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and The Roots. An interview with Common himself provides further insight into his collaborations, the significance of the Soulquarians, his social commentary, and the album's cover art. Finally, a track-by-track analysis of *Like Water for Chocolate*, including songs like "The Sixth Sense," "Dolonius," and "Ghetto Heaven Remix," explores the album's musical elements, lyrical themes, and overall impact on the Neo-Soul genre.
Outlines
Common's Career and the Creation of *Like Water for Chocolate*
This section covers Common's career progression, highlighting key albums and the shift in his artistic direction marked by *Like Water for Chocolate*, including his early influences and collaborations.
Common's Background, Influences, and the Soulquarians
This section details Common's Chicago upbringing, his musical influences (gospel, blues, soul), the formation of the group CD, and the collaborative spirit of the Soulquarians collective.
Interview with Common and Album Themes
This section features an interview with Common discussing his collaborations, the Soulquarians' significance, his social commentary, and the album's cover art, along with a deeper exploration of the album's themes.
Track-by-Track Analysis of *Like Water for Chocolate*
This section provides a detailed analysis of select tracks from *Like Water for Chocolate*, examining their musical elements, lyrical themes, and collaborations, further exploring the album's overall impact.
Keywords
Neo-Soul
A genre blending classic soul with contemporary hip-hop and jazz.
Soulquarians
A collective of musicians including Common, D'Angelo, and The Roots, known for collaborative music-making.
Common (rapper)
Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., known for socially conscious lyrics and musical experimentation.
Like Water for Chocolate (album)
Common's landmark 2000 album, a key work in the Neo-Soul movement.
Chicago Hip Hop
The hip hop scene and its influence on Common's music.
Socially Conscious Hip Hop
Hip hop music that addresses social and political issues.
Album Review
A critical analysis of Common's *Like Water for Chocolate*.
Musical Collaboration
The importance of collaboration in the creation of *Like Water for Chocolate*.
Q&A
What is the significance of the Soulquarians collective in the creation of *Like Water for Chocolate*?
The Soulquarians fostered a collaborative environment, resulting in a unique blend of genres and a jam-session style of recording.
How does Common's background and upbringing influence his music?
Common's Chicago roots and exposure to gospel, blues, and soul shaped his unique style, blending socially conscious lyrics with a soulful, experimental sound.
What are some of the key themes explored in *Like Water for Chocolate*?
The album explores themes of social justice, relationships, urban life, and community.
How did *Like Water for Chocolate* impact the Neo-Soul movement?
Its innovative blend of genres, collaborations, and socially conscious lyrics helped solidify Neo-Soul's identity and influence.
Show Notes
This year marks the 25th anniversary of socially conscious rapper Common's pivotal album Like Water for Chocolate. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their classic album dissection of Like Water for Chocolate including an interview with Common from the year 2000.
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Featured Songs:
Common, "Time Travelin' (A Tribute to Fela)," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000
Common, "Take it EZ," Can I Borrow a Dollar?, Relativity, 1992
Common, "I Used to Love H.E.R.," Resurrection, Relativity, 1994
Common, "Brown Sugar," Brown Sugar, EMI, 1995
Common, "Funky for You," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000
Common, "A Song for Assata," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000
Common, "Payback is a Grandmother," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000
Common, "The Light," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000
Common, "The 6th Sense," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000
Common, "Thelonius," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000
Common, "Geto Heaven Remix T.S.O.I," Like Water for Chocolate (Alternate Edition), MCA, 2001
Common, "A Film Called (Pimp)," Like Water for Chocolate, MCA, 2000
Kendrick Lamar, "Institutionalized," To Pimp a Butterfly, Interscope, 2015
New York Dolls, "Looking For a Kiss," New York Dolls, Mercury, 1973
Delivery, "The New Alphabet," Force Majeure, Heavenly, 2025
Delivery, "Deadlines," Force Majeure, Heavenly, 2025
Lucy Dacus, "Ankles," Forever is a Feeling, Geffen, 2025
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