Common (rapper)
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Common (aka Common Sense, born Lonnie Rashied Lynn) is a Chicago-based hip hop artist. Common debuted in 1992 (see 1992 in music) with the single "Take It EZ" and the LP Can I Borrow a Dollar?. Though popular success was virtually nonexistent, Common established a solid fanbase among alternative rap fans, in spite of critical criticism for misogyny. Common later remarked that his first album was admittedly of lower quality, and should probably not have been released.
With the 1994 (see 1994 in music), release of Resurrection, Common (known as Common Sense at the time), achieved a much larger degree of critical acclaim. The album sold well, and received a strong positive reaction among alternative and underground hip-hop fans at the time. The album was also the last produced entirely with Common's long-time production partner, No ID.
In 1997 (see 1997 in music), Common released One Day It'll All Make Sense, which included artists like Lauryn Hill along with rappers like Q-Tip and Black Thought. The album was critically acclaimed, and led to his major label contract with MCA Records.
With ?uestlove producing, 2000's Like Water for Chocolate was almost a breakthrough success, and greatly expanded his fanbase among critics and listeners. His next album, Electric Circus (2002, 2002 in music) gained mixed reviews, and did not sell well, with most fans rejecting Common's eclectic vision. His newest album, Be, was released in May 2005, with most of the production handled by Kanye West. According to magazines that review hip-hop music, Common's Be is one of the best albums to come out in a long time. The Source Magazine has given it a near perfect 4.5 mic rating, XXL magazine has given it their highest rating of "XXL", and Allhiphop.com, an internet hip-hop website, has given it 5 stars. Common sees Be as a return to his roots.
Discography
Albums
- 1992: Can I Borrow a Dollar?
- 1994: Resurrection #179 US
- 1997: One Day It'll All Make Sense #62 US
- 2000: Like Water for Chocolate #16 US
- 2002: Electric Circus #47 US
- 2005: Be #38 UK
Hit singles
- 2000 "The Light" #44 US
- 2002 "Come Close" #65 US
- 2005 "The Corner"