common Archives

Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor vs. Common’s Like Water For Chocolate. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

December 16, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Black Thought Finally Rhymes Over A DJ Premier Beat & He Smashes It (Audio)

When DJ Premier, Royce Da 5'9", and Adrian Younge started mapping out the self-title album known as PRhyme, The Roots' Black Thought was a planned guest. However, the Grammy Award-winning band's longtime manager/producer Rich Nichols passed away in mid-2014, halting plans. In 2016, as PRhyme readies a deluxe edition release... Read more

December 10, 2015 Audio

Common Speaks To The Next Generation of Chicago Youth On a New Track With Lil Bibby (Audio)

For more than 2 decades, Common has been Hip-Hop's Chicago ambassador. From Kanye to Lupe, Common has sought to support not only the MCs from the City of Wind, but Chicago's youth, generally. So, while some might not expect him to team with Lil Bibby, whose subject matter varies greatly... Read more

November 17, 2015 Audio

A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory vs. The Roots’ Things Fall Apart. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

November 9, 2015 Finding the GOAT

The Roots Perform “Act Too” With Common and Talib Kweli Adds a Freestyle (Video)

Last night, Central Park in New York City hosted the season-ending concert for the Big Apple's SummerStage program, an outdoor performing-arts festival that brings hundreds of free shows to residents each year. Now in its thirtieth season, SummerStage provided Heads with some major Hip-Hop heat including performances from Afrika Bambaataa,... Read more

October 9, 2015 Video

Here’s A Gorgeous Mash-Up Of J Dilla, Common, Dwele & Bobby Caldwell (Audio)

Common's enduring love song, "The Light," turned 15 years old earlier this year. The track, which was produced by J Dilla, features a prominent sample of Bobby Caldwell's "Open Your Eyes," from his 1980 Cat in the Hat album. The song also was covered by Dwele in 2008 on his... Read more

September 24, 2015 Audio

15 Years Ago, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Common & More Used Hip-Hop for Justice. The Fight Continues.

Police officers (and law enforcement officials) murdering unarmed people of color has been a resounding issue, especially since the 2012 death of Trayvon Martin. However, while mainstream media has not always looked at the issue that extends back throughout the United States' history, other media has. One of those sources... Read more

September 7, 2015 Food for Thought

15 Years Later, Common’s “The Light” Remains a Shining Example of Hip-Hop Love

On July 18, 2000, Common released "The Light," and with it came one of Hip-Hop's greatest love songs. Along with Black Star's 1998 track "Brown Skin Lady" and The Roots' breakout 1999 single "You Got Me," "The Light" represented a focus on mutual respect, vulnerability, and a soulful approach to... Read more

July 18, 2015 Food for Thought

Common Performs 4 Of His Essential Hits At The 2015 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

This Saturday (July 11), Common headlined the 2015 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Taking the stage following sets by Mobb Deep, Freeway, Large Professor, Skyzoo, Charles Hamilton, Lion Babe, Consequence, John Robinson and others, Common, a live band, and DJ Dummy brought the show to a crescendo. The Chicago, Illinois Grammy and... Read more

July 13, 2015 Video

Watch Common, Mobb Deep, Freeway & More At The 2015 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video Stream)

Today (July 11), the 2015 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is ongoing. The 11th annual festival in Dumbo, Brooklyn features headliners including Common, Mobb Deep, Freeway, Skyzoo, Charles Hamilton, John Robinson & PVD, Stro, Lion Babe, Consequence, and more. The event is hosted by Uncle Ralph McDaniels and Torae, with DJ sets... Read more

July 11, 2015 Video

Hear the Greatness of Nina Simone as Interpreted by Lauryn Hill, Common, Mary J. Blige & More (Album Stream)

Later this week (7/10), RCA will release Nina Revisited...A Tribute to Nina Simone, celebrating one of the most enigmatic and acclaimed voices of the last century. Ahead of the album, NPR has made a full stream of the album available, via its First Listen series. Ms. Simone's reach extended to... Read more

July 6, 2015 Audio

Common Names His 5 Most Autobiographical Songs…They’re Deep (Audio)

In a career spanning 10 albums, and a plethora of powerful feature, soundtrack, and compilation appearances, Common's catalog is staggering. Speaking with Tim Einenkel's The Library Podcast, the MC formerly known as Common Sense was asked to select his five personal songs that would "make up an autobiography." This year's... Read more

July 2, 2015 Audio

Lost Ones: Common & Eminem Recorded Tracks For DJ Jazzy Jeff’s LP. Why Didn’t Sony Release It? (Video)

