Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972 in Chicago, Illinois), better … Read Full Bio ↴Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972 in Chicago, Illinois), better known by his stage name Common (previously Common Sense), is a Grammy award winning rapper, author and actor known for lyrics that focus on love and spirituality. Signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music, many people describe him as being a conscious hip hop artist who makes songs that send a message. He debuted in 1992 with the album Can I Borrow a Dollar? and maintained a significant underground following into the late 90s, after which he gained notable mainstream success through his work with the Soulquarians.

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.

So Cool
Common Lyrics

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Y'all let um know
I'm the coldest MC Joe you dig

So cool, so cool
I wanna move
So cool, so cool

I was raise in city where the blood is cold

Big hats Cadillacs and we love some gold
Looking for something real something pretty to hold
I'm king so I wrote livid imperial souls

I can tell you one them undercover video hoes
The way you shake I might just give you a role
Radios TV stole the soul
Now these playa's in the game really don't know they role

So cool, so cool
I wanna move
So cool, so cool

You tryin' to look real sexy
You wanna get some lovers
You know your stomach's too big
For you to be wearing them hip hugger

You need to work it out work it off juke it out
And use your mind the way you use your mouth
I'm from a stripper hustler with names like Chip and Buster
Come to the crib with that bogus

Them boys will nip and tuck ya
Are you a righteous brother
Still I might just touch her, build her and destruct her
Come with heat that'll burn like Usher

So cool, so cool
I wanna move
So cool, so cool

So cool, so cool
I wanna move
So cool, so cool

Rockin' don't stop it now, uh
Rockin' don't stop it now, uh
Shock it don't stop it now, uh
Shock it don't stop it now, uh
You can keep freakin' now, uh
You can do the freak girl

Rockin' don't stop it now, uh
Rockin' don't stop it now, uh
Shock it don't stop it now, uh
Shock it don't stop it now, uh
You can keep freakin' now, uh
You can do the freak girl

Rockin' don't stop it now, uh
Rockin' don't stop it now, uh
Shock it don't stop it now, uh
You just do the freak girl

So cool, so cool
I wanna move
So cool, so cool

So cool, so cool
I wanna move
So cool, so cool

So cool, so cool
I wanna move
So cool, so cool

So cool, so cool
I wanna move
So cool, so cool

So cool, so cool
I wanna move
So cool, so cool

So cool, so cool

I wanna move
So cool, so cool

Overall Meaning

In “So Cool,” Common declares himself to be the coldest MC, with smooth lyrics and a laid-back vibe. He acknowledges the tough environment he grew up in, referring to the cold blood and love of gold in his city. However, he contrasts this with his desire for something real and pretty to hold, and his kingship leads him to write “livid imperial souls.” He takes a shot at fake women who are only in it for the fame, calling them “undercover video hoes.” He also comments on the state of the music industry, with radio and TV stealing soul, leading to many players in the game not knowing their role.

Common also critiques the attempt to be sexy while pointing out the hypocrisy of covering up a big stomach but showing off in hip huggers. He advises working out and using one’s mind, calling out to a stripper hustler culture with names like Chip and Buster, who bring in deception and illicit activity. At the same time, however, he acknowledges his attraction and the potential to build or destruct, like the heat from an Usher song. The chorus simply repeats the phrase “So cool” as a testament to Common’s chill and confident demeanor.

Line by Line Meaning

Y'all let um know I'm the coldest MC Joe you dig
Common is telling his audience to spread the word that he is the best MC around.

So cool, so cool I wanna move So cool, so cool
Common thinks he's really cool and wants to dance.

I was raise in city where the blood is cold Big hats Cadillacs and we love some gold Looking for something real something pretty to hold I'm king so I wrote livid imperial souls
Common grew up in a rough city where people liked flashy things, but he wants something deeper and has written meaningful songs.

I can tell you one them undercover video hoes The way you shake I might just give you a role Radios TV stole the soul Now these playa's in the game really don't know they role
Common doesn't like the way music has become more about image than talent, and thinks many people in the industry are clueless.

You tryin' to look real sexy You wanna get some lovers You know your stomach's too big For you to be wearing them hip hugger You need to work it out work it off juke it out And use your mind the way you use your mouth I'm from a stripper hustler with names like Chip and Buster Come to the crib with that bogus Them boys will nip and tuck ya Are you a righteous brother Still I might just touch her, build her and destruct her Come with heat that'll burn like Usher
Common is telling women to love their bodies and work to be healthy rather than trying to fit into a certain image. He also alludes to his past with strippers and makes some sexual comments.

Rockin' don't stop it now, uh Rockin' don't stop it now, uh Shock it don't stop it now, uh Shock it don't stop it now, uh You can keep freakin' now, uh You can do the freak girl
Common wants people to keep dancing.

So cool, so cool I wanna move So cool, so cool
Common is still feeling cool and wants to keep dancing.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: TAZ ARNOLD, SHAFIQ A. HUSAYN, OMMAS KEITH-GRAHAM, LONNIE RASHID LYNN, Lonnie Lynn, Ommas Keith, Shafiq Husayn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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