AFH Ambrosia for Heads

MC Lyte & Common Make A Powerful Concept Song Dedicated To Men (Audio)

In a week when discussions surrounding men-and-women's relations are especially strong, MC Lyte and Common are right and on time with "Dear John." Lyte, who has so successfully externalized in songs throughout the last 25 years, speaks to men with empathy and compassion, understanding the pressures faced, and the roles... Read more

Lil Herb, Common & Chance the Rapper Reflect on the Struggle in Their Hometown Chicago (Video)

Lil Herb teams with fellow Chicago natives Common and Chance the Rapper on the remix to Fight or Flight. The soulful track is highly conducive to head-nodding but the themes of their verses are mournful, not joyful. As Common did throughout his entire Nobody's Smiling album, the trio focuses on... Read more

Lupe Fiasco, Common & Jennifer Hudson Honor Cancer Survivors (Video)

Hip-Hop is stepping up with its voice and power. Lupe Fiasco joins fellow Chicago Hip-Hop superstar Common and songstress Jennifer Hudson for "Remission." In conjunction with Stand Up 2 Cancer, the 3 have come together for a fundraising song. With The Notorious B.I.G and the late Poetic ("Grym Reaper" of... Read more

What Do You Think About Common Accepting Drake’s VMA Award? (Video)

Hip-Hop beefs, after they've been squashed, always seem to have an interesting denouement. Following the jaw-dropping on-stage appearance between Jay Z and Nas in 2005 (and subsequent Sway Calloway MTV interview), the ultimate 2000s Rap rumble still has afterburners. Heads prodded at Nas, when as a Def Jam artists making... Read more

What Do Remy Ma & Biggie Smalls’ Sway Freestyles Have In Common? (Video)

In Remy Ma's first post-prison freestyle, the former First Lady Of The Terror Squad hits Sway In The Morning with a verse. As Sway Calloway points out, Remy joins The Notorious B.I.G. as the only 2 artists on his show to seamlessly edit her curses on the fly. With Sway... Read more

Here’s a Clip of Common (Sense) in 1997 STRAIGHT RIPPING THE MIC at Fat Beats (Video)

DJ Eclipse continues his weekly treat of digging into the vault and pulling out extremely rare footage of some of today's most vaunted MCs freestyling early in their careers. After showcasing, a spirited Kanye West rapping in 1996, here's a clip of Common (then Common Sense) OBLITERATING the mic, off... Read more

This Week in Hip-Hop Brought a Righteous Verse from Lecrae, Videos from Common, Cormega, ONYX, YG & More (Video Playlist)

This week in Hip-Hop video brought some heavy hitters, including Lecrae conquering Sway's 5 Swingers of Death MC challenge with a righteous verse, 19-year old Kanye freestyling, new music videos from Cormega, Common, ONYX, YG, 2 Chainz, Chance the Rapper and more, Snoop interviewing Jimmy Kimmel, short clips on Apollo... Read more

Common & Big Sean Put The Diamonds On Display (Video)

Common and Big Sean are no strangers to one another. Having previously worked together on cuts like Big Sean's "Switch Up," the rappers decide to match up again for Common's No I.D.-produced, "Diamonds." Just three days removed from Common's release of his tenth studio album, Nobody's Smiling, the Chicago artist... Read more

Common Performs Kingdom & Blak Majik on Jimmy Kimmel Live (Video)

Common continues his promo run in support of his new album, Nobody's Smiling. He appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and performed "Kingdom" with Vince Staples and "Blak Majik" with Jhene Aiko. Check out both performances below. Kingdom Come Blak Majik Related: Common Goes City To City In The Nobody’s Smiling... Read more

Common Goes City To City In The Nobody’s Smiling Bonus Track (Audio)

On a concept, fully cohesive like Nobody's Smiling by Common, bonus cuts are really challenging. Like a novel missing a chapter, or deleted scenes from a film, these amendments can affect the whole message, premise, and shape of a narrative. Still fresh in the minds of the Hip-Hop masses, Common... Read more

Watch Common’s First Ever Live Performances From Nobody’s Smiling (Video)

Last night (7/21), Common held a release party at NYC's Gramercy Theatre for his new album, Nobody's Smiling. He treated an intimate but extremely hyped crowd to an energetic performance of many of the album's songs for the first time, as well as a run through many of his classics.... Read more

Listen To Common & No ID Discuss Nobody’s Smiling However You Like (Video)

After over two decades in the game, Common releases his tenth studio album, Nobody's Smiling, to the masses today. Already receiving quite a positive buzz within the community, the Chicago themed project features exclusive production from longtime friend No ID as well as numerous artists including Jhene Aiko, Big Sean,... Read more

