Questlove has just made a significant find for music fans everywhere, revealing a rare demo from Common’s landmark album, ‘Like Water For Chocolate.’
Questlove, the acclaimed drummer of The Roots and the guiding spirit of the Soulquarians, has dug up a hidden treasure from the past. To mark the 25th anniversary of Common’s influential album, ‘Like Water For Chocolate,’ he shared a snippet of an early version of the track “Geto Heaven Part Two.” This version includes Bilal’s vocals instead of D’Angelo’s, offering fans a fresh, nostalgic experience.
Taking to Instagram, Questlove posted: “Took me a min to rummage through the treats but I found a gang of cassettes from the @electricladystudios era in time for @common’s Like Water For Chocolate 25 celebration.” He added that this was the original demo with Bilal, reminiscing the fun and innovative times of music creation from that fruitful era.
The reaction was swift and filled with awe. DJ Premier chimed in with a stunned ‘Wowwwww,’ and Pete Rock exclaimed, ‘jeeeeeez.’ Even Posdnuos from De La Soul weighed in, reflecting on the ‘treasure chest of demos.’ These responses highlight the demo’s significance in the hip hop community and the deep fondness music lovers have for this era.
Common, too, took to social media, reminiscing about the album’s milestone. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude and shared that ‘Like Water For Chocolate’ is perpetually a contender for his favorite album among his creations. The album symbolizes a pivotal moment in his life when he transitioned from Chicago to new beginnings, truly marking his rebirth in the music world.
He reflected on the camaraderie shared with legendary figures such as Jay Dilla, Questlove, and James Poyser, describing it as the start of lifelong musical bonds. It was during these sessions that he first collaborated with Bilal, and he drew inspiration from artists like Black Thought, Slum Village, and Mos Def, to name a few.
Common emphasized that this was the first time he rapped over a beat by DJ Premier and collaborated with D’Angelo, both highlights in his journey. He noted the vibrant contributions from MC Lyte and Jill Scott, which made the album richly diverse and colorful.
‘Like Water For Chocolate’ was a turning point for Common, evolving him from an underground artist into a soulful hip hop musician, with this album being a critical piece of his artistic identity. As Common reflects on 25 years of this album’s impact, he expressed gratitude to everyone who supported and shaped it.
The anniversary not only celebrates Common’s evolution but also highlights the collective talents that came together to produce such a timeless piece, which continues to resonate with fans new and old.
Questlove’s discovery allows fans to relive a golden era in hip hop, offering a nostalgic trip through music history. It’s a reminder of the lasting legacy of ‘Like Water For Chocolate’ and the creative genius behind it.
