Common’s ninth studio album, The Dreamer/The Believer , released on December 20, 2011
, serves as a powerful return to his conscious hip-hop roots. After experimenting with more pop-oriented sounds on his previous project, Universal Mind Control
, this album reunited him with his longtime collaborator and original producer, , who handled the production for the entire project. Album Overview
This project is celebrated for its cohesive, soulful sound and uplifting themes, making it a favorite for fans of "positive hip-hop". The 12-track collection features a mix of gritty beats and smooth, reflective melodies. Release Date: December 20, 2011 (US) Primary Producer: Key Features: Nas, John Legend, and Maya Angelou Tracklist & Essential Songs
The album is structured to take the listener on a journey from "dreaming" to "believing," bookended by inspirational spoken word and soulful poetry. The Dreamer/The Believer (10 Years Later) : r/hiphopheads
Released in December 2011, The Dreamer/The Believer is the ninth studio album by Chicago hip-hop legend Common. The project marked a significant "back-to-basics" moment for the artist, featuring soul-stirring production entirely handled by his longtime collaborator Album Background
After experimenting with electronic and experimental sounds on his previous effort, Universal Mind Control
, Common returned to the soulful, lyrical roots that defined his classic era. The title reflects a duality: the "Dreamer" represents the aspirational, poetic side of his persona, while the "Believer" speaks to the discipline and faith required to manifest those dreams. Key Highlights & Tracks "The Dreamer" (feat. Maya Angelou)
: A powerful opening track featuring a spoken word outro by the iconic Maya Angelou, grounding the album in themes of heritage and perseverance. "Ghetto Dreams" (feat. Nas)
: A high-energy collaboration with Nas that showcases two of hip-hop’s greatest lyricists trading verses over a gritty, boom-bap beat. "Blue Sky"
: A standout single that samples ELO’s "Mr. Blue Sky," offering an uplifting, radio-friendly anthem about optimism and success.
: Noted for being one of Common's more aggressive tracks, where he famously took lyrical swipes at the "softness" in modern hip-hop, which many interpreted as directed at Drake. Critical Reception
Critics praised the album for its cohesive sound—a direct result of
handling all production duties—and Common's rejuvenated flow. It reached No. 18 on the Billboard 200
and was largely seen as a return to form for fans of his mid-2000s work like Finding Forever Tracklist Overview The Dreamer (feat. Maya Angelou) Ghetto Dreams (feat. Nas) Lovin’ I Lost The Believer (feat. John Legend) Raw (How You Like It) Common - The Dreamer/The Believer Lyrics and Tracklist
Released on December 20, 2011, The Dreamer/The Believer marked a major "return to form" for Common, reuniting him with producer No I.D. for the first time since 1997's One Day It'll All Make Sense
. This collaboration signaled a shift back toward soulful, boom-bap-influenced hip-hop after the more experimental sounds of his previous record, Universal Mind Control Production and Sound The album's cohesive sound is credited entirely to Common The Dreamer The Believer Album Zip
, who produced every track. The production leans heavily on rich soul samples and updated classic grooves: Soulful Roots
: Tracks like "Lovin' I Lost" and "Gold" feature retro-soul elements, including a Curtis Mayfield sample on the former. Contemporary Flavour
: While traditional in spirit, songs like "Blue Sky" (sampling Electric Light Orchestra) and "Cloth" incorporate modern, gauzy synthesizers and distorted hooks. Gritty Beats
: "Raw (How You Like It)" and "Sweet" showcase a more aggressive, combative side of Common's lyricism paired with harder-hitting beats. Key Tracks and Collaboration
The album is a lean 12-track collection focusing on a small, high-quality circle of contributors: The Dreamer/The Believer (10 Years Later) : r/hiphopheads 27 Dec 2021 —
Album Review: Common - The Dreamer, The Believer
Released on December 20, 2011, The Dreamer, The Believer is the ninth studio album from renowned American rapper Common. This album marks a significant point in Common's career, showcasing his growth both personally and artistically. Produced by a variety of artists including No I.D., Nottz, and Robert Glasper, among others, the album brings forth a diverse sound that blends hip hop with elements of jazz, soul, and electronic music.
