West, Dilla, and Com came together to create a majority of Common’s album, with Kanye contributing his vocals to tracks like “They Say,” “Go!,” and “The Corner.” The trio had a strong bond before J Dilla tragically passed away in 2006. Earlier this year, Common shared a story on Hot 97 about Kanye visiting him and Dilla at their home in Los Angeles. Kanye was already using Dilla’s drum sounds in his beat tapes at that time.
During the visit, Dilla shared some drum samples with Kanye, which sparked inspiration in the famed rapper. Common described it as a transformative moment, likening it to a “golden chalice.” Kanye immediately started working on songs with the samples provided by Dilla.
Common emphasized the mutual respect and admiration between Dilla and Kanye. It was heartwarming for Common to witness the exchange of creativity and support between the two musical geniuses. Kanye’s excitement to work with Dilla’s samples showcased his appreciation for the legendary producer’s craft. It was a beautiful moment for all involved in the creative process.