Hip-Hop Classic #13: Common - Thelonius (Feat. Slum Village) (Chosen by Kola Bello)

'Thelonius' is a track taken from Common's fourth studio album, Like Water For Chocolate, which was released in 2000 on MCA Records. The track features Detroit Hip-Hop group Slum Village and is produced by the late great SV member J Dilla (?uestlove isn't credited, but he produced the opening melody), who was the executive producer of the album along with ?uestlove & James Poyser (Soulquarians) - not many people know this, but Dilla lifted a sample from Vulcan Mind Probe by the incredible George Duke for this song. The album was a critical and commercial breakthrough from Common, receiving favourable reviews from major magazine publications and selling 70,000 copies in its first week. The album was certified Gold on August 11th 2000, and the album had sold 748,000 copies by March 2005. Common at his best, and Dilla at his best - a great track, from one of the best Hip-Hop albums of all-time.

Kola Bello: "A strong track from one of my favourite Hip-Hop albums"