"I Used to Love H.E.R." was released by Common in '94 on his sophomore album "Resurrection." With the entire album produced by No I.D., the song blends hip-hop with a jazzy sample from "The Changing World" by George Benson. Undoubtedly one of his most popular tracks and one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all-time. From the beefs it sparked to the sentiments encapsulated in its strong messaging, Common became one of our culture's most important voices, and he's kept his word to never turn his back on his first love. It's hard to ignore the irony that this song was recorded in what's widely considered the "golden era" of hip-hop; it just goes to show you that our culture is forever growing, and OGs always need to play a role to help guide it forward. Cont'd...
The Source adds, "I used to love h.e.r." is a love story ... It's about paying homage to the thing that gave your life a direction and a purpose. Common talks about his love affair with hip-hop ... The track's contemplative chimes, pianos and soft alluring string melodies sweep you away like a Barry White interlude ... All you can do is listen closely to what is being said. A lot of brothers talk smack about how much game they have and why you should listen to them, but Common is one of the few who has something worth saying: "Talkin' about poppin' glocks, servin' rocks and hittin' switches / Now she's a gangster rollin' with gangster bitches" ... "Stressin' how hardcore and real she is / She was really the realist before she got into showbiz" ... But as bad as things are, Common will not abandon his first love. At the song's end he vows that he will be there for her like she was for him."
