Common (for me) has the mind perspective of Cormega, he simply NEVER sells out to commercialism (that is on purpose). Whether inspiring a new wave of amazing rappers like Talib Kweli, or churning out album after excellent album for the underground, the Chicago MC always stay real. I really can’t help but respect Common for all he’s done for hip hop. One of the those things HAS to be his stunning album Resurrection, holding him in the limelight as one of the most creative rappers alive with a song on the LP called I Used To Love H.E.R. Here Common uses the metaphor for a woman being like the hip hop industry, and basically it is just genius. So after that blinding album Common needed something for the millennium, and released his 2000 album Like Water For Chocolate. Comprising of producers like the Soulquarians, Jay Dee and DJ Premier the album got a very surprising amount of commercial success. But this was very unintentional, as Common said himself that he was ‘Built for the underground’. Being SO successful I avoided this album until I heard the unbelievable song The Light on the radio. Luckily I managed to get myself a free copy of this album and I have never looked back. So get some initiative and listen to Common Sense.

Tracklisting & Rating
1) Time Travelling (A tribute to Fela) 4 Stars
2) Heat 4 Stars
3) Cold Blooded f/ Rahzel 3 Stars
4) Dooinint 4.5 Stars
5) The Light 6 Stars
6) Funky For You 5 Stars
7) The Questions f. Mos Def 4 Stars
8) Time Travelin’ (reprise) NOT RATED
9) The 6th Sense 6 Stars
10) A Film Called (Pimp) f/ MC Lyte 3.5 Stars
11) Nag Champa (Aphrodisiac For The World) 4.5 Stars
12) Thelonius f/ Slum Village. 3 Stars
13) Payback Is A Grandmother 4.5 Stars
14) Geto Heaven Pt. 2. f/ D'Angelo 4.5 Stars
15) A Song For Assata 5 Stars
16) Pops Rap III… All My Children NOT RATED

The first track, I feel that stands out the album is Dooinint. Over a rough sound of clicking, occasional trumpets, keys and Common himself almost half beat-boxing at the beginning of the track, this is a great track. Here Common spits venom at anyone against him, over the slow, almost ’Old Skool’ beat. The chorus trades Primo-esque scratches as Common spells out his name in a braggadocio type fashion, labelling the track as completely his. The solid clicking production sails in between the lyrics, making this not so much a vulgar, angry battle track, but creative, unique and clever. When Common spits lyrics like this you know it’s all over:

’You wasn't saying you was a thug before Pac came, ten years ago you had a high top trying to be like Kane. Then Snoop released and it became a G Thang, claim sets, your city ain't got gangs’.

Of course one of the most, beautiful, extraordinary love songs comes up next. The Light. Jay Dee truly creates the song of his career, with beautiful jazzy electronic keys, organ like distorted keys, a driving drum snare and accompanied loop. This HAS to be one of my top ten favourite songs in the last couple of years, I simply cannot explain the beauty of this production. Even if there were no words on this song, I could listen to the production all day! But thankfully Common takes the song that much further as he delivers passionate, creative and beauty words in an letter format to his lover. As he signs of with ’I’ll tell you the rest when I see you, peace’, you know the whole song has just been the most magical experience. Even after listening to this song three times a week for the past three years all it’s done is grown on me more. From when I hear the choral voice to the entering keys, it’s just too exceptional.

’I know your heart is weathered by what studs did to you, I ain't gonna assault em cause I probably did it too. Because of you, feelings I handle with care, some ni**az recognise the light but they can't handle the glare. You know I ain't the type to walk around with matching shirts, If relationship is effort I will match your work’.

Another one of my favourites on the album is Funky For You. Over a underground intro of a sparse drum loop and Common introducing himself and once again almost beat-boxing over the top, AMAZING vocals from Bilal and Jill Scott call over the top, owning the song immediately. Keys sprinkle in the background, and for some reason remind me a lot of being under the sea, they almost bubble over the voices. On this track Common pays tribute to the hip hop rappers who taught him what he knows (i.e. People like Krs-One). This is a great track, but for me the highlight of the album is the amazing The 6th Sense. Laced by (in my opinion) the greatest hip hop producer of all time, thus far. Over what sounds like an illegal recording Common pronounces one of the greatest lines of all time with ’The revolution cannot be televised, the revolution Is here’. Then WHAM! In comes DJ Premier with scaling jiggly piano keys and a loud drum loop. On the chorus while Bilal sings, ebbed scratching sneaks it’s way in, creating a beautiful backdrop. Here Common uses amazing word play to describe how he’s a poet and ‘real’ master of the microphone.

’The perseverance of a rebel I drop heavier levels, It's unseen or heard, a king with words. Can't knock the hustle, but I've seen street dreams deferred, dark spots in my mind where the scene occurred’.

Nag Champa (Afrodisaic For The World), takes on a more spiritual, melodic sound. With a plucked strings, harmonising keys and a loving regular hitting snare. Here Common spits poetic lyrics of passion about hip hop. This is very jazzy and rootful. It’s very relaxing and easy to listen to, and basically just an excellent song, as the male choral singer clasps the attention of the listener and rolls on. On a slightly more dramatic not Payback Is A Grandmother, takes narrative to a new level as Common tells the story of his grandmother getting robbed and how much he wants revenge. A deep base, and southern atmosphere to the production, give the song the edge it needs. Light keys struggle in the background over the controlled base as Common’s story delves deeper into perplexity. A really good song.

The album ends on a great note with A Song For Assata. Over jazzy, melodic percussion based production, Common takes story telling into his own hands as he paints pictures that many would find hard not to believe! It tells the story of Assata, a black panther that is put in jail, and tells her misery and yearning to be free. This song really touches on Common’s roots as the jazz/blues production sails by with the low keys and light drum loop. This is an incredible way to end the album as he paints one of the most beautiful rap stories I have ever heard.

’ Two years inna hole. Her soul grew weak, away from people so long she forgot how to speak. She discovered freedom is a unspoken sound, and a wall is a wall and can be broken down’.

I really believe though a more laid back album from Common this was in nearly everybody’s top 10 for 2002. The Soulquarians produce and craft and album with production that is almost too good to be true. From The Light to Funky For You to The 6th Sense, this album is remarkable. Common is very versatile with his lyrics, whether talking about stories or battle rapping or claiming the state of hip hop, he does all this is the most poetic way possible. His voice almost talks sometimes it’s so relaxed which makes It a beautiful album to listen to. Also the fact that Common mixes jazz into his production just adds to his credentials. I don’t think anyone can deny this is a great album, though not his best (I think). So for everyone who said he ‘sold out’ with this LP, get some ‘Common Sense’!

Overall Rating
4 Stars


Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Cleaning the House