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.
In My Own World
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No time to get all excited, just write it
From the inside let the pen slide, and spread
The ink on the papyrus, come understand this (what?)
Paint the canvas, givin' you my vision
To mold you, compose you
Get a picture of the scene, then get an exposure
Pain trapped inside of me, Cabrini to Ida B., don't lie to me
You want me in your needle
Squirt me in your vein, maintain on the couch
I excite your brain 'til I'm out of your system
Beat digger, not a nigga or a negro I figure you're
The winner of the bread, precede your thoughts
'fore they come into your head (yo kid kinda nice!)
From the word, I speak, unique, clear and concise
Heads I'm boring, soaring to a new height of flight
And then fight the night
With a light to gain sight make your competition say AIGHT
No I.D. from the city with a beach on thirty-first
Makin all butt crews disperse
Yeah yeah, now check the method
I'm in my own world ("Yeah yeah, now check the method")
I say pay attention boy, I say UHH looka here
I want you to see me when you do you look and fear
I dilate pupils that's cornea than a retina
My Book of Life you felt it, because of the texture
When I'm bubbly I call the ex ta, see if she still love me
I'm advanced like a copy studs be on my sac to dub me
Cheap ass niggas! Go and purchase it
I ain't do all this work for shit
My style's my child I gave birth to it
Like an immaculate conception, clean I came
Went through label pains, didn't give shorty a name
I put, bros before hoes that's the way love and life goes
It's a Jungle out there but I'm never Fever-in for them white hoes
I love black thighs, you sisters better realize
The real hair and real eyes get real guys
So before you makeup your face, you better make up your mind
I hope you wake up in time for the revolution, or you gon' be like
"I can't believe it! I got shot!"
Bo so I lick one, not for Riddick
But I got the Rid, for my dick
And the crab MCs that be all over it
Huh, what good is the Rid without the comb?
I'm the street pick peace to Nick, Tim, Mark and Kendall
I remember me and Dion tried to get into Mendel
I didn't have No I.D., they wouldn't let me in
Now them same gumps be askin' me to get them in
I be like, "You don't know me, fool"
And color it purple, cause he ain't in my circle
Now I'm talkin square biz to you and I'm out
I'm in my own world
In the song "In My Own World," Common reflects on his creative process and artistic vision. He encourages listeners to pay attention to the method of how he writes, to understand the pain that fuels his artistry, and to respect his unique perspective. Common's use of metaphors, from paint on the canvas to the book of life, visualize his commitment to his craft, and he establishes himself as an insightful and dedicated artist who creates from his inner world.
The theme of isolation also comes through in the line "I'm in my own world," representing Common's refusal to conform to mainstream ideas and his willingness to be true to himself. Further, Common speaks to the power of his blackness and calls out the systemic racism that marginalizes Black people. He encourages his listeners to embrace their blackness and reject the pressure to conform to white beauty standards.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah yeah, now check the method
I'm in my own world
I say pay attention boy, I say UHH looka here
Listen closely to me
I want you to see me when you do you look and fear
I want to command your attention and respect
I dilate pupils that's cornea than a retina
My presence is impactful and mesmerizing
My Book of Life you felt it, because of the texture
My experiences and wisdom are tangible and profound, and you can feel their impact
When I'm bubbly I call the ex ta, see if she still love me
When I feel happy, I reflect on past relationships and seek validation
I'm advanced like a copy studs be on my sac to dub me
My skills and creativity are unparalleled, and people try to imitate my style
CHEAP ASS NIGGAZ! Go and purchase it
Don't try to get my work for free or cheat me, value it and pay for it
My style's my child I gave birth to it
I created my unique style and treat it like a precious possession
Like an immaculate conception, clean I came
My creativity and success are a result of my natural talent and hard work
Went through label pains, didn't give shorty a name
I faced challenges in the industry but didn't compromise my values or give in to external pressures
I put, bros before hoes that's the way love and life goes
I prioritize my relationships with male friends over romantic relationships
It's a Jungle out there but I'm never Fever-in for them white hoes
The world is a tough place but I don't let myself get distracted by white women
I love black thighs, you sisters better realize
I am attracted to Black women and want them to recognize their value
The real hair and real eyes get real guys
Physical features like natural hair and eyes are attractive to me
So before you makeup your face, you better make up your mind
Before investing in your appearance, take care of your mental well-being and values
I hope you wake up in time for the revolution, or you gon be like
I encourage people to be aware of social issues and injustices and take action before it's too late
"I can't believe it! I got shot!"
Critics and those who ignore the revolution will regret their inaction
Bowe/bo so I lick one, not for Riddick
I am not a boxer like Riddick Bowe but I still have sexual prowess
But I got the Rid, for my dick
I use protection during sex to avoid spreading STIs
And the crab MCs that be all over it
I avoid parasitic individuals who try to benefit from my success
Huh, what good is the Rid without the comb?
Having protection is not enough, one must also take care of their personal hygiene and grooming
I'm the street pick peace to Nick, Tim, Mark and Kendall
I represent the streets and acknowledge the people who supported me
I remember me and Dion tried to get into Mendel
I faced barriers and roadblocks on my way to success
I didn't have No I.D., they wouldn't let me in
I lacked documentation and was denied access or opportunities
Now them same gumps be askin me to get them in
Now those who initially rejected me ask for my help or connections
I be like, "You don't know me... fool"
I remind people who rejected or overlooked me in the past of their mistake
And color it purple, cause he ain't in my circle
I distance myself from those who criticize or mistreat me
Now I'm talkin square biz to you and I'm out
I am being candid and honest with you, now I'm done
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ernest Dion Wilson, Lonnie Rashid Lynn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind