Common is back and smartens up with producer Pete Rock on their “Wise Up” collaboration.
Directed by Marleaux Desiré, the grainy visual depicts the pair and various people in the streets of New York while Common intellectual bars.
“Holy ground and killers, Lord willers, drug dealers / Monks with kis, the Go-rillas, Chicago iller,” he raps over Pete’s nostalgic beat. He continues, “Some know Dilla, rich cars fulfill us / Parents tryna get they kids to eighteen, so they will us / Youngins is restless, investments in vest-es.”
“Wise Up” is Common’s first official release since his 2021 album, A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 2. Last year, the Chicago rapper made an appearance on DJ Premier’s single, “In Moe (Speculation)“.