Tracklist and Notable Features
The album features a total of 17 tracks, with notable appearances from John Mayer, D'Angelo, and Bilal, among others. The guest list on The Dreamer, The Believer speaks to Common's ability to collaborate with a wide range of artists across different genres, making the album a rich tapestry of musical exploration.
Musical Style and Lyrics
Musically, The Dreamer, The Believer finds Common exploring various themes including love, spirituality, and social consciousness. The title itself suggests a journey of self-discovery and belief in one's dreams. Tracks like "The Believer" and "Sunshine" showcase Common's storytelling ability and his capacity to blend personal narratives with broader messages about hope and resilience.
The production on the album is noteworthy, with beats that range from jazzy and laid-back to more experimental soundscapes. The collaboration with Robert Glasper on some tracks adds a lush, soulful texture to the album, while No I.D.'s contributions help to ground the project in hip-hop tradition.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, The Dreamer, The Believer received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised Common's mature and thoughtful lyricism, as well as the album's innovative production. The album holds a score of 79 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable reviews".
Impact and Legacy
The Dreamer, The Believer stands as a testament to Common's enduring relevance in hip hop. The album not only showcases his ability to adapt and evolve as an artist but also his commitment to exploring complex themes through his music. It has been well-received by both fans and critics, further solidifying Common's status as one of the most respected figures in contemporary hip hop. Common’s ninth studio album, The Dreamer/The Believer ,
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Dreamer, The Believer is a rich and engaging album that highlights Common's lyrical depth and musical versatility. With its diverse soundscapes and thoughtful exploration of personal and societal themes, the album is a compelling listen for fans of hip hop and beyond. Whether you're drawn to its jazz-infused beats, soulful collaborations, or Common's insightful lyricism, The Dreamer, The Believer is an album that rewards repeated listens and reflection.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation: For fans of thoughtful, lyrical hip hop with a strong musical foundation. Also recommended for listeners who appreciate artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Anderson .Paak, who similarly blend hip hop with elements of jazz and soul.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Common’s ninth studio album, The Dreamer/The Believer, exploring its background, production, and critical legacy. Album Overview
Released on December 20, 2011, this project marked a significant "return to form" for the Chicago rapper after the experimental 2008 release Universal Mind Control. It was his first release under his own imprint, Think Common Music Inc., in partnership with Warner Bros. Records. Executive Producer: No I.D. Key Genre: Conscious Hip-Hop / Soulful Boom-Bap Recording Period: 2009–2011 Production & Collaboration
The album is notable for being produced entirely by No I.D., Common's longtime friend and early career collaborator. Their reunion resulted in a cohesive sound characterized by warm soul samples and aggressive, "gritty" percussion. Contribution Maya Angelou "The Dreamer" Spoken word poetry Nas "Ghetto Dreams" Guest verse on a '90s-style boom-bap track John Legend "The Believer" Soulful vocals on the title track Lonnie "Pops" Lynn "Pops Belief" Traditional spoken word outro Official Tracklist The standard album consists of 12 tracks: The Dreamer (feat. Maya Angelou) Ghetto Dreams (feat. Nas) Blue Sky (feat. Makeba Riddick) Sweet Gold Lovin’ I Lost Raw (How You Like It) Cloth Celebrate Windows The Believer (feat. John Legend) Pops Belief (feat. Lonnie "Pops" Lynn) Critical Themes & Legacy
Critics generally praised the album for its inspirational and positive energy, though some noted a tension between Common's "street" persona and his more nuanced, mature worldview.
Positive Hip-Hop: Common intended the album to be "positive hip-hop" that generates "good energy" and spirit.
Social Commentary: Tracks like "The Believer" and "Windows" discuss the plight of urban youth and personal growth.
Controversy: The song "Sweet" was widely interpreted as a diss toward rappers who sing (specifically Drake), leading to a brief but public lyrical feud.
Released on December 20, 2011, The Dreamer/The Believer is Common's ninth studio album. It is widely regarded as a "return to form" after the experimental and divisive Universal Mind Control (2008), reuniting Common with longtime collaborator and fellow Chicagoan, No I.D.. Core Themes & Production
The album is a cohesive, soul-sampled project produced entirely by No I.D.. It centers on themes of self-belief, spirituality, and overcoming adversity, reflecting Common's "socially-conscious" roots. Critics praised the production for its warm, vintage soul feel that recalls 2005's Be. Key Tracks
"Ghetto Dreams" (feat. Nas): A standout throwback boom-bap track featuring two legendary MCs.
