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.
Stolen Moments Pt. II Ft. Black Thought
Common Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down-da-down, check it, check it
There was a Hardy Boy mystery I was trying to solve
Can't understand who the fuck was involved
Back from a show I had came, hopped off the plane
In my mind home was pictured and rest was the frame
My guy came to grab me in something less than a Caddy
As we approach my tilt, paranoia in my bones had built
By the lock on the door, a hole was drilled
I opened it to the kitchen floor my heart knelt
In my shit, somebody had broke in like a mitt
My mind started swinging and who I thought the glove fit
As usual, niggas is suspects
Who did I tell I was going out of town?
Not too many people, I guess the word got around
The people upstairs should have been disturbed by the sound
Must have came in during the day when at work they was found
At the mound I stand vocal pitch high, asking who done it
Fuck Hitchcock, I got the fifth cocked, about to go Wild Hundreds
Whoever did it had the nerve to chill, and get blunted
And left a roach in the ash tray I had cleaned out the last day
Before I left, this thief decided to play chef
Overlooked beef in the fridge to cook chicken breast
I'm kicking what shit was left all around the house
Thinking whoever came in on me is out
It's a frantic situation
It's a frantic situation, yes it is
It's a frantic situation
It's a frantic situation, hear me now
It's a frantic situation
It's a frantic situation, yes it is
It's a frantic situation
It's a frantic situation, hear me now
The lyrics of COMMON's song "Stolen Moments Pt. II" ft. Black Thought tell a story of a disturbing event that the artist experienced – his apartment was broken into while he was on tour, and he had to face the aftermath. In the beginning, we witness the confusion and frustration that he was feeling, as he tried to make sense of the situation. He describes the paranoia that was building inside of him and the shock he felt when he saw what had happened – his place was trashed, and someone had been cooking in his kitchen. He becomes angry with his suspects, and we can feel his desperation as he tries to figure out who did this.
The lyrics also illustrate a sense of vulnerability that COMMON was feeling. His home had been invaded, and his privacy was no longer secure. It's a relatable experience, and he paints a picture of the aftermath that is intense and palpable. The repetition of the phrase "It's a frantic situation" emphasizes the chaos and tumultuousness of the scene.
Overall, this song is a powerful reflection on the feeling of violation that comes with a break-in. COMMON's words are raw and honest, and the way he delivers the lyrics has a sense of urgency that makes the experience feel real.
Line by Line Meaning
Down da-down-da-down-down-down, what
The beat starts and the artist prepares to share a story.
There was a Hardy Boy mystery I was trying to solve
I was investigating a mystery, like the Hardy Boys detective series.
Can't understand who the fuck was involved
I couldn't figure out who was responsible for the crime.
Back from a show I had came, hopped off the plane
I returned from a performance and got off the plane.
In my mind home was pictured and rest was the frame
I was eager to get home and relax.
My guy came to grab me in something less than a Caddy
My friend picked me up in a modest car.
Go buy them gas and food was less than a cabby
He didn't spend much money on gas or food.
As we approach my tilt, paranoia in my bones had built
I became increasingly anxious as we got closer to my place.
By the lock on the door, a hole was drilled
Someone had drilled a hole in my door lock.
I opened it to the kitchen floor my heart knelt
I felt a sinking feeling in my chest when I saw the mess in the kitchen.
In my shit, somebody had broke in like a mitt
Someone had broken into my place like a baseball glove.
My mind started swinging and who I thought the glove fit
I began to suspect who might have been responsible.
As usual, niggas is suspects
It's a common stereotype that black men are always suspects in crimes.
Who did I tell I was going out of town?
I wondered who I might have accidentally shared my travel plans with.
Not too many people, I guess the word got around
I didn't tell many people, but someone found out anyway.
The people upstairs should have been disturbed by the sound
The noise should have disturbed the neighbors upstairs.
Must have came in during the day when at work they was found
The thief probably came during the day when everyone was at work.
At the mound I stand vocal pitch high, asking who done it
I stood up tall and demanded to know who committed the crime.
Fuck Hitchcock, I got the fifth cocked, about to go Wild Hundreds
I didn't need a suspenseful movie like Hitchcock's to get angry—my gun was already loaded and I was ready to retaliate.
Whoever did it had the nerve to chill, and get blunted
The thief had the audacity to relax and smoke after committing the crime.
And left a roach in the ash tray I had cleaned out the last day
The thief left a joint butt in the ashtray that I had emptied the day before.
Before I left, this thief decided to play chef
The thief cooked food with my groceries before I returned.
Overlooked beef in the fridge to cook chicken breast
The thief cooked chicken instead of beef that was in the fridge.
I'm kicking what shit was left all around the house
I was throwing stuff around in frustration because some of my things were missing.
Thinking whoever came in on me is out
I hope the thief has left and won't return.
It's a frantic situation
The situation is chaotic and stressful.
It's a frantic situation, yes it is
The situation is definitely out of control.
It's a frantic situation
The situation is hard to handle emotionally.
It's a frantic situation, hear me now
I want people to understand the gravity of the situation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ERNEST DION WILSON, LONNIE RASHID LYNN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind