Jennifer Hudson On Working With Common: “He’s A Bit Bossy…”

Jennifer Hudson is blending love and creativity this holiday season, teaming up with boyfriend Common for a unique musical collaboration. The Dreamgirls star, 43, appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers on November 27 to promote her festive new album, The Gift of Love. Among its standout tracks is Almost Christmas, a piece she co-created with her equally talented partner, Common, 52.

“I mean, we’re both very musical. Two Chicagoans, and I was like, ‘Where’s the poetry and the storytelling in the holiday albums?’ And who better to do it than him? To do, like, spoken-word poetry for the holidays? And so that’s where the song came from,” Jennifer explained. 

However, the musical synergy wasn’t without its challenges. Jennifer revealed that Common’s dual persona as both the laid-back Rashid and the demanding artist Common kept things interesting. “He’s a bit bossy when it comes to being Common,” she said, adding, “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 collaboration on Almost Christmas isn’t their first musical venture. The couple previously worked together on A GOD (There Is) from Common’s The Auditorium Vol. 1, released in July. The rapper couldn’t stop praising Jennifer’s contributions to the track. “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. I love that we were able to utilize her gifts in a new space. She brought it, man,” he stated.

Jennifer and Common’s partnership extends beyond music into their personal lives. Their relationship became public in January when Common appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show. The duo had first sparked dating rumors in 2022 after working together on the film Breathe.

On Jennifer’s talk show, Common gushed about their connection. “I’m in a relationship … with one of the most beautiful people I ever met in life. She’s smart, she loves God, she has something real down-to-earth about her, she’s talented,” he stated.

“This relationship is a happy place for me. 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,” the rapper said further at the time.