Common joined by Jennifer Hudson and a host of famous friends at Millennium Park celebration

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On a balmy Saturday night, the iconic Millennium Park in Chicago celebrated its 20th anniversary with a star-studded performance featuring Common and the Grant Park Orchestra. The event was filled with unforgettable moments and surprise appearances, making it a night to remember for the thousands of fans in attendance.

The highlight of the evening was a thrilling mashup of Common’s “Testify” with Prince’s “Darling Nikki,” followed by an unexpected slow dance onstage between Common and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. The biggest surprise of the night, however, was a heartfelt three-song duet with Jennifer Hudson, Common’s love and special guest.

From the moment Common took the stage, it was clear this was not just any concert. Wearing white pants and a matching vest, the Grammy-winning artist transformed the Jay Pritzker Pavilion into a vibrant celebration of hip-hop and Chicago culture. Accompanied by the orchestra, a band, two backup singers, and DJ Dummy on the turntables, Common delivered a dynamic performance that spanned his illustrious career.

“We came to party, Chicago!” Common shouted, setting the tone for an energetic and passionate show. He delighted fans with hits from classic albums such as “Resurrection,” “Like Water for Chocolate,” and “Be,” along with new tracks from his latest project with Pete Rock, “The Auditorium Vol. 1.”

Throughout his career, Common has been a vocal advocate for his hometown, often rapping about life in Chicago. Performing “The Corner” live in his city was a poignant moment, especially when he followed it with “The People,” a song that resonates deeply with the everyday lives of Black Chicagoans.

Celeste Parker, a 55-year-old concertgoer from Monee, expressed the sentiment of many in the audience. “He’s just singing about us and our challenges and our triumphs,” Parker said. “We’re here to show [Common] how proud we are of him.”

In addition to his own hits, Common paid tribute to other influential artists. He recited the lyrics of Nina Simone’s “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” and The Last Poet’s “Black Is,” and his band performed songs by Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, and D’Angelo. During D’Angelo’s “You’re My Lady,” Common invited a woman from the audience to join him onstage. Foxx, who was selected, became the subject of a freestyle rhyme by Common, highlighting her upbringing and contributions to the city.

The show’s energy peaked with a medley of classic hip-hop tracks by A Tribe Called Quest, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, Wu-Tang Clan, and the Notorious B.I.G. DJ Dummy showcased his scratching skills with a playful twist on Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock’s “It Takes Two,” reversing the line “One, two, three, get loose now” to “Three, two, one,” to the crowd’s delight.

As the concert drew to a close, Common was joined by a roster of special guests including Jennifer Hudson, Pete Rock, Bilal, De La Soul, Talib Kweli, and Grammy-winning poet J. Ivy. Hudson captivated the audience with her powerful vocals on “A God (There Is),” “Glory,” and “The Light.”

The celebration extended beyond the concert, featuring performances by local dance troupes and the presentation of a giant chocolate chip cheesecake from Eli’s Cheesecake, topped with a mini version of The Bean. The beloved dessert shop pledged the cake to the Taste for the Homeless nonprofit, distributing 1,000 slices to attendees.

Before the night ended, Common led a countdown to a spectacular fireworks display. “I volunteered myself to do that s – – -,” he joked, wrapping up a night that showcased his enduring impact on both Chicago and hip-hop.

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