As well as music, Common has worked as an actor, on films such as 'Smokin' Aces' (as Sir Ivy) 'American Gangster' (as Turner Lucas), 'Wanted', and 'John Wick: Chapter 2'. He may also be seen in cameo roles in films such as 'Brown Sugar'.
His debut was the 1992 album Can I Borrow A Dollar, but he achieved little critical or commercial success until 1994's Resurrection, an instant classic. He produced several more albums, notably Like Water For Chocolate and the highly experimental Electric Circus, before releasing the Kanye West and J Dilla-produced Be in 2005, which was his first album to receive widespread mainstream appeal and radio playtime.
Common is considered a "cred" artist, which has lead him to collaborations with the likes of De La Soul, Jadakiss, T.I, Talib Kweli, The Roots, Kanye West, Lily Allen, Erykah Badu, and Fort Minor.
The 2007 album Finding Forever was produced mainly by long-time collaborator, Kanye West. Common released his eighth album Universal Mind Control in 2008, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album but lost to the Eminem album Relapse. He released his ninth album The Dreamer/The Believer in 2011. Nobody's Smiling, his tenth album, was released in 2014. The concept of the album was inspired by his troubled hometown of Chicago.
Hungry
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Niggas know they can't fuck with this
Turn this shit up just a little more
I walk the night in rhyming armor bomb a nigga like a winter coat
Have him on Death Row searching for an Interscope
Yet I sparkle like Irene Cara
Symbolize dope like sirens do terror
Flashbacks of past raps make me so glad I made it
Players is getting traded
I drop a gem off, them who's style is jaded
My juice is grated
Shit is so banging niggas say it's gang related
On philosopher's rink of thought, I've skated with precision
Crews is gettin' split like decisions
Com' will let it ride in collision
Vision like Colleco or tele, I battle stars in stellar
Regions, my thought scheme was my like my offspring
Now, it's teething
My reason of rhyme applies to season and time
Season of mind, body and regions divine
In mom's cookouts, I'm leaving the swine
Verbal vegetarian, squashed beef with Ice Cube
Came in this rap life nude
Now I'm fully clothed with flows
You tricks can't hide behind expensive cars and clothes
Old niggas I expose like Luke does hoes in videos
With classic material, imperial and rugged like
Got mag, but my slugs a mic
You fake like a smile, like a hug, I'm tight
Skip ladies, this is rip a motherfucker night
Oracle arouse, niggas don't even run for cover right
Downtown interracial lovers hold hands
I breathe heavy like an old man, with a cold can of Old Style
Hold a Stone Isle profile
Mix between Malcolm X and Sef when I go wild
Hold mics like a second nut until the second coming
Humming coming towards you with power like forest do
Hip hop, you my bitch and like a Ford, I'm exploring you
Some wack niggas be cool, with them, I stay cordial
Flowing room temperature, cats is presumed miniature
Like golf, soft like Tiger Woods
And real nigga angles I've stood with ways that's geometric
Don't need to rob banks with dike broads to Set it
I levitate to the occasion, lounge like a lyricist
Rhyme wise, you a rest haven
You sat by the door spooked like I was Wes Craven
You need to do more deletin' and less savin '
A praise in hell, raisin' heaven
Like the bill on my pager leavens
What you should have known from day one
You will on day seven
Hungry hip hop junkie in the city
Hungry hip hop junkie in the city
Hungry hip hop junkie in the city
The lyrics of Common's song "Hungry" depict his prowess as a rapper and the struggles and hardships he has faced on his journey to success. In the song, Common presents himself as a highly skilled rapper who is fearless and uncompromising in his music. He uses metaphors and witty wordplay to illustrate his dominance in the rap game, boasting of leaving other rappers searching for a way out after battling him. For instance, he compares himself to an armored soldier who bombards his opponents with well-crafted rhymes. He also likened his style to a sparkling jewel that symbolizes dope, while sirens signify terror.
Besides, Common talks about the challenges he has faced on his journey to stardom. He acknowledges how far he has come from his humble beginnings and the memories of past struggles that make him grateful for his current achievements. He also touches on his experiences with record labels and players who were getting traded, indicating that he remained steadfast in his musical journey, despite the upheavals.
Overall, the song's message appears to be a celebration of Common's lyrical prowess, tenacity, and resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics showcase his creative capabilities as a rapper while highlighting the struggles he has had to endure.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo niggas don't want none of this
I am confident in my skills and no one can compete.
Niggas know they can't fuck with this
Other rappers are aware they cannot challenge me.
Turn this shit up just a little more
I am ready to showcase my talent.
I walk the night in rhyming armor
I am always prepared to rap, and nothing can stop me.
Bomb a nigga like a winter coat
I am lethal and can defeat my opponents easily, just like taking off a coat.
Have him on Death Row searching for an Interscope
My competition would be so defeated that they would be searching for a record label to sign them.
Yet I sparkle like Irene Cara
I am shining bright and standing out like a star.
Symbolize dope like sirens do terror
I represent greatness in the rap game just like sirens represent danger.
Mariel just had a baby someone else decapitated
The juxtaposition of new life and death in my community is commonplace.
