common Archives

Chance Is The Youngest Person To Receive BET’s Humanitarian Award (Video)

Chance The Rapper began 2017 taking home three Grammy Awards, despite releasing a not-for-sale album. Tonight (June 25), the Chance received the Humanitarian Award at the BET Awards. At just 24 years old, Chancelor Bennett joins Muhammad Ali, Harry Belafonte, Quincy Jones, Denzel Washington, Jesse Williams, and others. He became... Read more

June 25, 2017 News, Video

Scarface Says Jay Z Is The Best Songwriter Of All-Time

Today (June 15) Jay Z is being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Announced in February, the moment marks the first time a Hip-Hop artist will receive the prestigious honor. In celebration of the achievement, Tidal has compiled some remarkable peer praise for the Roc Nation MC. Common (who... Read more

June 15, 2017 Fresh

Watch 40 Years Of Hip-Hop History In 4 Minutes In A Mind-Blowing Mashup (Video)

It ain't nothin' like Hip-Hop music...Over the last 40 years, there have been few forces in pop culture with more impact than Hip-Hop. Like Rock & Roll before it, the music and lifestyle shaped an entire generation and has had untold influence around the world. The Rub: The History of... Read more

June 5, 2017 Video

Questlove Mentors A Young Street Drummer With Common & Black Thought’s Support (Video)

In the early 1990s, The Roots (as The Square Roots) regularly played before sidewalk audiences along Philadelphia's South Street. In the days before major label support and Grammy awards, Questlove, Black Thought, Malik B, and company used their music as a free gift to the people, and presumably welcomed any... Read more

May 8, 2017 Video

Celebrate DJ Premier’s Birthday With A 5 Minute Megamix Of His Greatest Hits (Audio)

Today marks the birthday of one of Hip-Hop's most beloved figures. DJ Premier turns 51 years old on March 21. For nearly 30 years, the Prairie View, Texas native-turned-bona fide New York musician has been making Heads nod, along with causing their faces to scrunch up, and air-scratch with their... Read more

March 21, 2017 Audio, Mixes

Kanye West Recalls Watching J Dilla Work. He Compares Him To Quincy (Video)

In 2005, Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music was the label responsible for Common's sixth album, Be. That album, which was Common's first Top 10 release (debuting at #2) was critical to the Chicago, Illinois MC's career, and transformation. While West was responsible for nine of the LP's 11 tracks, the other... Read more

March 8, 2017 Throwback

Finding The GOAT Producer (The Final Battle): DJ Premier vs. J Dilla. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

March 7, 2017 Finding the GOAT

DJ Premier & J Dilla Are The Finalists In The Finding The GOAT Producer Competition

Today (March 6), Round 4 voting closed for “Finding The GOAT Producer.” This competition, launched in early January, beginning with 32 producers (including two Wild Card inductees into the bracket). The 32 eventually became a pack of 16, then an Elite 8, next a Final 4, and now presents its... Read more

March 6, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: J Dilla vs. Dr. Dre. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

March 2, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: DJ Premier vs. RZA. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 27, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: Pete Rock vs. Kanye West. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 24, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: J Dilla vs. A Tribe Called Quest. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer,” the third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no... Read more

February 22, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Black Thought & Common Have A Freestyle Battle That Goes Off The Wheels (Video)

When it comes to freestyling, few are better than Black Thought and Common. Unlike others who shy away from grabbing an open mic, both Comm' and Thought seize the moment when there's an opportunity to rhyme. And, while neither has anything left to prove, each often goes completely off the... Read more

February 11, 2017 Video

Finding The GOAT Producer: No ID vs. A Tribe Called Quest. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and two slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving... Read more

January 23, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Producer: DJ Premier vs. Large Professor. Who Is Better? (Audio)

“Finding the GOAT Producer” begins. The third installment of Ambrosia For Heads' annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest producers vying for the #1 spot. Thirty producers were pre-selected by a panel of experts, and 2 slots will be reserved for wild-card entries, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to insure no deserving... Read more

January 9, 2017 Finding the GOAT

Common’s Latest Video Envisions a World With Empty Prisons & A True End to Slavery