In a new interview with Polish Hip-Hop outlet Popkiller, DJ Jazzy Jeff shares details about much of his career, including history into his solo debut (2002's The Magnificent), his early work with Eminem, his role as the face of Starter jackets and hats, his definition of a real DJ, the... Read more

June 29, 2015 Video

This ’90s Hip-Hop Mix Reminds Fans Why They Were Ready to Die for H.E.R. (Mixtape)

In the mid-1990s, Hip-Hop underwent a bit of a transition. Some of the most skilled MCs on the scene (Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Grand Puba, Andre 3000, Scarface, etc.) started trading rowdy, raucous production for the laid-back cuts. Producers like Easy Mo Bee, DJ Clark Kent, Pete Rock, Da Beatminerz,... Read more

June 24, 2015 Throwback

Common, Mobb Deep, Freeway & More Set to Perform at The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to announce our media partnership with the 11th annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Kicking off July 8, and running through July 11, this year's series of events drives emphasis to the very spirit of Hip-Hop culture. 2015's gala includes performances by Academy and Grammy award-winning Common,... Read more

June 2, 2015 Exclusive

RZA To Direct Film “Coco,” Starring Common & Jill Scott

In the Fall of 1991, RZA (as Prince Rakeem) had a Tommy Boy Records EP, Ooh, I Love You Rakeem, which would prove to be a jumping off point for the Wu-Tang Clan. That same season, a Chicago, Illinois MC named Common Sense appeared in the October, 1991 "Unsigned Hype"... Read more

May 27, 2015 News

Common’s Be Turns 10 Years Old Today. Is It The Definitive Comeback Album?

One decade ago today (May 24, 2005), Common released his sixth album, Be. Although Common was then already a Grammy Award-winning, gold-certified MC, he was in an odd place. Comm' Sense was 11 years removed from his brilliant grassroots Hip-Hop commentary sophomore, Resurrection. The Chicago, Illinois MC was also five... Read more

May 24, 2015 Food for Thought

Do Remember: Rawkus Records’ Soundbombing 2 Album (Audio)

May 18, 1999, Rawkus Records would enter their most definitive year with their fifth full-length release in Soundbombing II. Distributed by the same Priority Records that had been so integral to the successes of Ruthless, Rap-A-Lot, and Roc-A-Fella, Brian Brater and Jarret Myer's imprint was truly stepping out. 1998 had... Read more

May 14, 2015 Throwback

Selma Will Be Gifted To Every High School In America (News)

After the news that Paramount Home Movie Distribution started an education program to let high school students see the movie for free while in theaters, the production company has now announced that they will be releasing the award-winning Civil Rights film Selma to every high school in the nation. The news was reported today (April 27).... Read more

April 27, 2015 News

Common & John Legend Are Friends…But Not in This Lip Sync Battle (Video)

Spike TV has launched a new show called Lip Sync Battle that is hosted by none other than LL Cool J. As the title suggests, the show pits contestants against one another in epic fake verbal jousts. In its premiere episode, oft-collaborators and joint Grammy/Oscar winners Common and John Legend... Read more

April 3, 2015 Video

Nobody’s Smiling…Common Un-invited From Kean University Graduation Speech

Common is the recipient of some difficult news today (April 1). Union, New Jersey's Kean University has uninvited the Chicago, Illinois veteran MC and actor from giving its commencement speech, after reported pressure from local police, who protested Common's attendance, fresh off of an award-winning season surrounding the movie Selma... Read more

April 1, 2015 News

Happy Birthday Common. Celebrate with This Amazing Mixtape of Remixes (Audio)

Today (March 13), Common turns 43 years old. For nearly 25 of those years, the Chicago, Illinois MC, actor, and activist has kept Heads noddin'. 2015 appears to be the biggest professional calendar of Common's life, only in the first quarter. The onetime Relativity Records breakout, and former Source "Unsigned... Read more

March 13, 2015 Mixes

Common Speaks on Why He Left Oprah Hanging at The Oscars (Video)

Common has deservedly received a lot of attention this week after winning his first Oscar, along with John Legend and Rhymefest, for Best Original Song for "Glory," from the movie Selma. His performance and acceptance speech were highlights of the Academy Awards. However, something that occurred immediately prior to his... Read more

February 27, 2015 Video

Rhymefest Now Has A Grammy & An Oscar. Is He One Of The Ghostwriter Greats?