Flashbacks of past raps make me so glad I made it
I reflect on my past successes and feel proud of how far I have come.
Players is getting traded
People in the rap industry are constantly changing and evolving.
I drop a gem off, them whose style is jaded
I offer inspiration and knowledge to those who are stuck in their old ways.
My juice is grated
My creativity and talent are being fully utilized.
Shit is so banging niggas say it's gang related
My music is so powerful it is reminiscent of gang activity.
On philosopher's rink of thought, I've skated with precision
I am skilled in philosophical thinking and can confidently navigate through complex ideas.
Crews are getting split like decisions
Groups and teams in the rap scene are breaking up and dissolving.
Com will let it ride in collision
I will continue to fight for my place in the rap industry, even if that means facing opposition.
Vision like Colleco or tele, I battle stars in stellar
My vision for my future is clear and I will fight for success just like the stars in the sky.
Regions, my thought scheme was my like my offspring, now it's teething
My thought process is like my child, constantly growing and evolving.
My reason of rhyme applies to season and time
My music is relevant and suited for the current time and events.
Season of mind, body and regions divine
I am in tune with all aspects of my being and the world around me.
In mom's cookouts, I'm leaving the swine, verbal vegetarian, squashed beef with Ice Cube
I am a vegetarian and do not eat pork, and I have resolved issues with other rappers (Ice Cube) peacefully.
Came in this rap life nude, now I'm fully clothed with flows
When I first started rapping, I had very little to offer but now I am fully equipped with talent.
You tricks can't hide behind expensive cars and clothes
Just because someone has wealth and nice belongings does not mean they are superior or untouchable.
Old niggas I expose like Luke does hoes in videos
I am not afraid to call out those who are past their prime.
With classic material, imperial and rugged like, got mag, but my slugs a mic
I am a skilled rapper with deep and meaningful lyrics.
You fake like a smile, like a hug, I'm tight
I am genuine and authentic, unlike those who put on a facade.
Skip ladies, this is rip a motherfucker night
Tonight is a night to focus on the music and leave relationships aside.
Oracle arouse, niggas don't even run for cover right
I am a force to be reckoned with, and others should be prepared to face me.
Downtown interracial lovers hold hands
People of different races and backgrounds can come together and love one another.
I breathe heavy like an old man, with a cold can of Old Style, hold a Stone Isle profile
I am relaxed and carefree, enjoying a cold drink and feeling confident in my personality.
Mix between Malcolm X and Sef when I go wild
I am a combination of intelligence and aggression.
Hold mics like a second nut until the second coming
I value my craft just as much as my reproductive system.
Humming coming towards you with power like forest do
I am approaching at full force like a powerful storm.
Hip hop, you my bitch and like a Ford, I'm Exploring you
I am in control of the rap game and exploring its depths.
So wack niggas be cool, with them I stay cordial
I stay kind and respectful even to those who do not impress me.
Flowing room temperature, cats is presumed miniature
My flow is smooth and natural, while other rappers are seen as lesser.
Like golf. Soft like Tiger Woods
My demeanor is calm and collected, like a game of golf.
And real nigga angles I've stood with ways that's geometric
I have stood firm in situations that required bravery and courage.
Don't need to rob banks with dike broads to Set it
I do not need to resort to illegal activity to be successful.
I levitate to the occasion, lounge like a lyricist
I rise to the challenge and feel comfortable in my craft.
Rhyme wise, you a rest haven
Compared to me, other rappers are seen as dull and boring.
You sat by the door spooked like I was Wes Craven
Other rappers tremble in fear when they see me.
You need to do more deletin and less savin
Others need to improve their skills and stop trying to save face.
A praise in hell, raisin heaven
I will succeed and be celebrated no matter what happens.
Like the bill on my pager leavens
I keep growing and improving with each passing day.
What you should have known from day one, you will on day seven
Others will eventually learn the truth about my greatness, even if it takes time.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ernest Wilson, Lonnie Lynn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MusicJunkiePlus
Underrated song off an underrated album.
Casey Walker
RS
Jahaz Shine
But it’s still hella tight!!!
Kevin Moss
@musicjunkieplus
You ain't NEVER LIED fam...straight up HEAT🔥
Nathaniel McCoy
Love this album. That song he had with Canibus was bananas!
Aidan Fox
No it's not, no it's not.
Ndujamz
"Flash back of past raps make me so glad I made it" this line made me fully understand the rhyme schemes. Common went hard on One Day It All Make Sense album. If he was on another label other than Relativity this album would have blew up commercially. And No.ID killed the production. This is one of my Common's favorite album.
Artificial Intelligence
This was a great album. Commercial hits, b-sides, good guest appearances, this album was well done.
dynamic
My favorite album from my favorite Rapper.
thAbstract
"My rhyme scheme is like my offspring/ Now it's teething/ My Reason & Rhyme/ applies to season and time/ Reaches the mind and body in regions devine/ At rhyme cookouts, I'm leaving the swine/ Verbal vegetarian/ Squash-ed beef with Ice Cube/ Came in this rap life nude/Now I'm fully clothed with flows/ You tricks can't hide behind expensive cars and clothes"