Common

Common – Changing the Face of American Hip Hop

“Never looking back, or far in front of me, the present is a gift, and I just wanna be.”

-Common – “Be (Intro),” from the album Be, Geffen Records, 2005

The Artist:

Looking at the body of work Common has amassed over the past twenty years as a Hip Hop artist, it is no wonder that he is simultaneously one of the most celebrated and controversial performers in modern Hip Hop. Through his work as a lyricist, poet, rapper, and activist, Common has led the charge for modernizing Hip Hop culture in America. As a role model, Common’s impact knows no bounds, and his positive, eloquent, powerful voice continues to bring people together against intolerance, political injustice, and almost every other major social issue facing the United States.

Common broke into national focus with his album Resurrection, released in 1994. This brought Common much critical acclaim in the alternative and underground Hip Hop world, creating opportunities for him to collaborate with acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, The Roots, Kanye West and more. He has released eight albums in total, earning two Grammy awards along the way. His ninth, The Dreamer The Believer, was released in 2011.

Although Common has become one of the most recognizable faces of the conscious Hip Hop movement, his actions speak even more loudly than his words. He is a vocal proponent for the humane and ethical treatment of animals, is part of the “Knowing Is Beautiful” movement in support of HIV/AIDS awareness, and has set an important example by making a pledge to not use anti-gay language in his music. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment is his Common Ground Foundation, an organization that strives to empower and create opportunities for youth in underserved, urban communities.

The Song:

Changes – Common

“Common continues to inspire me, both musically and in my life. The man walks the talk and raps with a golden tongue. Keep on doing whatever it is you’re doing, and may your move to the Silver Screen bring even greater awareness to all you represent.”

– Frank Fitzpatrick

http://www.commongroundfoundation.org/

http://www.interscope.com/common