A Chicago native hip hop artist, Common (formerly known as Common Sense) is one of the best hip hop lyricists ever. He arrived on the hip hop scene with his debut "Can I Borrow A Dollar?", and is well known for his collaborations with The Soulquarians (fellow Chicago native producer No I.D. and the late J.Dilla). He has been successful in the underground scene. In 2005, he worked closely with Kanye West and J.Dilla on his album "BE" after being signed to Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music label. With "BE" Common received widespread success as well as praise for his great comeback in the hip-hop scene. After his commercial success with "BE" Common again collaborated with hit maker Kanye West, the late J.Dilla, will.i.am and newcomer Devo Springsteen on his seventh studio album "Finding Forever". "Finding Forever" was also a great success. At the same time, Common started an acting career, starring in films such "American Gangster", "Smoking Aces" and "Wanted" to name a few. Common has established his reputation as one of the best hip hop MCs in the business.
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 the films 'Smokin' Aces' (as Sir Ivy) 'American Gangster' (as Turner Lucas) and 'Wanted'. 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.
2007's Finding Forever was produced mainly by long-time collaborator, Kanye West.
Universal Mind Control is the 8th album from Chicago hip-hop artist Common.
From Wikipedia:Lonnie Rashied Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972), better known by his stage name Common (previously Common Sense), is an American rapper and actor.
Common 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. His first major label album, Like Water for Chocolate, received widespread critical acclaim and tremendous commercial success. His first Grammy award was in 2003 for Best R&B Song for "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" with Erykah Badu . Its popularity was matched by May 2005's Be, which was nominated in the 2006 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album. Common was awarded his second Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, for "Southside" (featuring Kanye West), from his July 2007 album Finding Forever. His best-of album Thisisme Then: The Best of Common was released on November 27, 2007.
Common has also initiated a burgeoning acting career, starring significant roles in such films as Smokin' Aces, Street Kings, American Gangster, Wanted, Terminator Salvation, Date Night, and Just Wright.