Jennifer Hudson‘s partner can be “a bit bossy” when they work together.
The 43-year-old singer has been in a relationship with rapper Common – whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn – since 2022 and admitted that when they teamed up to work on her new album ‘The Gift of Love,’ he took charge quite a lot because his showbiz alter ego is “different” to his real-life counterpart. The album marks their first major collaboration as a couple, adding to Hudson’s impressive discography of eight studio albums.
“He’s a bit bossy when it comes to being Common,” she said while speaking on ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’.
“Common and Rashid are two different people musically, but he’s a musical genius, so it’s an honor to be able to work from him, work for him, work with him, and on his album and my album.” Their collaborative effort has been highly anticipated by fans of both artists, who have collectively earned 28 Grammy nominations throughout their careers.
Common previously explained that the new record is so different from anything that the ‘Dreamgirls’ star has ever done before that friends didn’t even recognize her voice when they first listened. The album represents a significant departure from Hudson’s traditional R&B and soul sound, incorporating elements of hip-hop and experimental music.
“When I played it to musician friends, they were like, ‘Who is that singing?’ I’m like, ‘That’s Jennifer!’ It doesn’t sound like things you’ve heard from her before,” he said.
“I love that we were able to utilize her gifts in a new space. She brought it, man.” The album features collaborations with several other prominent artists and producers, though specific names have not yet been released.
Jennifer – who shot to fame as finalist on ‘American Idol’ in 2004 – was previously married to James Payton from 1999 to 2007 and went on to have son David, 15, with her second husband David Otunga before their split in 2017. Her journey from American Idol contestant to EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards) has inspired many aspiring artists.
Common – who has previously dated the likes of Taraji P. Henson and Serena Williams but has daughter Omoye, 27, with ex Kim Jones – appeared on Jennifer’s eponymous talk show earlier this year where he admitted that he was in a “happy place” with his current relationship. The talk show has been consistently gaining viewers since its debut, averaging 1.4 million daily viewers.
“This relationship is a happy place. Seeing her happy actually makes me really happy. So, I’m very grateful. I thank God each and every day, and I’m just letting God guide this relationship,” he said. Their relationship has been widely celebrated in the entertainment industry as an example of successful creative partnerships.
The couple’s collaboration extends beyond music, as they have been actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives in Chicago, their shared hometown. Their community work has focused on youth education and arts programs, with several successful fundraising events throughout the year.
Their relationship has also sparked interest in the entertainment industry, with several producers reportedly interested in developing projects that would feature both artists. While no official announcements have been made, industry sources suggest potential collaborations in both music and film are being discussed.
The upcoming album, ‘The Gift of Love,’ is scheduled for release in the spring, with a supporting tour expected to be announced soon. Music critics who have heard early previews describe it as a groundbreaking fusion of genres that showcases Hudson’s versatility as an artist.
Friends close to the couple have noted their strong creative chemistry, despite their different approaches to music. Their collaborative process has been described as a perfect balance of Hudson’s powerful vocals and Common’s innovative production style, resulting in what many industry insiders are calling one of the most anticipated albums of the year.
