Not Too Common

If you believe (like I do) that music is the heartbeat of the soul, then do yourself a favor---PLEASE get Common’s latest joint, “BE!” Most people didn’t like his last joint Electric Circus—further proving my point that most people are mediocre, at best. But I digress.


I think Common internalized the reviews of his last one and took it rather personally. Well that may underscore why he came out in such a Brian Nichols blaze. Hip Hop fans, this is an instant classic. Stack it near Ready To Die, The Chronic, Black on Both Sides, and prayerfully, any Omar in your collection. Non-hip hop fans, this will make you understand why the rest of us are fans. Kanye West is slowly becoming the Quincy Jones of hip hop; and he put his foot (and elbow) in this one. Timberland, Pete Rock, The Neptunes, Dallas Austin, Dre, Organized Noise, Premiere, Rick Ruben, are second-tier and the gap just became a river. Producers, grab your oars! The title track, Be! is the epitome of an intro. Simple guitar riffs, uncomplicated keyboards, and spit-fire lyrics. This track sets a very realistic tone for what history will prove to be the foundation of a hip hop masterpiece. I don’t know who pissed Common off, but I imagine they are awake now and drafting an apology. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce you to Kayne West, who slays club dwellers with "Go!" As the weather gets warm outside, the clubs, cars and cribs will sweat to this one throughout the summer. The music is so original and Common’s tone punctuates a solid “radio-friendly” (not necessarily a compliment), hit.
FAITHFUL is A tearful anthem that every rap classic should have [Tupac's "Dear Mama" first comes to mind.] The squeaky background sample detracts from very serious, straight-forward lyrics. John Legend’s chorus at the end more than makes up for that hook factoid and will convert the most unhappy hip hop fan.

Speaking of John (Legend), along with The Last Poets, and Bilal all make a welcomed guest appearances that are truly frosting on a carefully layered cake. Eleven solid tracks of hip hop, soul and deep inspiration that words will never fully describe. Do yourself a favor, start your holiday weekend right, pick this up, as nothing in your changer will have anything in Common.


1 Love,

Ray Lewis