Common Never Skips A Beat On Sway’s 5 Fingers of Death (Video)

Common stops by the Shade 45 Studio to kick it with Sway Calloway and his team for the third year anniversary of their top of the morning radio syndicate. In this episode, Sway gets Common's take on a few popular entertainment news stories, talks about his upcoming album, Nobody's Smiling... Read more

Ready For Common’s Nobody’s Smiling Album? Here’s the Full Stream (Audio)

After several stellar releases, Common's Nobody's Smiling album hits stores on Tuesday (7/22). The album is now available for full stream. Check out his song Blak Majik featuring Jhene Aiko below, as well as a link to the stream. Related: Common Talks Chicago Music, Culture, & The “Heat” That Inspired... Read more

Take an Eye Opening Walk Through the Neighborhood with Common (Audio)

Common's latest release from his upcoming album, Nobody's Smiling, continues his theme of shining a light on the ills of his hometown of Chicago. On "The Neighborhood," Common walks you through the blocks and the picture he paints is far from pretty. Check it out. Related: Common & Big Sean... Read more

Common Talks Chicago Music, Culture, & The “Heat” That Inspired Him & Nobody’s Smiling (Audio)

Days before the release of his 10th studio album, Nobody's Smiling, Common delivers an insightful interview with Combat Jack discussing the inspiration behind his upcoming album (2:45) and the significance of the cover (8:00), Chicago's musical "heat" (11:45), his first encounter with racism (27:30), his experiences with Rev. Jeremiah Wright... Read more

Common & Big Sean Show Off Their Diamonds (Audio)

Following the unveiling of "Speak My Piece" last week (June 30), Common's Nobody's Smiling campaign continues. Teaming with longtime collaborator and onetime G.O.O.D. Music brother (and now Def Jam brother), Big Sean, on "Diamonds," Common's perceived agenda of reaching a new, younger generation with his latest album feels successful, when... Read more

Common Explains Why Nobody’s Smiling In Chicago (Video)

Common sits down with HardKnockTV to discuss his upcoming album, Nobody's Smiling, a concept that developed from Rakim's line "I'm in the ghetto, nobody's smiling," and took on a life of its own (0:50). Common's biggest inspiration for the project derives from the increasing crime rate in the Chicago area... Read more

Common’s Speak My Piece Is A Beautiful Illustration Of His Vision On Nobody’s Smiling (Audio)

Common's sound has evolved over the last 22 years. From working with The Beatnuts to No I.D. and Dug Infinite to The Soulquarians to Kanye West to Pharrell and back... Comm's forever playing with his growth as an artist, surviving the times, and making each body of work stand apart... Read more

Nobody’s Smiling On Common’s New Album Artwork, Now Get The Tracklist

Now arriving in less than one month, July 22's Nobody's Smiling from Common visually lives up to its name. Now at Def Jam Records, the 22-year veteran of releasing penetrating Hip-Hop albums mean-mugs on an LP for the first time since his October '92 debut, Can I Borrow A Dollar?.... Read more

This Week Brought Videos From J. Cole, G-Unit, T.I., Ab-Soul, Joell Ortiz, Dilated Peoples, Common & More (Video)

This week was a strong one for video. New visuals rolled in from Common, Ab-Soul, G-Unit, T.I., Joell Ortiz, Dilated Peoples, The Game and more. There were also throwbacks from J. Cole & Michael Jackson. Additionally, Black Thought tackled the Harry Potter theme and Chris Rock announced a new tour.... Read more

Common & Hype Williams Release a Visually Stunning Short Film for Kingdom (Video)

With its swelling Gospel chorus and Common's piercing lyrics about the plight facing his hometown of Chicago, it's hard to imagine his song "Kingdom" could be any more powerful. However, when you combine that penetrating soundtrack with the visuals of Hype Williams, the song soars to a new level. Williams... Read more

Jay Z Adds A Soccer-Themed Verse To Remix X Ambassadors & Jamie N Commons’ Hit Jungle (Audio)

Between The Black Album and Kingdom Come, Jay Z picked and chose his spots to keep a reigning lyrical spot in Hip-Hop strong. From addressing the Roc-A-Fella break-up on "Diamonds Are Forever (Remix)" to the illusive, Hip-Hop and relationship-driven "Dear Summer" solo track on Memphis Bleek's 534 LP (which began... Read more

The Best Hip-Hop in May Included Slaughterhouse, KRS-One, Ghostface, Ab-Soul, Common, Cormega, The Roots & Much More (Audio Playlist)