Remember that time Rhymefest beat Eminem in a Rap battle at the 1997 Scribble Jam? Unless you were there, likely not. It seems now that the two Midwest MCs have more in common all these years later. During the 87th Academy Awards this past weekend, Rhymefest and Common simultaneously became... Read more

February 24, 2015 News

Common & John Legend Win an Oscar and Deliver Stirring Words of Change (Video)

Last night (2/22), Common & John Legend won the Best Original Song Academy Award for their song "Glory," in the movie Selma. They've been performing the song at seemingly every major award show, including the Golden Globes and the Grammy Awards, but the artists brought renewed passion to the 87th... Read more

February 23, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Common vs. Method Man…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 20, 2015 Fresh

J Dilla, Common & James Poyser Caught On Questlove’s Camera, Working In The Studio (Video)

One of the definitive albums of J Dilla's career was not his own, but rather, Common's Like Water For Chocolate. Comm's first LP out of the No I.D. and Dug Infinite pocket welcomed Jay Dee, Questlove, D'Angelo, James Poyser and the Soulquarians to the mix, along with DJ Premier and... Read more

February 10, 2015 Throwback

Eminem’s Marshall Mathers 2 LP Crowned Rap Album Of The Year, Take A Closer Look

At last night's (February 8) 57th Grammy Awards, Eminem's Marshall Mathers 2 LP grabbed "Rap Album Of The Year" honors. This is the fifth time Em has received these honors, in a career that has witnessed seven studio albums (not including Infinite). The Detroit, Michigan superstar MC/producer was not on... Read more

February 9, 2015 News

Happy Birthday to DJ Jazzy Jeff. Celebrate with This Amazing Mix (Mixtape)

Happy Birthday to the incomparable DJ Jazzy Jeff who turned the tender young age of 50 today (1/22). If you've ever had the privilege of attending a set spun by Jeff, you know NOBODY goes harder or digs deeper in the crates than him. So, on his birthday, what better... Read more

January 22, 2015 Mixes

Stacy Barthe & Common Show How Beautiful Music Makes Us Live for Today (Audio)

Stacy Barthe is a supremely talented vocalist and songwriter. While she might not be a household name (yet), she has written songs for some of the biggest artists in the world, including Rihanna, Kelly Rowland, Britney Spears and Katie Perry. She's also worked with the likes of Melanie Fiona, Akon... Read more

January 15, 2015 Audio

Common & John Legend Receive Oscar Nomination For “Glory”

After winning this year's Golden Globe Award for "Best Original Song," Common & John Legend's "Glory", from the film Selma, has been nominated for the Academy Award in the same category. They could potentially be just the third Hip-Hop/R&B act to win the award, along with Three 6 Mafia's "It's Hard Out... Read more

January 15, 2015 Fresh

Termanology, Skyzoo, Torae & REKS Celebrate The Downtime (Video)

Termanology just dropped a new music video for "Get Away," a highlight off of his new album Shut Up And Rap, which was just released last month. The song features guest appearances from some dope MCs, all of whom released new albums in 2014: Skyzoo & Torae, who released Barrel... Read more

January 13, 2015 Video

Common & John Legend Capture The Glory Of “Selma” (Video)

Less than 48 hours after Common and John Legend carried Golden Globe trophies (presented by Prince) off of the stage for their song "Glory," they offer up the video. The "Best Original Song" winner from the film Selma cross-promotes Ava DuVernay's latest work in the visual. Along the way, there... Read more

January 13, 2015 Video

Common & John Legend Are Presented With Golden Globes…By Prince (Video)

Moments ago this evening (January 11), it was a historic moment for the careers of Common and John Legend. The former G.O.O.D. Music label-mates, as a pair, took home "Best Original Song" Golden Globes for the song "Glory" from the film Selma. Not only does the honor put John and Comm'... Read more

January 12, 2015 Video

Start the New Year with Some Old School Videos (Playlist)

Should old acquaintance be forgot...never that. Today, we ring in the new year with some Old School. Here's a video playlist featuring Nas, Common, OutKast, The Roots, Black Moon, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, The Beatnuts, a rare performance by The Notorious B.I.G. & Method Man and more. Check it... Read more

January 3, 2015 Playlists, Throwback

AFH:14 Best Hip-Hop Albums Of 2014 (Food For Thought)

2014 was a special year in Hip-Hop music. Rather than a usual suspect front-running in spotlight, this was a democratic crop of albums—where new artists made cohesive introductory works, veterans advanced their skillsets and redefined their reputations, and underground MCs challenged the mainstream. There were artists who released multiple works,... Read more

December 31, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought

Common & John Legend Honor The Civil Rights Movement Of The ’60s & Today (Audio)

Need some chicken noodle soup for the soul today? This may be it... Old G.O.O.D. Music brothers Common and John Legend come together for "Glory." Holding 2014's Ferguson protestors up alongside Rosa Parks' Birmingham, Alabama bus incident and subsequent boycott (59 years ago this week), this uplifting song is about... Read more

