common Archives

Here Are Highlights From the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards in 5 Tweets

The 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards were taped in Atlanta and they brought some epic moments, including an appearance by the parents of Michael Brown. Here's a summary of what's to come in 5 tweets. RT @Daydog: Murda Mook just stole the whole #BEThiphopAwards!! Too many barz!! #Eazy!!— Julia Beverly... Read more

September 20, 2014 Fresh

Common & J Dilla’s The Light Was Part Of The Love Movement. Get The Backstory (Video)

Common's career took a tremendous turn on 2000's Like Water For Chocolate. At the perceived pinnacle of the Okay Player artist movement, Common and MCA Records made what is rarely considered the MC's best album, but may very well be his most important. Transitioning from the critical acclaim of 1997's... Read more

September 18, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Rest In Peace To Common’s Father, Lonnie “Pops” Lynn

Common's father, Lonnie Lynn, Sr., has passed away. Details are still emerging surrounding the cause of death, however it is believed to have happened yesterday (September 15), per the Associated Press. Dating back to 1994's Resurrection, Pops appeared on various Common albums, typically on interludes near the LPs' end. These... Read more

September 16, 2014 Fresh

Here is an Unbelievable Mix of 90’s Hip-Hop Remixes. Press Play and Get Ready (Audio)

SoulBounce's DJ Harvey Dent has put together an incredible mix of 90's Hip-Hop, featuring nothing but remixes. You'll hear music from Method Man & Redman, Common, Pete Rock & CL Smooth,The Fugees, Ice Cube, Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, LL Cool J, House of Pain, Lil Kim, Craig Mack, The Luniz, The... Read more

September 7, 2014 Audio, Throwback

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

August 29, 2014 Throwback

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

August 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

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

August 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

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

August 8, 2014 Throwback

Celebrate the Genius of No ID With This 52-Song Mix (Audio)

"Yes yes, y'all, and you don't stop." Ever since the beat dropped after those words were uttered by Common (Sense) on "I Used to Love H.E.R.," No ID has been establishing himself as one of Hip-Hop's all-time great producers, one song at a time. Fakeshore Drive and The Smoking Section... Read more

August 7, 2014 Audio

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop of July 2014 (Audio)

July brought the heat in Hip-Hop, including new music from Jeezy & Jay Z, Black Thought, Raekwon, G-Unit, Rah Digga, Q-Tip, Cormega, Wale, "Your Old Droog," Elzhi, Chubb Rock, KRS-One, Big K.R.I.T., Wiz Khalifa, Common, Dilated Peoples, Souls of Mischief, Scarface and more. Check out a playlist of the Best... Read more

August 2, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

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

July 26, 2014 Playlists, Video

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

July 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

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

July 24, 2014 Video

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

July 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

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

July 22, 2014 Video

See The Dark Side Of Twista In Devil’s Angel (Audio)

In a day where Common debuted his tenth studio album, Nobody's Smiling, fellow Chicago artist Twista rings some bells of his own with the cut, "Devil's Angel." Twista is literally mounting the back of something sinister with his upcoming album, Dark Horse, and the track itself by delivering his quintessential... Read more

July 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

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

July 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

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

July 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

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

July 19, 2014 Audio

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

July 17, 2014 Audio

Here’s a Video Playlist of Some of the Hip-Hop & Soul Classics Touched by Bob Power (Video)

Here's a video playlist inspired by a recent interview with Bob Power, the legendary producer/engineer, who for more than 30 years has worked with some of Hip-Hop and Soul's most iconic acts. You'll see videos from A Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, De La Soul, Me'shell Ndegeocello, The Roots,... Read more

July 11, 2014 Throwback

Ever Heard of Bob Power? He’s Worked on Some of the Best Hip-Hop & Soul Albums Ever. Here’s His Story (Audio)

For more than 30 years, Bob Power has been one of the unsung heroes of Hip-Hop, R&B and Soul. The producer, engineer and composer has worked with many of the most respected and influential artists during that time period, including A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Stetsasonic,... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio

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

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

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

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

This Week Brought Visuals From Redman, Souls of Mischief, Kendrick Lamar, Andre 3000 & More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought new music videos from Redman, Souls of Michief & Snoop, Ras Kass, Blu and The-Dream; a look at Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix; freestyles from Joell Ortiz & Chris Rivers (aka Baby Pun); interviews with Joe Budden discussing Battle Rap and Big K.R.I.T. & Common... Read more

July 6, 2014 Playlists, Video

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

June brought some of the best Hip-Hop of the year, so far. We got new music from G-Unit, Common, Marsha Ambrosius & Dr. Dre, Ab-Soul & Kendrick Lamar, Souls of Mischief, Cormega, Mac Miller & Pete Rock, Black Thought, The Lox, Buckshot, Yasiin Bey & Mannie Fresh, Black Milk, Ice... Read more

July 3, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh, Playlists

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

July 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

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

June 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

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

June 28, 2014 Fresh

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

June 22, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

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

June 18, 2014 Video

Dave Chappelle Recalls Being Mistaken As A Member Of The Roots, Prince Laughing At Himself (Video)

Dave Chappelle had two critical media appearances in the past week. At the top of things, the Ohio native appeared on "The Late Show With David Letterman," discussing his absence from the spotlight, and walking away from $50 million from Comedy Central to fulfill a "Chappelle Show" contract. Later appearing... Read more

June 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

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

June 5, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

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

June 4, 2014 Food for Thought, Fresh

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

June 4, 2014 Fresh

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

May 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

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

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Premier Narrates a Mixtape of Some of His Classic and Rare Cuts (Mixtape)

The LA Leakers have released a new mixtape dedicated to some of the works of the one and only DJ Premier. The Audio Biography Of DJ Premier features 16 Primo productions--some well known and some more rare. Even more dope, the mixtape features commentary from Premier himself about some of... Read more

May 15, 2014 Mixes

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

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

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

April 17, 2014 Fresh

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

March 31, 2014 Audio

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

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

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

March 7, 2014 Audio

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

February 25, 2014 Video

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

February 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

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

February 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here’s an MLK Day Playlist That Looks at the State of the Nation Through Hip-Hop (Audio & Video)

As we've done on MLK day over the last few years, we've put together a playlist that reflects the increasingly complex state of the nation more than 50 years since Dr. King's march on Washington. There's cause for celebration and reason for lamentation, and everything in between. Here are various... Read more

January 20, 2014 Audio, Video

Today It All Makes Sense: A Retrospective on the Chicago Hip-Hop Sound (Food For Thought)

Published by: Bandini “This the city of Chicago, the state of confusion The style I'm using is free or at least it would be if my mind was…” – Malik Yusef, “My City” (One Day It’ll All Make Sense) Since the 1990s, Common Sense has always been among my favorite... Read more

January 19, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought

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

January 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

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

January 6, 2014 Video