With his eleventh studio album, Common continued the conceptual theme he began with 2014's Nobody's Smiling, in which he addressed gun violence and other racially disproportionate issues plaguing his native Chicago. November's Black America Again takes a broader view of sociopolitical Hip-Hop, inspired in part by the gravity of 2016's... Read more

December 15, 2016 Video

Here Are The Best Hip-Hop Performances & Videos Of 2016

2016 has been a unique year. With it, Hip-Hop had a lot to say, visually. Poets new and old, independent and well-heeled, used their art to promote awareness, suggest change, and when appropriate, provide distraction. At a time when the music video largely lives online, artists made statements—about themselves, their... Read more

December 13, 2016 Food for Thought

The Symphony 2016 Was Just 1 Of The Truly Amazing Performances & Videos Of The Year

2016 has been a unique year. With it, Hip-Hop had a lot to say, visually. Poets new and old, independent and well-heeled, used their art to promote awareness, suggest change, and when appropriate, provide distraction. At a time when the music video largely lives online, artists made statements—about themselves, their... Read more

December 12, 2016 Video

Pusha T & Gucci Mane Join Common To Voice What Makes Black America Great…Again (Audio)

Throughout his career, Common has at times been—at least on paper—a left field featured guest. He appeared on albums like T.I.'s King when the Grand Hustle founder was the monarch of Trap. He made one of several Gil Scott Heron homages on The Game's "Angel" two years after, showing an... Read more

November 14, 2016 Audio

Dave Chappelle, De La Soul & More Celebrate the Obamas With a “Block Party” at the White House (Video)

Earlier this year, Dave Chappelle's Block Party celebrated its tenth anniversary, a milestone which allowed fans to reflect back on the film and its place in Hip-Hop history. A similar history was just made on Saturday Night Live, where the most recent episode sported Chappelle as host and A Tribe... Read more

November 14, 2016 TV/Film

Common Is A Rap Pharaoh Building Pyramids Of Empowerment, With Words (Video)

One week ago today, Common released his 11th album, Black America Again. The LP had many a la carte looks before its release. "Pyramids" was a highlight. Produced by Karriem Riggins and Robert Glasper, the track is one of several with reverberating lyrics about the modern day Black experience, the... Read more

November 11, 2016 Video

There Was Scary Good Hip-Hop In October. Here’s Some Of The Best (Audio)

October was a scary month for a number of reasons. Of course, itended with Halloween, but it also featured some of the most low rent politics the country has ever seen, with even the FBI getting into the action. What's even more frightening, amongst all the jockeying for position, there... Read more

November 7, 2016 Audio

Common & The Roots Join Forces To Break The Cycle Of Ills Facing Black America (Video)

Earlier this month, Common was a surprise guest at The Roots Picnic New York. There, the Things Fall Apart, Rising Down, and Wake Up! featured MC performed his single "Black America Again" with The Roots crew in the misty rain for all of Bryant Park to hear. Last night (October 27),... Read more

October 28, 2016 Video

Common’s New Song Hits Home With A Strong Message Of Excellence & Empowerment (Audio)

Over the years, Common and Bilal have a strong working chemistry. Since Like Water For Chocolate's DJ Premier-produced "The 6th Sense," the MC and singer have together to make each other shine brightly. "Home" is one of three songs featuring Bilal on Black America Again (November 4). Within, Common raps... Read more

October 20, 2016 Audio

Common Wants Solange’s “Cranes” To Find Forever In His Remix (Audio)

Solange Knowles earned her first #1 album earlier this month. A Seat At The Table contains thoughtful, assertive, and incredibly timely music. Video single "Cranes In The Sky" is the entry point to many on the younger Knowles sister's latest dissertation in sound, with an album that truly owns her... Read more

October 18, 2016 Audio

Common Releases The Artwork & Tracklist For His Black America Again Album

Common has taken one of the defining singles of his career and extended it to an album title. Black America Again is the name of Comm's 11th album. Common Speaks On Why He’s Not A Conscious Rapper. He’s a Human MC (Video) To be released in less than one month... Read more

October 14, 2016 Fresh

Common Speaks On Why He’s Not A Conscious Rapper. He’s a Human MC (Video)

In the skit following "The 6th Sense," Common made light of his public image. The Chicago, Illinois MC made a song that fought for Hip-Hop's preservation. Moments after, he made light of the way he appeared to some—as a deeply conscious, lighthearted poet. The same artist who had been involved... Read more

October 10, 2016 Video

Common Performs 3 New Songs In An Amazing White House Tiny Desk Concert (Video)

It’s been a busy few days for Common. On Saturday, he crashed The Roots Picnic, and performed a few surprise songs during D’Angelo and John Mayer’s headlining set with The Legendary Roots Crew. Just two days after, he had the privilege of recording a very special version of NPR’s Tiny... Read more

October 4, 2016 Video

Common Reveals The Title And Featured Artists On His Next Album (Video)

In the last 25 years, Common's discography is speckled with a number of award-winning, thematic, and cult-championed albums. The MC has evolved from a beer-drinking, slick-talking rhymer into a reflective lyrical poet, to a hit-maker, and cultural symbol of self and external love. It has been more than two years... Read more

October 3, 2016 Video

Common & Stevie Wonder’s Snapshot of Black America Is Raw & Uncut (Video)

Common's 2014 album Nobody's Smiling not only signified a reforged musical partnership with producer No I.D., but also a concept record inspired by Chicago. The MC's hometown continues to be plagued by skyrocketing rates of gun violence, and while it manages to be a hotbed for vibrant talent including Chance... Read more

September 22, 2016 Video

The Roots Use Ghostface Killah’s Music To Signal Hillary Clinton Is “Mighty Healthy” (Video)

Throughout their tenure on "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon" (and previously, "Late Night..."), The Roots have had fun with their musical post. Band leader Questlove, Black Thought, Tuba Gooding, Jr., Captain Kirk Douglas and the rest of the crew have jammed with some incredible musicians, partook in more than... Read more

September 20, 2016 TV, TV/Film, Video

Common Releases Another All-Star Love Song (Audio)

Back in May, Common made an appearance on Sway In The Morning, where he announced a new album was on the way and previewed two powerful verses from the forthcoming LP. While those bars were politically-charged and addressed race relations in America, his latest release taps into another area in... Read more

September 8, 2016 Audio

Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Beyonce & More List 23 Ways You Could Be Killed If Black In America

In one of the most powerful clips in recent memory, Kevin Hart, Bono, Beyonce, Chris Rock, Common, Talib Kweli, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Chance The Rapper and several other entertainers have come together to recite 23 ways you could be killed if you are Black in America. With each... Read more

July 13, 2016 Video

Common Opens His Arms to Refugees Running Towards the Unknown (Video)

June 20 marked World Refugee Day, a time for the globe's citizens to collectively aim their thoughts and compassion towards the 65 million people who have been forced to flee their homes for various reasons. In much of the developing world, things like civil war, poverty, disease, and natural disasters... Read more

June 21, 2016 Video

Common Premieres 2 Powerful New Verses From His Upcoming Album (Video)

Today (May 31) Common was a guest on Sway In The Morning. In the last year and a half, Common has added Oscar awards, Golden Globe awards, and another Grammy to his stash of trophy accolades. Meanwhile, he put a beef to bed and made a blockbuster film and a... Read more

May 31, 2016 Video

Guru & Common Flow Over Classic Dr. Dre Heat On A Rare Freestyle From 2000 (Audio)

Earlier this week, the sixth anniversary of Guru's passing allowed for a community-wide opportunity to reflect on the still-reverberating effects of the loss of such an influential MC and celebrated producer. The Gang Starr member and accomplished solo artist passed away on April 19, 2010 but his voice continues to... Read more

April 21, 2016 Audio

Common Still Loves H.E.R. Watch Him Breakdance While The Roots Play (Video)

