Questlove Unveils Original 'Voodoo' Plans: D'Angelo, Common Swapped Key Tracks, Lauryn Hill Feature Missed

Music fans are abuzz following a recent revelation from acclaimed musician and producer Questlove regarding the intricate creative process behind D'Angelo's seminal 2000 album, Voodoo, and Common's Like Water for Chocolate. Questlove confirmed that two significant tracks were swapped between the artists, and an anticipated collaboration featuring Lauryn Hill on Voodoo ultimately did not materialize.

The revelation, shared by Questlove, detailed that Common's track "Chicken Grease" was originally intended for his album but was ultimately traded to D'Angelo for Voodoo. In exchange, D'Angelo's "Geto Heaven Part Two," which was initially slated for Voodoo and intended to feature Lauryn Hill, found its home on Common's Like Water for Chocolate. This exchange sheds light on the fluid and collaborative environment of the Soulquarians collective during that period.

According to Questlove's account, the primary catalyst for the song swap was D'Angelo's intensely competitive spirit. "D'Angelo and Common swapped songs because D'Angelo couldn't stand the thought of Common having a funkier song than him (Chicken Grease)," stated the tweet, echoing Questlove's sentiments. This anecdote highlights the artistic rivalry and pursuit of musical excellence that characterized their work.

The planned collaboration between D'Angelo and Lauryn Hill on "Geto Heaven Part Two" for Voodoo was a highly anticipated but ultimately unfulfilled project. Sources indicate that the duet failed to materialize due to logistical challenges, specifically "too many middle men," preventing a direct collaboration between Hill and D'Angelo. Common later released "Geto Heaven Part Two" featuring Macy Gray on his album.

These creative decisions unfolded during the highly productive Soulquarians sessions at Electric Lady Studios in the late 1990s, a period that yielded several critically acclaimed albums. Voodoo went on to achieve platinum certification and is widely regarded as a landmark in neo-soul, while Like Water for Chocolate solidified Common's standing in conscious hip-hop. The insights from Questlove continue to provide a deeper understanding of the collaborative genius and behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped these iconic works.