“That’s My Family No Matter What [&] Kanye Is My Brother For Good

Chicago rapper Common has cleared the air on his new The Dreamer, The Believer album hitting store shelves next week through Warner Music Group, not G.O.O.D. Music, despite a close bond with Kanye West.

Common said the label release is just a business move and promised Yeezy would always be his right-hand man.

“It’s just on Warner,” Com says regarding his new LP. “It’s on my own imprint as far as Think Common, yes, but I’m still G.O.O.D. Music-affiliated. That’s my family no matter what. Business-wise we just didn’t do the G.O.O.D. Music thing, but ‘Ye is my brother for good.” (XXL Mag)

Earlier this fall, Common also gave his reaction to Ye putting together a G.O.O.D. Music compilation album.

“We had talked about it before, but it was actually some new news to me that it was going forward,” Common said referring to the compilation album. “But I’m definitely looking forward to it and I obviously want to be a part of it. I’m G.O.O.D. Music family forever. Even though my album is not coming out on G.O.O.D. Music, I’m still a G.O.O.D. Music affiliate and artist. That’s my family forever.” (VIBE)

Over the summer, Island Def Jam Music Group President Steve Bartels officially welcomed Ye’s G.O.O.D. Music to the label.

“Kanye’s genius has been proven time and time again on records and onstage,” said Mr. Bartels. “He not only pours it out for himself, but he has made the difference with his presence on innumerable projects with other artists who are indebted to him. Kanye is an integral core member of the IDJ family, and G.O.O.D. Music continues his unselfish tradition of bringing along great new artists to the forefront.” (Statement)

Friendship aside, Common recently admitted he would love to see Ye and rap star Lil Wayne go blow-for-blow in a friendly hip-hop battle.

“I think not at a real war, but just on an MC level battle, I think two emcees who would really be a good battle would be Kanye and Lil Wayne,” he said. “They both got them lines that you be like, ‘Dang, that line was cold. Some real lines!’ They both got style, too. I think it’d be a good battle.” (Ology)

The Dreamer, The Believer hits stores Tuesday, December 20th.

Check out some recent Common footage below: