Common HHV Records 17 Items

About rap battles and perseverance

Before rising to fame and recognition, the hip hop group Common, comprised of Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr. (known as Common), experienced a transformative journey of passion, perseverance and artistic discovery. Common and his cohorts began their musical odyssey in the late 1980s, honing their skills on the vibrant streets of Chicago. Their lyrics reflect the realities of urban life, the struggles of marginalized groups, and the desire for social change. The group’s early days were marked by countless performances in local venues and underground rap battles. They dedicated themselves to writing sharp, thought-provoking verses and trying to redefine the boundaries of hip hop. Their dedication and authenticity gradually caught the attention of industry insiders and led to a record deal that paved the way for their rise to fame.

Catapulted into the mainstream

Led by veteran lyricist and rapper Common (formerly known as Common Sense), the group has consistently pushed boundaries with their thought-provoking music and socially conscious lyrics. In 1992, Common released his debut album Can I Borrow a Dollar? which showcased his raw talent and laid the foundation for his future success. However, it was his second vinyl, Resurrection (1994), that really put him on the map. With tracks like I Used to Love H.E.R. , Common demonstrated his storytelling skills and lyrical dexterity, earning critical acclaim and solidifying his status as an emerging force in hip hop. Common’s subsequent albums, such as One Day It’ll All Make Sense (1997) and Like Water for Chocolate (2000), continued to show his evolution as an artist. The latter vinyl in particular, on which he collaborated with renowned producers J Dilla and Questlove , became a classic of the genre with its blend of soulful beats and deliberate rhymes. In 2005, Common released the album Be , produced by Kanye West , which marked a turning point in his career. The project received universal praise and spawned hits such as The Corner and Go! . The success of the album catapulted Common into the mainstream, earning him Grammy recognition and expanding his fan base. Common’s subsequent releases, including Finding Forever (2007) and The Dreamer/The Believer (2011), demonstrated his versatility and continued commitment to social issues. On these albums, he collaborated with artists such as will.i.am , Nas and John Legend, solidifying his position as a respected figure in hip hop.

Urban meets luxury

The emergence of hip hop in the music world spawned a revolutionary cultural and artistic movement, and at the forefront of this genre was the influential hip hop group Common. With their innovative sound, thought-provoking lyrics and captivating performances, they left an indelible mark on the music landscape in the early 2000s. Their lyrics addressed important social issues, highlighted the struggles of marginalized groups, and gave voice to the voiceless. They used their platform to raise awareness about inequality, racial discrimination, and socioeconomic disparities, encouraging an entire generation to confront these systemic issues. In addition to their musical contributions, the group influenced an entire generation with their sense of fashion and aesthetics. They brought a unique style to the forefront that combined streetwear, urban fashion and luxury brands, creating a distinctive visual identity that still resonates in the fashion industry today. They paved the way for future artists and inspired a new wave of musicians who carried the torch and continued to innovate the genre.