Common Explains Why ‘It Was Hard To Eat’ After Break Up From Erykah Badu

Common is a familiar face to artistic love songs and romance. While his music may have helped lovers through breakups, he still suffered while going through his own hard times.

The soul singer/actor and author released “Let Love Have the Last Word,” where he opened up about some very private matters. One he explored deeper with PEOPLE Magazine was his ways of self-reflection after heartbreak. A specific relationship he admitted to learning a lot from was with Erykah Badu. 

The duo joined forces in both life and music. Having such an intense bond with a mate, he considers his “first love” filled him with unfamiliar emotions. He stated, “With Erykah Badu…you’re just open and floating.”

However, after breaking up two years later, things took a dramatic turn for Common.

“When we split, I was 27 or 28. I was in a haze, just going through the motions. It was hard to eat.”

Those wounds healed, and the artist was on to another romance. Unfortunately, that unspecified relationship was “heavy.” So much so, it caused him to seek therapy. It’s speculated that that ex was tennis star, Serena Williams. 

Luckily, the professional help seemed to have worked because he expressed his excitement to apply what he’s learned to his next lady love.

“Talking about my intimacy avoidance and love addiction was an ‘aha’ moment for me. The more you talk, the more you see the patterns you created for yourself. I’m open to a relationship now. I know how to communicate like an adult now. I want to be the best partner I can be.”