Common's Love Story: A Look at His Relationships with Erykah Badu, Serena Williams, and Tiffany Haddish

Common, the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist known for his profound lyrics and impactful acting roles, has navigated a public career alongside a notable romantic history. Throughout his decades in the spotlight, the rapper and actor has been linked to several high-profile women, with his relationships often drawing significant media attention. While maintaining a degree of privacy, Common has occasionally opened up about his love life, offering insights into the connections that have shaped his journey.

One of Common's earliest and most impactful public relationships was with neo-soul icon Erykah Badu. The pair dated from 2000 to 2002, a period during which their artistic and personal lives intertwined deeply. Common has often referred to Badu as his "first love," acknowledging the profound influence she had on his music and personal growth, particularly inspiring his acclaimed album Electric Circus.

Following his relationship with Badu, Common was reportedly involved with actress Taraji P. Henson. Their romance, which spanned from around 2005 to 2007, was kept largely out of the public eye compared to his other high-profile pairings. Henson later confirmed their past relationship, describing it as a significant time in her life, though details about their meeting or the reasons for their split remained private.

From 2007 to 2010, Common was in a highly visible relationship with tennis superstar Serena Williams. The couple was frequently photographed together at red-carpet events, sports matches, and industry gatherings, becoming one of Hollywood's power pairings. Their connection seemed strong, with Common often speaking admiringly of Williams's strength and character, yet their demanding careers ultimately led to their amicable separation.

After a period of more private dating, Common entered a relationship with political commentator Angela Rye. Their romance first became public in 2017, and they dated for approximately a year before splitting in March 2018. They briefly rekindled their relationship in late 2019 but ultimately parted ways again by early 2020. Common cited the challenges of a long-distance relationship and differing perspectives on marriage as factors in their eventual breakup, maintaining mutual respect for each other.

One of Common's most public and widely discussed relationships in recent years was with comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish. The couple confirmed their romance in August 2020, having initially met on the set of the 2019 film The Kitchen. Their relationship blossomed during the early stages of the pandemic, with both Haddish and Common openly sharing their affection and experiences together, often appearing in joint interviews and social media posts.

During their time together, Haddish often spoke enthusiastically about their bond, even crediting Common with inspiring her to live a healthier lifestyle. However, by November 2021, reports emerged that the couple had decided to part ways. Common later confirmed the split, attributing it to their demanding schedules and the difficulty of maintaining a relationship amidst their busy careers. Haddish, in subsequent interviews, expressed disappointment, indicating that the breakup had been initiated by Common over the phone.

Most recently, Common has been linked to Grammy and Oscar-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson. Rumors of their relationship began circulating in 2022 after they were seen together on multiple occasions, including attending events and dining out. The two worked together on the upcoming film Breathe, which reportedly brought them closer.

While neither Common nor Hudson has officially confirmed their relationship in explicit terms, they have both spoken fondly of each other in interviews, hinting at a deep connection. Common has described Hudson as "one of the most beautiful people I ever met," while Hudson has praised his character, suggesting a romance is indeed blossoming. Their public appearances together continue to fuel speculation, indicating a new chapter in Common's well-documented romantic journey.

Common's romantic history reflects a pattern of seeking deep connections with accomplished women, often within the entertainment or public sphere. While some relationships have been highly publicized, others have remained more private, showcasing his evolving approach to love and partnership. His openness, at times, about the lessons learned from past relationships highlights a journey of personal growth alongside his celebrated career.