Common

Common is one of the most influential figures in rap music keeping the sophisticated lyrical technique and flowing syncopations of jazz-rap alive. Chicago MC's rhymes and political consciousness haven't always fit the fashions of rap trends but his albums have consistently hit the Top Ten of the R&B/hip-hop chart and been praised by critics. With a career spanning over 3 decades, Common has juggled his recording career with a series of high-profile acting roles while also being an activist and, most recently, a New York Times best-selling author with the release of his latest memoir ‘Let Love Have The Last Word.’

Common debuted in 1992 with the single 'Take It EZ,' which appeared on his Relativity-released debut album, Can I Borrow a Dollar?; further singles 'Breaker 1/9' and 'Soul by the Pound' helped establish his reputation in the hip-hop underground. Consequently, he wound up on the Relativity label for his 1994 follow-up, Resurrection, which crystallized his reputation as one of the underground's best (and wordiest) lyricists. The track ‘I Used to Love H.E.R.’ attracted substantial notice for its clever allegory about rap's descent into commercially exploitative sex-and-violence subject matter. Common co-wrote and performed the historical drama's theme ‘Glory,’ with John Legend which won the Oscar for Best Original Song and Best Song Written for Visual Media.