Common recently called in to WNYU, New York University's radio station, for an interview with Dharmic X, the co-host of #NW3Radio (Now, Where Were We). The two spoke about his initial discomfort when No I.D. suggested making "Rewind That" a tribute to the late J. Dilla, the natural flow he experienced while writing about Chicago and how some of the collaborations on Nobody's Smiling came about. He also expressed a deep respect for Vince Staples, and hoped his Nas Dot Com album with Nas comes to fruition now that both acts are signed to Def Jam.
Co-host Peter Oasis is responsible for bringing Common to NYC for his first live showcase in the city, which the rapper also reflected on. "It was always, for me, an honor and a joy to come to New York," Common said, recalling his 1996 performance at Tramps. "You always want to perform in the Mecca of hip-hop, where hip-hop began ... One time, it was not even a packed house and Jay Z was at the show. We were performing for only like, one-fourth of a crowd, but Jay Z stayed there for pretty much the whole show and it was an honor to have him there."
Listen to the WNYU interview with Common below and check out the radio show's You Must Learn podcast, featuring Jeru the Damaja, here. Tune in to 89.1 FM in the Tristate area or log on to wnyu.org to listen live; #NW3Radio airs every Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Editor's Note: Dharmic X is a regular contributor to Complex Music.