"The Dreamer" (feat. Maya Angelou): A hard-hitting introduction featuring spoken word from the legendary poet.
"Sweet": A more aggressive track where Common critiques "soft" rappers, which famously sparked a brief feud with Drake. Title: The Dreamer/The Believer Artist: Common Release year:
"The Believer" (feat. John Legend): An uplifting, life-affirming record that serves as one of the album's emotional anchors.
"Pops Belief": The closing track features the return of Common's father, Lonnie "Pops" Lynn, for a signature spoken-word finale.
Upon release, The Dreamer, The Believer received widespread critical acclaim. XXL gave it an XL rating. Metacritic scored it in the mid-80s. It was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album (lost to Take Care by Drake, ironically).
Ten years later, the album has aged better than many of its contemporaries. Because No I.D. avoided trendy sounds, the album doesn't sound "stuck in 2011." It sounds like 1995 and 2023 simultaneously.
For fans who came up during the Be and Finding Forever era, this album felt like the third piece of a perfect trilogy. It is the album where Common accepted his elder statesman role without sounding old.
If you are looking for a Common The Dreamer The Believer album zip because you want to hear the tracks in order, here is why each song matters:
1. The Dreamer (feat. Maya Angelou) The album opens with the late, great poet Maya Angelou reciting a poem. It’s a bold, spiritual opener that sets the stage. Common flows over a haunting No I.D. loop, rapping about chasing visions. This is not a radio single; it is a mission statement.
2. Ghetto Dreams (feat. Nas) This is the track that made hip-hop purists rejoice. Nas and Common trade bars over a thunderous bassline. Nas’s verse (“Michael slept with a mac, I slept with a Mac / Computer”) is classic. The song details the paradox of wanting luxury but remembering the struggle. This alone is worth the download.
3. Blue Sky Arguably the most uplifting track on the album. Sampling The Stylistics’ “Hurry Up This Way Again,” No. I.D. creates a glorious, soulful backdrop. Common talks about finding joy after heartbreak (he had recently split from Serena Williams). It’s the perfect summer day anthem.
4. Sweet The weirdest and most aggressive track on the album. A direct response to Drake’s "Marvins Room" subliminals, "Sweet" is Common dismissing the new generation of "soft" rappers. The beat is a menacing loop of repeated vocals ("Sweet, sweet, sweet..."). It’s controversial, but undeniably hard.
5. Gold (feat. Rick Ross) Rick Ross and Common shouldn’t work on paper, but they do. A track about loyalty and the pursuit of excellence. Ross’s Maybach flow contrasts nicely with Common’s introspective bars.
6. Lovin’ I Lost A classic "Common break-up" song. Sad, melodic, and vulnerable. He samples The Dells’ “Love Is So Simple.” It’s the emotional anchor of the album.
7. Raw (How You Like It) We shift into "The Believer." The beat is gritty. Common sounds hungry. Lines like “I wrote this for the block, the bougie and the nerds / I’m all three” sum up his universal appeal.
8. Cloth (feat. Dwele) A smooth but gritty track about the fabric of society. Dwele’s hook is soulful. Common compares his rhymes to tailored suits—custom and sharp.
9. Celebrate (feat. John Legend) The most radio-friendly track, but not corny. Produced by No I.D., it’s about surviving the struggle and throwing a party. John Legend’s chorus is anthemic.
10. The Believer (feat. John Legend) The title track. A motivational speech set to music. Common discusses his faith in hip-hop and himself. "If you can dream it, you can be it" is the mantra.
11. Pop’s Rap III (Father’s Day) A tradition in Common’s discography (following Pop’s Rap and Pop’s Rap II). His father, Lonnie “Pops” Lynn, delivers a spoken word interlude about life, respect, and growth. It brings tears to the eyes.
12. The Outro (feat. Nicole Hurst) A beautiful, orchestral wind-down that recaps the album's themes. It leaves the listener feeling inspired.