Common (rapper)

Common was born on March 13, 1972, at the Chicago Osteopathic Hospital in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. He is the son of educator and former principal of John Hope College Preparatory High School, Mahalia Ann Hines, and former ABA basketball player turned youth counselor Lonnie Lynn.{{cite web|url=http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/sweethomecookcounty/documents/2007sweethome.pdf|title=Sweet Home Cook County|website=Cookcountyclerk.com|access-date=October 5, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528132937/http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/sweethomecookcounty/documents/2007sweethome.pdf|archive-date=May 28, 2016}} Lynn shares the same first name as his father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Steve |title=The Education of Lonnie Lynn |url=https://www.westword.com/news/the-education-of-lonnie-lynn-5057740 |website=Westword |access-date=November 5, 2024 |date=August 21, 1997}} He is known by his middle name, Rashid, to his family and friends.{{cite web |last1=Bazer |first1=Mark |title=Common is Back in the Neighborhood |url=https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/october-2014/common/ |website=Chicago Magazine |access-date=November 5, 2024 |date=September 17, 2014}} Lynn's godfather is basketball player Spencer Haywood who was a teammate of his father on the Denver Rockets.

Lynn was raised in the Calumet Heights neighborhood.{{cite news|last1=Bazer|first1=Mark|title=Common is Back in the Neighborhood|url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/October-2014/Common/|issue=October 2014|website=Chicago magazine|date=September 17, 2014}}{{Cite web|last=Zegel|first=Maureen|date=March 27, 2012|title=Rapper Common to bring his message to UMSL|url=https://blogs.umsl.edu/news/2012/03/27/common/|access-date=January 10, 2023|publisher=University of Missouri–St. Louis|website=UMSL Daily}}Williams, Thomas Chatterton (May 11, 2011). [http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/inviting-common-white-house-barack-michelle-obama-a-golden-opportunity-article-1.144238 "By inviting Common to the White House, Barack and Michelle Obama miss a golden opportunity"]. Daily News.[https://abc7chicago.com/archive/8618409/ "Common to throw White Sox 1st pitch"] . ABC 7 Chicago. April 13, 2012. His father left the family because of his drug and alcohol addictions while Lynn was young. When he was aged two, Lynn's father attempted to take him and his mother to Seattle where he had arranged a tryout with the Seattle SuperSonics. His father was arrested when the family stopped at a motel in Wisconsin and charged with false imprisonment.{{cite news |title=Basketball Player Jailed Here for Abducting Wife |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-basketball-player-jail/158483087/ |access-date=November 5, 2024 |work=The Capital Times |date=June 25, 1974 |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com}}

Lynn's parents divorced when he was six years old, resulting in his father moving to Denver, Colorado. This left Lynn to be raised by his mother; however, his father remained active in his life, and was able to get him a job with the Chicago Bulls as a teenager. Lynn attended Florida A&M University for two years under a scholarship and majored in business administration.{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_26_107/ai_n27857531/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405204617/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_26_107/ai_n27857531/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 5, 2011|title=Hip-hop star Common talks about: new hit CD 'Be' being labeled a 'conscious rapper' his breakup with singer Erykah Badu who attracts him now|last=Yarborough|first=Marti|date=June 27, 2005|work=Jet|via=FindArticles.com|access-date=July 25, 2009}}

Lynn began rapping in the late 1980s, while a student at Luther High School South in Chicago, when he, along with two of his friends, formed C.D.R., a rap trio that opened for acts such as N.W.A and Big Daddy Kane.{{cite web|url=http://www.askmen.com/men/entertainment_200/219c_common.html |title=AskMen.com's Men of the Week: Entertainment – Common |access-date=June 13, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001002614/http://www.askmen.com/men/entertainment_200/219c_common.html |archive-date=October 1, 2007 }} When C.D.R dissolved by 1991, Lynn began a solo career under the stage name of Common Sense. After being featured in the Unsigned Hype column of The Source magazine, he debuted as a solo artist in 1992 with the single "Take It EZ", followed by the album Can I Borrow a Dollar?.

