A Roots Picnic Experience: Hip-Hop is the Love of My Life

Common (formerly Common Sense, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn on March 13, 1972) is a Chicago-based hip-hop artist known for lyrics that focus on love and spirituality. Many people describe him as being a conscious hip-hop artist, one who makes songs that send a message. With the help of big-time producers such as Kanye West, DJ Premier, and J Dilla, Common's tunes are ear-catching and meaningful.

As well as music, Common has worked as an actor, in 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 an artist, which has led 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.

Most recently released in 2021, Common dropped the second half of his latest album "A Beautiful Revolution Part 2."