- Artists: Common
Artist Spotlight: Common
Community Rating:4.5 / 5.00
Common
Common—born Lonnie Rashid Lynn on March 13, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois—has been a towering figure in the hip-hop landscape since the early ’90s. Emerging from the vibrant Chicago underground scene, Common made his debut with the album Can I Borrow a Dollar? in 1992. While the album showcased his potential, it was his 1994 release, Resurrection, that cemented his place in the pantheon of great MCs. Powered by intelligent and introspective lyricism, the album’s standout track “I Used to Love H.E.R.” remains a defining moment in hip-hop history.
Common’s artistic journey has been a remarkable evolution, reflecting a balance of incisive social commentary and personal introspection. His discography is a testament to his versatility, traversing conscious hip-hop’s grassy terrains and touching mainstream peaks. Notably, his 2005 album Be, produced largely by Kanye West, saw Common hitting new commercial and critical heights. Tracks such as “The Corner” and “Go!” resonated widely, threading sharp social narratives with personal tales.
Known for his commitment to social justice, Common’s voice extends beyond the mic; he’s an activist, actor, and author. His 2014 album Nobody’s Smiling reflects the turmoil and hope from his native Chicago, offering poignant critiques wrapped in lush beats and thoughtful rhymes.
One of Common’s standout tracks is “Fortunate” from his 2008 album Universal Mind Control. With a hook that lingers in the psyche and verses that dance over the beat with elegance and verve, “Fortunate” is a testament to Common’s ability to blend soulful melodies with razor-sharp lyricism. The track’s production, infused with futuristic elements and infectious grooves, mirrors the avant-garde spirit of the album, showcasing a more experimental side of Common’s artistry.
In a career spanning over three decades, Common has remained resilient and relevant, continuously redefining the boundaries of hip-hop while staying grounded in his roots. His work remains a beacon of artistic integrity and cultural impact, making him not just a rapper, but a pivotal voice in the cultural conversation.
Birthday: 1972-03-13
Common's Top Tracks
Common Discography
The Auditorium Vol. 1
Release: 2024-07-12
Label: Loma Vista Recordings
Popularity: đź‘Źđź‘Ź
1. Dreamin’
2. Chi-Town Do It
3. This Man
4. We’re On Our Way
5. Fortunate
6. So Many People [Feat. Bilal]
7. Wise Up
8. A GOD (There Is) [Feat. Jennifer Hudson]
9. Stellar
10. Lonesome
11. All Kind Of Ideas [Feat. Pete Rock]
12. When The Sun Shines Again [Feat. Posdnuos]
13. Everything’s So Grand [Feat. PJ]
14. Now And Then
15. Outro
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Chi-Town Do It
3. This Man
4. We’re On Our Way
5. Fortunate
6. So Many People [Feat. Bilal]
7. Wise Up
8. A GOD (There Is) [Feat. Jennifer Hudson]
9. Stellar
10. Lonesome
11. All Kind Of Ideas [Feat. Pete Rock]
12. When The Sun Shines Again [Feat. Posdnuos]
13. Everything’s So Grand [Feat. PJ]
14. Now And Then
15. Outro
MO (Soundtrack from the Netflix Series)
Release: 2022-09-09
Label: Loma Vista Recordings
Popularity: đź‘Ź
1. Parking Lot
2. Strip Club Interview
3. Mo Escapes Gunfire
4. No Tengo Palabras
5. Olive Truck Confession
6. What It Do
7. You Never Ask
8. Cash At The Border
9. Pillow Talk
10. Mo Drive
11. It’s Called Initiative
12. Schoolyard Fight
13. End Credits
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Strip Club Interview
3. Mo Escapes Gunfire
4. No Tengo Palabras
5. Olive Truck Confession
6. What It Do
7. You Never Ask
8. Cash At The Border
9. Pillow Talk
10. Mo Drive
11. It’s Called Initiative
12. Schoolyard Fight
13. End Credits
A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 1 & 2
Release: 2021-09-17
Label: Loma Vista Recordings
Popularity: đź‘Ź
1. (A Beautiful Revolution) Intro [Feat. Jessica Care Moore]
2. Fallin’
3. Say Peace [Feat. Black Thought]
4. What Do You Say (Move It Baby)
5. Courageous [Feat. Stevie Wonder]
6. A Place In This World
7. A Riot In My Mind [Feat. Lenny Kravitz & Chuck D]
8. Don’t Forget Who You Are
9. (A Beautiful Revolution) Outro [Feat. Morgan Parker]
10. Intro (Push Out The Noise) [Feat. Jessica Care Moore]
11. A Beautiful Chicago Kid
12. When We Move [Feat. Black Thought & Seun Kuti]
13. Set It Free
14. Majesty (Where We Gonna Take It)
15. Poetry [Feat. Marcus King & Isaiah Sharkey]
16. Saving Grace [Feat. Brittany Howard]
17. Star Of The Gang
18. Imagine
19. Get It Right
20. OUTRO (Exclamation Point) [Feat. Morgan Parker]
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Fallin’
3. Say Peace [Feat. Black Thought]
4. What Do You Say (Move It Baby)
5. Courageous [Feat. Stevie Wonder]
6. A Place In This World
7. A Riot In My Mind [Feat. Lenny Kravitz & Chuck D]
8. Don’t Forget Who You Are
9. (A Beautiful Revolution) Outro [Feat. Morgan Parker]
10. Intro (Push Out The Noise) [Feat. Jessica Care Moore]
11. A Beautiful Chicago Kid
12. When We Move [Feat. Black Thought & Seun Kuti]
13. Set It Free
14. Majesty (Where We Gonna Take It)
15. Poetry [Feat. Marcus King & Isaiah Sharkey]
16. Saving Grace [Feat. Brittany Howard]
17. Star Of The Gang
18. Imagine
19. Get It Right
20. OUTRO (Exclamation Point) [Feat. Morgan Parker]