Shep's Top 5: Common x Hi Tek

After Jay-Z, my top 5 rappers of all time list gets very murky. Nas, Biggie, Mos Def, Black Thought, Scarface, Common and at times Rae and Ghost all battle for a slot. But of all the names listed, Common is the one that remains at least in the top 3. Lonnie Lynn is a master mc. He's covered the game from every angle. He's the proud owner of one of the greatest hip hop records ever recorded and in my book, Be rivals only The Blueprint for best album of the 2000's. On Dec 20th, Common is set to release The Dreamer, The Believer. The album will be produced entirely by No I.D. While he came into the game with No I.D., Com's work with Dilla and Kanye are the most notable. But people seem to overlook another producer that Com has very good chemistry with - Hi Tek. In my opinion, these two haven't made a wack song yet. I would be very intrigued to hear what a Hi Tek produced Com album would sound like. Until then, here's my top 5... 

Tekzilla - I still remember the day I bought this record. It was my first vinyl purchase along with this random Planet Asia song. Anyway, this is one of Com's best unreleased tracks and easily one of Hi Tek's best instrumentals. Com the storyteller keeps it short and sweet. In my opinion, this is their best collaboration.


Sun God - This is a playful track that Common just dances all over. Effortless flow.



Respiration - I think it goes without question that this is easily the best song in Mos Def and Talib's brief catalog. This is a classic record. The hook alone is probably one of the best ever written. Mos and Talib definitely get busy but let's be real, Common's verse here is legendary. It's thoughtful, descriptive and still resonates today. I included the video here because it's one of my all time favorites. WATCH

1-9-9-9 - I'm still pissed that Sadat X had to come and fuck up the song with his annoying ass voice. Seriously, who had the bright idea of putting Sadat on this track?! The good thing is, no amount of Sadat's nasally voice could completely ruin this song. Common's second verse is better than some rappers entire career.



Music for Life - The real star here is Hi Tek. The flute is carries the melody but it's the bass line that provides the perfect knock. This is just another example of Hi Tek giving Common enough room to do his thing. The beat never compromises the verses and vice versa. Perfect collab.