During The Electric Circus and Like Water For Chocolate tours, it was not uncommon to see Common Sense bust out some B-Boy moves during his sets. That was 15 years ago though, and also well before the Chicago, Illinois MC/actor won Oscars and Golden Globes. Now a household name, juggling... Read more

April 12, 2016 Video

Hear The Best Hip-Hop of March 2016 In One Playlist (Audio)

For Hip-Hop fans, March 2016 will forever be associated with the loss of Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest. Less than 2 weeks after his sudden passing, fans worldwide are still mourning. While March 22 undoubtedly will become an annual day of reflection and celebration for Hip-Hop, there were... Read more

April 3, 2016 Audio, Playlists

Ice Cube & Common’s Touted Collabo Gives History A Shape-Up (Video)

Common and Ice Cube released "Real People" one week ago. Twenty years after their bitter Rap beef, the pair uses their co-starring position in Barbershop: The Next Cut to step beyond the issue. The song's verses play on each others' lines and names, the very same way these two went... Read more

March 31, 2016 Video

The Ugly Details Of Ice Cube & Common’s Beef Show Just How Far They’ve Come

Last week, Ice Cube and Common released "Real People." The Barbershop: The Next Cut soundtrack inclusion may be promotional for the film both MC/actors star in, but the lyrics and theme of the song suggest much more. The collaboration follows a mid-1990s beef that saw both parties release dis' records... Read more

March 30, 2016 Food for Thought

Common & Ice Cube Demonstrate How “Real People” Move Past Beef (Audio)

Many artists have gone from fierce beefs to collaborating. Artists like Jay Z and Nas, Jadakiss and Beanie Sigel, and Three 6 Mafia and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have simply just turned the page. The songs these once bitter rivals made after the truce was just music—with the past best unaddressed. For... Read more

March 24, 2016 Audio

Rhymefest Details Third Album & Updates On Reconnecting With His Father

One year ago, Chicago, Illinois MC/writer/politician Rhymefest began screening documentary film In My Father's House. The work looked at Che Smith's father, who was estranged for much of the artist's life due to homelessness and alcoholism. In the film, the Grammy Award-winning artist (who, since filming, has added an Oscar... Read more

March 8, 2016 Food for Thought

Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back vs. Common’s Be. 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

February 25, 2016 Finding the GOAT

D’Angelo & Common Add Grammy Awards To Their Trophy Cases

After a 15 year break, D'Angelo won two Grammy awards tonight (February 15). The RCA Records artist (and his band, The Vanguard) took home the honors in response to 2014's Black Messiah album. The awards included "Best R&B Album" and "Best R&B Song." The latter trophy belonged to the album's... Read more

February 15, 2016 News

Black Thought Reveals What Artists Used To Do To Get J Dilla’s Best Beats (Video)

Between 1999 and 2006, The Roots would work with J Dilla (f/k/a Jay Dee) a number of times. Then label-mates at MCA Records, Dilla produced elements of the Grammy-nominated platinum Things Fall Apart album. While "Dynamite!" would make the LP, "New Year's @ Jay Dee's" would be a hidden jewel... Read more

February 10, 2016 Exclusive, Food for Thought, Video

Voting For The Top 10 Albums Of The 2000s Is Coming Down To The Wire

In late 2015, Ambrosia For Heads returned to “Finding The GOAT,” our annual voting series that polls readers and fans to determine the Greatest Of All-Time. Following 2014-2015’s quest to use votes to determine the GOAT MC, we are asking readers to determine the greatest of all-time Hip-Hop album. “Finding... Read more

February 6, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly 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

February 5, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Finding The GOAT Album: Kanye West’s Graduation vs. Common’s Be. 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

January 27, 2016 Finding the GOAT

MCs Say They’re Freestyling…But They Ain’t Been Rhyming Like Common Sense (Audio)

Over the years, the definition of the term "freestyle" has blurred. The word initially referred to a rhyme, written or spontaneous, that was not about a particular topic but, instead, was "free of style." In the 90s, it came to mean a rhyme that was impromptu, or "off the top... Read more

January 14, 2016 Audio

Common’s Be vs. Drake’s Nothing Was The Same. 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

January 8, 2016 Finding the GOAT