With the 1994 release of Resurrection, Common Sense achieved a much larger degree of critical acclaim which extended beyond the Chicago music scene. The album sold relatively well and received a strong positive reaction among alternative and underground hip hop fans at the time. Resurrection was Common Sense's last album produced almost entirely by his long-time production partner, No I.D., who would later become a mentor to a young Kanye West.

In 1996, Common Sense appeared on the Red Hot Organization's compilation CD, America Is Dying Slowly (A.I.D.S.), alongside Biz Markie, Wu-Tang Clan, and Fat Joe, among many other prominent hip hop artists. The CD, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American men, was heralded as "a masterpiece" by The Source magazine. He would later also contribute to the Red Hot Organization's Fela Kuti tribute album, Red Hot and Riot in 2002. He collaborated with Djelimady Tounkara on a remake of Kuti's track, "Years of Tears and Sorrow".

File:Common-Mos Def-10-mika.jpg in 1999]]

The song "I Used to Love H.E.R." from Resurrection ignited a feud with West Coast rap group Westside Connection. The lyrics of the song criticized the path hip hop music was taking, using a metaphor of a woman to convey hip hop{{Cite journal|last=Kelly|first=Lauren Leigh|date=2013|title=Hip-Hop Literature: The Politics, Poetics, and Power of Hip-Hop in the English Classroom|jstor=24484092|journal=The English Journal|volume=102|issue=5|pages=51–56|doi=10.58680/ej201323587 }} and were interpreted by some as directing blame towards the popularity of West Coast gangsta rap. Westside Connection first responded with the 1995 song "Westside Slaughterhouse," with the lyrics "Used to love H.E.R., mad cause I f*cked her". "Westside Slaughterhouse" also mentioned Common Sense by name, prompting the rapper to respond with the scathing Pete Rock-produced attack song "The Bitch in Yoo". Common Sense and Westside Connection continued to insult each other back and forth before finally meeting with Louis Farrakhan and setting aside their dispute. Following the popularity of Resurrection, Common Sense was sued by an Orange County-based reggae band with the same name, and was forced to shorten his moniker to simply Common.{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|title=Common Biography|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p276488|pure_url=yes}}|website=allmusic|date=July 31, 2007|access-date=September 9, 2008}}

Initially scheduled for an October 1996 release, Common released his third album, One Day It'll All Make Sense, in September 1997. The album took a total of two years to complete and included collaborations with artists such as Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Q-Tip, Canibus, Black Thought, Chantay Savage, and Questlove – a future fellow member of the Soulquarians outfit. The album, which made a point of eschewing any gangsterism (in response to questions about his musical integrity), was critically acclaimed and led to a major label contract with MCA Records. In addition to releasing One Day, Common's first child, daughter Omoye Assata Lynn, was born shortly after the release of the album.

As documented by hip-hop journalist Raquel Cepeda, in the liner notes for the album, this event had a profound spiritual and mental effect on Common and enabled him to grow musically while becoming more responsible as an artist. She writes:

:Rashid found out that he was going to become a daddy in about 8 months. Stunned and confused, Rashid had life-altering decisions to make with his girlfriend, Kim Jones. The situation led to the composition of his favorite cut on One Day... that offers a male slant on abortion. "Retrospect for Life", produced by James Poyser and No I.D. featuring Lauryn Hill (who was due on the same day as Rashid's girlfriend), is the song that is the driving force behind the project. Rashid listens to "Retrospect for Life" today at the mastering session geeked as if it were for the first time. He tells me as we listen to L-Boogie wail the chorus, "when I listen to the song now, I think about how precious her (Omoye's) life is".

Common addresses family ethics several times on One Day..., and the album sleeve is decorated with old family photos, illustrating the rapper's childhood, as well a quote from 1 Corinthians 13:11, which summarizes the path to manhood:

{{blockquote|When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.}}

File:Common-02.jpg

Following One Day..., Common signed a major label record deal with MCA Records and relocated from Chicago to New York City in 1999. He began recording almost exclusively with a loose collective of musicians and artists (dubbed the "Soulquarians" by central figure Questlove) throughout 1999, and made a few sporadic guest appearances on The Roots' Things Fall Apart, and the Rawkus Records compilation, Soundbombing 2.

