One of rap's most influential figures, Common has kept the sophisticated lyrical technique and flowing syncopations of jazz-rap alive through myriad commercial trends. The Chicago MC's nimbly performed rhymes and consciousness-raising albums have consistently hit the R&B/hip-hop Top Ten. Since achieving mainstream popularity with the gold-selling full-lengths Like Water for Chocolate (2000), Be (2005), and Finding Forever (2007), Common has juggled his recording career with a series of high-profile acting roles. This hasn't hindered the reception of his subsequent output, which includes Nobody's Smiling (2014) and the two-part A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 1 (2020-2021). Common is a three-time Grammy winner for the Erykah Badu collaboration "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop)," the Kanye West-produced "Southside," and his and John Legend's "Glory," which also won an Academy Award. Wikipedia
One of rap's most influential figures, Common has kept the sophisticated lyrical technique and flowing syncopations of jazz-rap alive through myriad commercial trends. The Chicago MC's nimbly performed rhymes and consciousness-raising albums have consistently hit the R&B/hip-hop Top Ten. Since achieving mainstream popularity with the gold-selling...