December 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Common vs. stic.man…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

December 1, 2014 Fresh

Are Native Tongues Hip-Hop’s Best Collective Ever? Listen to This (Mixtape)

A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Black Sheep, The Jungle Brothers...Each of these artists are legendary in their own right. When you combine them? You have one of the finest Hip-Hop collectives ever assembled, in Native Tongues. Here's a mix by DJ Ready that features... Read more

November 29, 2014 Throwback

The Tension Is Captured In Common & Snoh’s Bad Things (Video)

In addition to the acclaimed work on Nobody Smiling, and his upcoming (amazing) appearance on Royce Da 5'9" & DJ Premier's PRhyme, one of Common's more interesting 2014 moments is "Bad Things" alongside Snoh Aalegra. Produced by No I.D., the track is a heavily stylized narrative. So for the video,... Read more

November 19, 2014 Fresh, Video

Common Leads a Troop of Artists Raising Awareness About Climate Change (Audio)

This is refreshing. In a throwback to times when Hip-Hop stood for something and spoke up for change, Common has teamed with Malik Yusef, Kumasi, Aaron Fresh, Choklate, and Laci Kay on the song "Trouble in the Water." The song is part of a forthcoming project called HOME which seeks... Read more

November 15, 2014 Audio

Common Honors Veterans Day & Those Who Served In A Spoken Word Piece (Video)

Recently, Common performed "This War We Fight" at The White House, in honor of Veteran's Day and those who served in the United States Armed Forces. On the day of remembrance (November 11), Comm' releases the video of him delivering the rhyming, Spoken Word poem. Looking out the window in... Read more

November 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

MC Lyte Makes The Perfect Visual For Her Latest Common Collabo (Video)

Following last month's "Dear John," MC Lyte & Common's latest collaboration gets a narrative video. The song about men taking on a greater role in their families amidst the stressful and demanding circumstances gets a video that highlights fatherhood, especially Black fatherhood, including some celebrity cameos. This concept is executed... Read more

October 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Snoh & Common Say Bad Things Over A No ID Instrumental (Audio)

The history between Common and No ID has been well documented for some years, but their relationship with Swedish R&B songstress Snoh may be a little lesser known to the average Head. Looking up to iconic artists including her all-time hero, Michael Jackson, Snoh Aalegra began honing in on her... Read more

October 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Lil Herb, Common & Chance the Rapper Say No Matter How Hard Things Get, Never Quit (Video)

Lil Herb's "Fight or Flight Remix" featuring Common and Chance the Rapper is at times bleak, but the overriding message is, no matter how bad things have been or might get, never quit and never give in. The video captures these themes with both images of destruction and those of... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

The Family of Mike Brown Joins Common Onstage at the BET Hip Hop Awards (Video)

In a moment that was truly bigger than Hip-Hop (or any other form of music), the parents of Mike Brown, who was gunned down by police in Ferguson, MO, took the stage during the BET Hip Hop Awards at the conclusion of Common's performance of his "Kingdom Remix" with Vince... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

PRhyme (DJ Premier and Royce Da 5’9″) Release the Artwork and Tracklist for Their New EP

DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9" shook up the Hip-Hop world last month when they announced they were forming a group called PRhyme, Premier's first since Gang Starr. After releasing a teaser and a single, they now reveal the artwork and tracklist. The project will feature production from Preemo, samples... Read more

October 14, 2014 Fresh

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in September 2014 (Audio)

As we ease into October, here's a look back at some of the amazing music that came out in September 2014. You'll hear songs from DJ Quik, Nas, The Lox, Schoolboy Q, Common, Jay Electronica, MC Lyte, Childish Gambino, Raekwon, Logic, Rapsody, Yelawolf, Diamond D, Elzhi, Talib Kweli, Nature, Rick... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Common Releases His Remix to Kingdom with Vince Staples & Jay Electronica (Audio)

After premiering the remix to "Kingdom" at the taping of the BET Hip Hop Awards (airing on 10/14), Common releases the track to the masses. The song, which was already powerful with its meditative choir-sung hook, goes to a different level with the addition of the one and only Jay... Read more

September 24, 2014 Audio

Jay Electronica Joins Common & Vince Staples On Stage for the Kingdom Remix (Video)

As reported, Jay Electronica joined Common and Vince Staples on stage at the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta for a powerful remix to Common's Kingdom. Last night, the trio did another performance of the remix at the AAHH! Fest in Chicago and footage of Jay Elec's verse was captured.... Read more

September 22, 2014 Video