Common: Taking Chances, Still Making Good Music

Common takes a different direction on his latest single, "Universal Mind Control."

The song is definitely meant for juke dancers and the b-boy set. Hip hop culture children will dig the strong tribute to Afrika Bambaataa's "Planet Rock," the classic b-boy jam that shook the world over 20 years ago and still stands as a must for any dj who wants to show true school appeal and old school love. The video, shot and directed by Hype Williams, also pays campy homage to the seminal German electropop group Kraftwerk, whose songs "Trans-Europe Express" and "Numbers" served as the sampled basis of Bambaataa's classic (Common's short profile poses in shirt and tie with big glasses are strongly similar to old Kraftwerk album covers).

Lyrical content is still important to Common (whew!), and "Universal Mind Control" covers a few--slightly--over Pharrell's space-age production. Listen closely; this is not Common's usual in-your-face-smoothly style. Instead, the Chicago rhymer intermingles thoughts on materialism in the music industry with his own Kanye West-like boasts on outfits, fly girls and Grand Maurnier. Thematically not what listeners have come to know and love in Common's music, this track may require a second or even third listen. Take the listen; it is good music.

Common ft. Pharrell: ANNOUNCEMENT (Reupped and Playing)

I know what my man Rich is thinking right about now: I stop by your spot sometimes and see nothing new, and then you suddenly have 50 MILLION posts!

SO! LOL!

Common's INVINCIBLE SUMMER project has not received an effective release date, but new tracks and videos are showing up on every decent music site and blog. This Little X-directed collaboration with Pharrell, "Announcement," premiered on Okayplayer today. Enjoy, and I THINK I am done with blogging for the day.

By the way, the chocolate lady who gets in the "Lincoln" with Com--MAAAAAAAN! High-five for Jesus...

Common Feat. Pharrell - Announcement (New)
by wonderful-life1989

Not So Common

I brought the new year in with music...and so did my man Common! I'm not familiar with the church here, but I dig the way they celebrated the arrival of 2008! Peace and blessings to all my neighbors in this cyber-village.

Patience Is a Virtue...and Common Has a TON!

The video says it all. Peep it.

Humility = Strength

I love seeing the underdog rise to the top...especially when the underdog is a good brother. Common (you already know that he is one of my favorite lyricists if you read this blog) recently hit Billboard's Top 100 with his new project's--FINDING FOREVER's--first week sales. His music is not booty music, snap rap, or baller stories. A POET IS ROCKIN' IT! That truth makes me smile. There is still hope for good music in America.

Humility also makes me proud of this brother. I've seen many people in my day approach me with crocodile smiles and syrupy words to coax my vulnerability for their own sinister end. It makes me proud that this gentleman is sincere in his walk and thankful for his fans and listeners (I don't fulfill "fan" very well, but I LISTEN to music on every level that my spirit allows.) What am I talking about?

THIS...

Musical Aftercare

Musical therapy time...strictly for me.