Common brought the “Love” to ESSENCE Fest.
During his performance at the New Orleans festival on Saturday (Jul. 2), the Chicago MC delivered his new single “Love Star” and revealed a release date for his upcoming 11th album.
“This is ‘Love Star’ off my new album coming out in September,” he told the crowd at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
“Our fragrance is patience,” Common raps on the mellow love song. “We can major in communication / Related like cousins, though we kissin’ though / Love can be sick or medicinal.”
The track eventually transitioned into his hit song “The Light.” Common’s set also featured classics like “Testify,” “Go,” and “Love of My Life.”
Common wasn’t the only one performing at ESSENCE, of course. Mariah Carey also made a splash with special guests Jermaine Dupri and Da Brat. Jeremih, Estelle, Jidenna, Shaggy, Tink, and Charlie Wilson were also onboard for the show. The ESSENCE Festival is set to continue today with performances by Kendrick Lamar, Puff Daddy & The Family (sans Lil’ Kim), Ciara, Kehlani, DeJ Loaf, and Andra Day, among others.
Common’s September album will be a follow-up to 2014’s Nobody’s Smiling. A title hasn’t been announced just yet.
Watch Common debut “Love Star” below.