the draft of a published work

Rewind to the Classics: 15 Years Later and “Like Water For Chocolate” is still Relevant

8/9/15

Despite sharing its name with the 1989 Laura Esquivel novel, Common’s “Like Water For Chocolate” is a collection of consciousness whose afrocentric theme makes it a classic. 

Released on March 28, 2000, the album is a trophy to the conscious hip-hop scene, showcasing Common’s ability to flip from being boastful to storytelling. With Dilla, DJ Premier and D’Angelo holding down the production, its soulful instrumentals allowed it to be a blueprint to any conscious album produced. 

From questioning the ability of his competition to telling the story of a pimp and a potential worker, the Chicago rapper hit a wide array of topics. 

In the songs “Heat,” “Cold Blooded,” and “Dooinit,” the Chicago rapper didn’t hold back on his ability to delivery; his poetic approach allowed him to voice his disapproval of his competition. Shifting gears to the art of story telling, Common used his imagination to depict love, self-motives and success in songs like “The Light, “Questions” and “Nag Champa (Afrodisac for the World).”