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.
Interlude
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Intro:
On the southside. Ha gon get down with that get down let me spit
rounds
It's the metaphysicals some say the score the revolution therefore
I have come a calm before the storm
Words are born formed drawn in the brain
Sorn scorn by the pourin' rain
But I can stand it seldom do I feel stranded
Granded I stand with the style that is free
I'm the Mandela ask Nelson brothers love me
I lay it lovely I'm ugly bogus on the mic
I strike like a teacher rappers are line
Stand in line with they signs tryin' to picket
They pick it the way I kick it
Cause with it I'm not wicked cause that's malignant
I use my figments which is vivid
And give it to ya baby like love without no limit
I have no limits no gimmicks no image don't mimick
I'm finished no minutes to be timid
Which shit stick should I spit with?
I'm the nitwit that shit sick I stick with and kick with
The crew I clique with that's who I sit witha and trip with
And sip with the buds are lifted and gold digified
And hit without equipment I've often been depicted
On the solid when it likwit
Yo this is shit is for my man Honda
In Common's "Interlude" he speaks about his approach to music and how he creates it. He refers to his words as born formed and drawn in the brain. He also speaks about how he stands with the style that is free and how he has no limits, no gimmicks, and no image to mimic. His approach is straightforward, and he primarily uses his own thoughts and experiences.
He mentions how his approach on the mic is by striking like a teacher, and that the rappers who stand in line trying to pick it with signs, pick it the way he does. He believes that his approach is not wicked because that's malignant, and he uses his figments which are vivid and lively. Common also notes that he has been depicted on the solid when it likens to his music, life, and experiences.
The song's essence is mainly about Common's views and approach to music, and how he uses it to express himself. The metaphysicals are a significant aspect of Common's approach, which enables him to create thought-provoking music that resonates with audiences.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the metaphysicals some say the score the revolution therefore
This is a deeper philosophical message meant to inspire a revolutionary movement.
I have come a calm before the storm
I am here to usher in a period of peace and introspection, a quiet time before the upheaval.
Words are born formed drawn in the brain
The power of language is an incredible tool that can inspire or destroy through the mere act of speaking.
Sorn scorn by the pourin' rain
The harsh realities of life, like rainfall, can wear on us and make us feel beaten down.
But I can stand it seldom do I feel stranded
Despite life's many hardships, I am able to persevere with my head held high and never feel hopeless.
Granded I stand with the style that is free
My artistic expression comes from a place of authenticity and freedom, it is not bound by any one style or genre.
I'm the Mandela ask Nelson brothers love me
I am a powerful voice for change, just as Nelson Mandela was. Those who fight for freedom and equality respect me.
I lay it lovely I'm ugly bogus on the mic
My lyrics are beautiful and genuine, but I may not fit the traditional image of what a rapper should look like or act like.
I strike like a teacher rappers are line
My rhymes educate and inspire, while other rappers may simply go through the motions of creating a song to fit a certain mold.
Stand in line with they signs tryin' to picket
Other rappers may follow the status quo, trying to appeal to a certain audience, but I am always doing my own thing.
Cause with it I'm not wicked cause that's malignant
I do not use my art to put others down or spread negativity. I strive to create from a place of positivity and empowerment.
I use my figments which is vivid
My imagination is rich and vibrant, which allows me to create powerful and meaningful art.
And give it to ya baby like love without no limit
My music is a gift that keeps giving, it is like unconditional love that has no boundaries.
I have no limits no gimmicks no image don't mimick
I am not beholden to any preconceived notions of what a rapper should be or look like. I am unique and original.
I'm finished no minutes to be timid
I have reached a point in my career where I no longer have time for fear or self-doubt. I am confident and sure of myself.
Which shit stick should I spit with?
I have so much lyrical ammunition that I am not sure what to use next, but I know whatever I choose will be impactful.
I'm the nitwit that shit sick I stick with and kick with
I may be seen as foolish or unconventional by some, but I stand by my unique style and use it to make an impact.
The crew I clique with that's who I sit witha and trip with
I am loyal to my friends and colleagues and find inspiration and support in their company.
And sip with the buds are lifted and gold digified
I enjoy spending time with my friends and smoking marijuana together, which helps us relax and get creative.
And hit without equipment I've often been depicted
I am resourceful and can create great music without the need for fancy equipment or a big budget.
On the solid when it likwit
I am grounded in my principles and beliefs, and I stay true to myself even when facing criticism.
Yo this is shit is for my man Honda
This music is dedicated to my friend Honda, who is likely a fellow rapper or member of my crew.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LONNIE RASHID LYNN, WILL SMITH, LEON BRYANT, DARREN T. HENSON, CARVIN HAGGINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pete Duszak
Keep them coming
Marcove Hurley
Yo this is amazing!
J Dillas MPC
frrrrrrr
Cem
Vibinggg
Ancient one
Beautiful...
1jdillafan
THANK YOU!!
Mowjoe Productions
fugg this is so good. thank you for the upload
TheFunk
I miss Dilla
AJ Rios
Yooo thanks for this
SamuraiShampoo
This is a Questlove beat, they had a friendly beatmaking competition during the making of Electric Circus, this was Quests beat and Dilla made the outro beat on Electric Wire Hustle.