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.
No Competition
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Como esquecer o beijo que você me deu?
Não sei se era pra esquecer ou lembrar
E ficou um pedaço de você em mim
E hoje eu quero te ver pra me entregar...
Como eu quero,
Do jeito que 'cê' faz é carinhoso
Por isso eu quero suas mãos em mim
Como eu quero,
O cheiro de amor que vem chegando
Trazendo o seu corpo só pra mim.
Como eu quero,
De novo um beijo seu muito gostoso
Do jeito que 'cê' faz é carinhoso
Por isso eu quero suas mãos em mim
Como eu quero,
O cheiro de amor que vem chegando
Trazendo o seu corpo só pra mim.
Como esquecer o beijo que você me deu?
Não sei se era pra esquecer ou lembrar
E ficou um pedaço de você em mim
E hoje eu quero te ver pra me entregar...
Como eu quero,
De novo um beijo seu muito gostoso
Do jeito que 'cê' faz é carinhoso
Por isso eu quero suas mãos em mim
Como eu quero,
O cheiro de amor que vem chegando
Trazendo o seu corpo só pra mim.
The lyrics of this song by Common, "No Competition", are in fact in Portuguese, and are sampled from the Brazilian song "Como Eu Quero" by Cássia Eller. The English translations of the Portuguese lyrics tell a story of a longing for a lost love or a love that has yet to be fulfilled. The chorus repeats the phrase "Como Eu Quero", which means "how I want" or "as I want", giving a sense of yearning and desire. The singer is reminiscing about a kiss they shared with someone and how it left a lasting impression on them. The lyrics mention that they don't know whether they should forget or remember the kiss, but they do know that a part of that person remains with them.
The lyrics then go on to express more desires for physical intimacy, wanting to feel their partner's hands on them and the scent of their body. The repetition of the chorus and the use of seductive language create a sense of urgency and passion for the singer. The song is a mix of sadness and sensuality, with the singer lamenting a lost love but also being filled with desire for that love to return.
Line by Line Meaning
Como esquecer o beijo que você me deu?
I can't forget the kiss you gave me, but I'm not sure if I should forget or remember it.
Não sei se era pra esquecer ou lembrar
I'm uncertain about whether I should forget or remember that kiss.
E ficou um pedaço de você em mim
That kiss left behind a part of you in me.
E hoje eu quero te ver pra me entregar...
I want to see you today and fully surrender myself to you.
Como eu quero, De novo um beijo seu muito gostoso
I desire another kiss from you, one that feels so good.
Do jeito que 'cê' faz é carinhoso
The way you kiss is so tender.
Por isso eu quero suas mãos em mim
That's why I want your hands on me.
O cheiro de amor que vem chegando
The smell of love is approaching.
Trazendo o seu corpo só pra mim.
Bringing your body to me alone.
Contributed by William V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.