Before we get too deep into June, here's a look back at some of the best Hip-Hop to drop in May and there was an abundance...You'll hear new music from Slaughterhouse, Cormega, KRS-One, Ab-Soul, Rapsody, Ghostface, Common, Mac Miller, De La Soul, Nitty Scott, MC, The Roots, Blu, Freddie Gibbs,... Read more

Common Remembers Maya Angelou In This Touching Letter (Food For Thought)

In the wake of Maya Angelou's death last week, Common published a heartfelt reaction. Comm's words explain everything they need to, but Ambrosia For Heads felt this was something too heartfelt, important, and eloquent not to share: "Since I was 5 years old I have loved reading good writing. I... Read more

Common Reunites With No ID At Def Jam Records, Nobody’s Smiling Release Date Announced!

With Nobody's Smiling announced in the first days of 2014, Heads weren't sure of any more details. The Chicago Hip-Hop pioneer had fulfilled his deal with Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music years ago, before releasing 2011's The Dreamer/The Believer at Warner Bros. Records, an imprint which has since rolled into Atlantic.... Read more

Heaven Can’t Wait For Common On Kingdom (Audio)

Soothing church house vocals give Common the keys to the "Kingdom" for his latest single. Produced by fellow Chicagoan and frequent collaborator, No I.D., the angelic piece is blessed by Common's new perspective in death as he stands in front of the pearly gates as "Chicago's prodigal son." The track's... Read more

Common Can’t Be Pinned Down Ever. Just Hear Him Alongside Dreezy On No Good (Audio)

When it comes to songs about intimate relationships, Common's usually thought of as rhyming about the upside. While "I Used To Love H.E.R." was a metaphoric breakup with Hip-Hop, "The Light" and "I Want You" are remembered as seductive approaches of harmonious love. On Dreezy's "No Good," Common speaks from... Read more

Logic Re-Interprets a Common Classic In Finding Forever (Audio)

Common's longtime producer and collaborator No I.D. is the same music executive who put a Def Jam jacket on Logic's shoulders. Perhaps one of the selling points for the Baltimore, Maryland independent juggernaut to ink with the label was related to No I.D.' closeness to the movement with Comm Sense.... Read more

Common & Rhymefest Team With Urban League To Create Thousands Of Youth Jobs

Today's Chicago Sun-Times reports that two Hip-Hop stars from the city are collaborating with the Urban League to provide jobs for those in need of employment. The report suggests that currently "92% of young Black males are jobless" in the Windy City (not stating what the age range is). Rapper-turned-poilitician... Read more

In a Year Where Winter is Lingering, Here’s Some Sunshine From Wale, Rick Ross & Common (Audio)

In a year where winter seemingly will not go away, here's some Sunshine from Wale, Common and Rick Ross. Check out the remix. Related: Rick Ross & Wale Remix Lorde’s Royals. Did Anyone Tell Them What the Song Was About? (Audio)... Read more

Kanye West, Common & Madlib Discuss Stones Throw Records In Part 1 Of Documentary (Video)

Peanut Butter Wolf's Stones Throw Records is a special imprint. The California-based indie label has been a release house for work ranging from acclaimed J Dilla Instrumental albums (Donuts), MF DOOM comeback collaborations (Madvillainy), debut LPs from NYC legends like Percee P (Perseverance), and a host of small one-offs ranging... Read more

Big Boi & Common Stake Their Claims on the Throne (Audio)

HBO's epic series Game of Thrones returns on April 6th. As a lead up to the show, HBO is releasing a mixtape called Catch the Throne, and it will feature some heavy hitters. The first 2 singles from the project are from Big Boi (Mother of Dragons) and Common (The... Read more

What Do Strip Joints and Cemeteries Have in Common? Schoolboy Q Has the Answer (Video)

Schoolboy Q has released the video for What They Want, his collaboration with 2 Chainz. It was filmed in New Orleans and features the unlikely combination of footage from cemeteries and strip clubs. Needless to say, it is NSFW. Related: Who’s Realer Than Schoolboy Q These Days? Watch Him Decode... Read more

Common Speaks About Use of the “N’ Word on ESPN (Video)

In light of their ongoing examination of bullying, the NFL is considering levying a penalty for in-game usage of the "N" word on the field. ESPN hosted a panel to discuss the issue, which included Common. Given the prevalent usage of the word in Hip-Hop, Common gave context for why... Read more

Common Has 3 Gold Albums, And He Still Freestyles Completely Off The Top (Video)

Common Sense has three Gold albums (Like Water For Chocolate, Be, and Finding Forever). Still, the major label artist and actor holds to the Hip-Hop fundamentals of freestyling. Many Comm concerts feature a freestyle where the Chicago, Illinois MC works in local street names, restaurants, and other landmarks. He brought... Read more

Common’s Nobody Smiling Shows Its Teeth With An Ab-Soul Feature On A No ID Jam (Audio)

Fresh off of Rick Ross' Mastermind listening session and album preview, 2014's album landscape is looking quite fertile. Coming up soon is Common's Nobody Smiling, a Chicago-themed conversation piece about the youth violence epidemic. Late today, the L.A. Leakers dropped the digital needle on "Made In Black America." The song,... Read more

Common & No ID Declare War On The Violence Plaguing Chicago’s Streets (Audio)

We learned mere hours ago that Common is planning his fifth album with early producer No ID Nobody Smiling, taking its name from Rakim's powerful lyrics, the album is an indictment on the street violence epidemic in Chicago, Illinois. Lupe Fiasco, Chief Keef, and a host of other artists have... Read more

Common’s New Album Will Be a Call to Action to Stop the Violence in Chicago (Video)

Twenty-two years ago, No I.D. (then known as Immenslope) produced over half of Common's (then known as Common Sense) debut album, Can I Borrow A Dollar? In the years since, No I.D. and Comm, both Chicagoans have worked together on some heralded albums such as Resurrection and One Day It'll... Read more

What Do Ice Cube, Kevin Hart & Conan O’Brien Have in Common? One Hilarious Car Ride Around LA (Video)

Conan O'Brien decided to go on a joy ride with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, using a new app called Lyft. If you need a few laughs in your day, this is the video to watch. Related: The Making Of Ice Cube’s It Was A Good Day (Video)... Read more

Common Shines on Another Incredible J. Dilla Beat with Yancey Boys’ Quicksand (Video)

J. Dilla blessed a lot of great artists with his beats over his too short career, but there were some with whom he had a special connection. A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and, naturally, Slum Village instantly come to mind. He and Common, however, had a mind meld... Read more

Common and Marsha Ambrosious Join Robert Glasper Experiment on the Mesmerizing Song Trust (Audio)

Here's yet another amazing song from Robert Glasper Experiment. This one pairs Marsha Ambrosious and Common. Press play and vibe out to Trust. Related: Robert Glasper Experiment - Calls ft Jill Scott (Video)... Read more

Common Discusses the New Era of Chicago MC’s Like Chance the Rapper, Chief Keef and More (Video)

Seeing that he's one of most respected veterans in the game, it's always dope to hear what Common has to say on different topics when it comes to Hip-Hop. He recently sat down during a Rock The Bells show and discussed topics ranging from his never ending love for music,... Read more

Robert Glasper Experiment – I Stand Alone ft Common & Patrick Stump (of Fall Out Boy)

Robert Glasper puts together Common and Patrick Stump from Fall Out Boy on his latest release. The combination may sound unlikely on paper but it makes for beautiful music. Here's I Stand Alone. Related: Terrace Martin – No Wrong, No Right ft Robert Glasper & James Fauntleroy (Video)... Read more

Yancey Boys – Quicksand ft Common & Dezi Paige

The J Dilla catalog is never-ending. One of Hip-Hop's most talented musicians recorded at a Tupac-like pace throughout his extensive and dynamic career. Recently, Dilla's younger brother Illa J (now of Slum Village/Dirty Slums) and Frank Nitt (of Frank-N-Dank) took some unreleased, largely unheard Dilla compositions, and got to work... Read more

Drake Says He Won His Battle With Common

Drake and Common’s beef (if we can call it that?) might seem like a pillow fight compared to the atom bomb Kendrick dropped on Hip Hop this week, but in an interview for next month’s XXL, Drizzy claims he came out the victor. In the new issue (which hits stores... Read more

Common – Open Letter Pt. II

I wanna rhyme like Common Sense...Common adds a verse in support of Jay-Z over the Open Letter track. Check out Open Letter Pt.II. Related: Common – Congratulations ft Cocaine 80′s Click here to download.... Read more

Common – Congratulations ft Cocaine 80’s

Here's a new song from Common with longtime collaborator, No I.D. Same result--dopeness. Check out Congratulations featuring Cocaine 80's. Related: Common freestyles over Clique (Video)... Read more

Big Sean- Switch It Up ft Common

With Hall Of Fame set to release this year, Big Sean teams up with Common for "Switch It Up." Related: Big Sean – 24K of Gold (Remix) ft J. Cole & Raekwon... Read more

Common Freestyles over Clique (Video)

Common kicks a freestyle off the top over the "Clique" instrumental. Check out the video. Related: Common on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (Video)... Read more