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Common
The video below is making the rounds on the blogs today. We all know, examiner.com is not a collection of bloggers, but I thought this video highlighted some of the purity of hip hop in the 90s; a certain vulnerability and "reality" that is sorely missed in today's high profile hip hop industry. You know the A&R wouldn't have Common on the couch looking like an extra from an old Heavy D video.
I'm laughing because the interviewer said "Common is the Phattest rapper out there right now..." and Common said "True...True..." Wow! (This was only about 15 years ago) She said "phat" about 10 times.
It also shows how an artist (Common) can grow, remain true to themselves, represent the culture/music well, without "selling out." I commend Common for being, not only one of the most lyrically talented MCs, but one of the most diverse, as well. From Electric Circus, to Like Water for Chocolate, to Universal Mind Control, Common has truly "survived the times" in a way that very few artists have. Common continues to have a very humble but powerful presence in the game.
He's still an animal on the mic, and is, quite possibly, one of the best true representatives of the culture right now.He continues to stay relevant and shows how a mature MC can still instill fear into the hearts of the young, more boisterous MCs, without coming off as a bully or constantly reminiscing about the "gold old days" of hip hop.
Keep on. Keep on.
Check the video below:
Props to http://fakeshoredrive.com/
Comments
true indeed. What makes Common special, allows him to stand out, to STILL be relevant and respected in Hip-Hop is that his artistry comes off as genuine and true. Common has never been the artist to play a character for consumerism or ride a short-lived trend to becoming obsolete. The man (and his team) are smart. I believe he fully understands that he's a business, yet he's still able to be a human; to grow, develop, and struggle. To "Be". Being true to himself allows his music to showcase and let us all experience that evolution in an inspirational way. His artistry is a strong Hip-Hop story. 17+ years in the game and there are so many elements of his style that have NOT wavered. That's classic/iconic material.
signed,
Common's cheerleader
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