Common x Cassidy x Nine Simone: Strange Fruit

This  unreleased gem from Common titled “Strange Fruit” was unleashed to the internet sometime this week as a track from the Finding Forever sessions.  Obviously this song wasn’t on the album, but seems to fit in with the overall sound, subject matter, and vibe of Finding Forever [review].  When you hear the song the powerful vocals of Nina Simone hit you in the face.  As we know Finding Forever sampled “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” by Nina Simone.

When the track leaked the production credit was attributed to Kanye West, however I noticed a few comments around the web stating Ye didn’t produce it, but Devo Springsteen did.  Also, pointed out in those comments is Cassidy‘s “Celebrate” from his 2007 album B.A.R.S. (The Barry Adrian Reese Story) uses the same beat. And it is produced by Devo Springsteen.  On further investigation there were numerous sources that confirmed Devo Springsteen produced the track.  Not sure why Common didn’t keep the song because this dope beat has been lost on Cassidy‘s album as I listened to that album once.

Now with all of the backstory out the way Who Spit It Better?  Common or Cassidy.   Don’t hate me, but I like Cassidy‘s version better.  He has had one of these “introspective” type tracks on his album (Split Personality & I’m A Hustla) it seems.  Enough from me…who ya got?

Hit the cut for the streams of the songs, the poll, and link to the songs.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Nina Simone: “Strange Fruit”
From the album: Pastel Blues (1969)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Cassidy feat. John Legend: “Celebrate”
From the album: B.A.R.S. (The Barry Adrian Reese Story) (2007)
Produced by Devo Springsteen

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Common feat. John Legend: “Strange Fruit”
Unreleased (2007)
Produced by Devo Springsteen

 Loading ...

DOWNLOAD