Common Profile

Few Hip-Hop artists have survived the rap game as long as Common. Compared to both pioneers and contemporaries, his incontrovertibly significant influence on Hip-Hop culture remains. His career is universally recognizable, whether it is his acting, his music, or his politics. We at the Archive have broadly researched Common's career in order to provide you with a well-deserved, tributary page. Whether Common's actions are praised or discouraged, he is inarguably unique, and that singularity is a most respectable quality.

Check out our video on the incredible diversity of Common's work throughout the years.

[Visit page to watch the video]

Common - Timeline

1972-1990

Common was born Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr. March 13, 1972 in Chicago, Illinois. His parents divorced during his early childhood. Common's mother (Mahalia Ann Hines) worked as an educator and had child custody of Common following the divorce. Common's father (Lonnie Lynn) played ABA professional Basketball and became a Youth Councilor after his Basketball career. Common aspired to pursue professional athletics, but eventually re-targeted his energy towards a hip-hop career. He started pursuing his hip-hop career in High School, forming a group called CDR. Which opened for acts such as N.W.A. and Big Daddy Kane. The group dissolved as Common pursued a College education. He studied Business Administration at Florida A&M. Despite the end of CDR, Common maintained consistent work towards becoming an emcee.

1991

Common is featured in The Source in October 1991 as "Unsigned Hype", inspiring him to leave Florida A&M after two years of attendance and pursue a professional rap career. He then began working on his '92 debut album, Can I Borrow a Dollar?

1992

Common releases his first studio album, Can I Borrow A Dollar? Although his debut gained minimal mainstream reception, it acquired a small but loyal fan base.

1994

He released his next album entitled Resurrection. Resurrection received significantly better reviews than Can I Borrow a Dollar, peaking at no. 179 on the Billboard Charts. His brilliant commentary on the state of hip-hop, "I Used To Love H.E.R." positively promoted his album and career. "I Used to Love H.E.R." is widely considered as a Hip Hop Classic. The song also sparked a brief feud with West Coast Rapper Ice Cube, who felt that Common's lyrics gave West Coast Hip Hop insufficient respect. Their feud eventually dissolved. Common's first two albums were released under the name "Common Sense". Common then faced a lawsuit against a Ska band that claimed to same name. Because of his poor representation, he shortened his stage name to "Common".

1996

Common's single "The Remedy" is featured in '96 film, Get On The Bus.

1997

He released his third studio album entitled One Day It'll all Make Sense. This album featured several reputable artists such as Lauryn Hill, Q Tip, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Cee-Lo, and the Root's Black Thought. The success of this album contributed to his frequent appearances on various tracks by Hip Hop artists such as Pete Rock, Black Star (Mos Def & Talib Kweli), The Roots and Sadat X.

2000

He released his next album entitled Like Water For Chocolate on major record label, MCA. Common recruited The Roots' ?uestlove to produce the album. Like Water For Chocolate featured artists such as Macy Gray, MC- Lyte, Cee Lo, Mos Def, D'Angelo, Roy Hargrove (jazz musician), and Femi Kuti. His single, "The Light" earned a Grammy Nomination for best solo performance. Common plays guest part on sitcom, Girlfriends

2001

Common plays guest part on sitcom One on One

2002

Mary J Blige features Common on her single, "No More Drama". Common releases a personal, experimental album entitled Electric Circus under MCA Records. Common also plays his first film role, a brief Cameo appearance in Hip Hop romantic comedy, Brown Sugar.

2002

2005

Common released his sixth studio album, Be under Geffen Records. Famous producer and artist Kanye West produced much of the album. West remained involved with production for the following two albums.

2006

Common models for Gap Clothing Company. Common lands major acting role for Joe Carnahan's Smoking Aces

2007

Common also launches "Common Ground Program" a non-profit charity project dedicated to educating impoverished children. Common appears in film American Gangster and releases his Grammy- Award winning seventh album entitled Finding Forever.

2008

Common releases Universal Mind Control, primarily produced by the Neptunes. That same year, Common appears in films Street Kings and Wanted

2009

Common appears in film Terminator Salvation

2010

Common appears in film Date Night starring Tina Fey and Steve Carrell

Articles

Common To Release Autobiography "One Day It'll All Make Sense" On September 13th - HipHopDX.com, 8/15/2011

Common Inks Deal with Warner Bros - HipHopDX.com, 6/25/2011

The Left’s Absurd Defense of Rapper Common - FrontPageMag.com, 5/17/2011

Bill O’Reilly and Jon Stewart will debate, keeping rapper Common ‘controversy’ alive - WashingtonPost.com, 5/13/2011

Common Appears at White House Event as Pundits Criticize Invite - ABCNews.com, 5/12/2011

NJ Cops "Outraged" Over WH Rapper Invite - NBCNewYork.com, 5/12/2011