In 2000, his fourth album, Like Water for Chocolate, was released to mass critical acclaim. Executive produced by Questlove and featuring significant contributions by J Dilla, (who helmed every track except – "Cold Blooded", "Geto Heaven Part II", "A Song For Assata", "Pop's Rap Part 3...All My Children" & the DJ Premier-produced track "The 6th Sense"), Like Water for Chocolate transpired to be a considerable commercial breakthrough for Common, earning the rapper his first gold record, and greatly expanding his fanbase among critics and listeners alike.

With both artists hailing from the Great Lakes region of the United States (Chicago and Detroit, respectively), Common and J Dilla established their chemistry early on. Both became members of the Soulquarians collective, and collaborated on numerous projects together, even placing one song, "Thelonius", on both the Slum Village album Fantastic, Vol. 2, and Common's Like Water for Chocolate. As Dilla's health began to decline from the effects of Lupus Nephritis, he relocated to Los Angeles, and asked Common to make the move with him as a roommate (Dilla would later lose his battle with the rare disease).{{cite news|title=J Dilla's turn in spotlight comes after his death |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/j-dilla-s-turn-spotlight-comes-after-his-death-wbna14587861 |website=Today.com |date=August 31, 2006}}

This album saw Common exploring themes (musically and lyrically), which were uncommon for a hip-hop record, as he does on the song "Time Travelin' (A Tribute To Fela)"; a homage to Nigerian music legend, and political activist Fela Kuti. The most popular single from the album "The Light" was nominated for a Grammy Award.

In 2002, Common released his fifth album, Electric Circus. The album was highly anticipated and praised by many critics for its ambitious vision. However, it was not as commercially successful as his previous album, Like Water for Chocolate, selling under 300,000 copies. An eclectic album, Electric Circus featured fusions of several genres such as hip hop, pop, rock, electronic, and neo-soul. The album's style tended to divide critics; some praised its ambitious vision while others criticized it for the same reason. Most of the criticism tended to revolve around the album's experimental nature; some felt Common had strayed too far from his previous sound. This was Common's second and last album for MCA, and the label's final release prior to its absorption into Geffen Records.

Around this time, Common appeared as a guest performer on singer and fellow Soulquarian Bilal's Love for Sale album, recording a remake of the 1977 Fela Kuti song "Sorrow, Tears & Blood".{{cite interview|subject=Bilal|interviewer=Alex Nagshineh|date=May 9, 2011|url=http://www.bonafidemag.com/bilal-interview-bonafide-exclusive/|title=Bilal Interview – Bonafide Exclusive|magazine=Bonafide Magazine|access-date=August 5, 2020}} Bilal also featured on Electric Circus, the first of many future collaborations with Common.{{cite web|author=Iai|date=September 20, 2010|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/39210/Bilal-Airtights-Revenge/|title=Bilal – Airtight's Revenge (album review)|website=Sputnikmusic|access-date=July 20, 2020}}

{{listen|filename=Common - Go.ogg|title="Go!" excerpt|description=From the album Be|format=Ogg}}

In early 2004, Common made an appearance on fellow Chicagoan Kanye West's multi-platinum debut album, The College Dropout (on the song "Get Em High"), and announced his signing to West's then-newfound label GOOD Music. West had been a longtime fan of Common and the two even participated in a friendly on-air MC battle, where West took jabs at his lyrical idol for "going soft" and wearing crochet pants (as he does for his appearance in the video for the Mary J. Blige song "Dance for Me"). The pair worked together on Common's next album, Be, almost entirely produced by Kanye West, with some help from Common's longtime collaborator James Yancey (J Dilla) – also a favorite of West. The album was released in May 2005, and performed very well, boosted by Kanye's involvement and the singles "The Corner", and "Go". Be earned Common the second gold record of his career, with sales topping out at around 800,000 copies. The Source magazine gave it a near-perfect 4.5 mic rating, XXL magazine gave it their highest rating of "XXL", and AllHipHop gave the album 4 stars. The album was also nominated for four Grammy Awards in 2006.

File:Common.jpg

Following the release of Be in 2005, several mixed-race artists from the UK hip-hop scene took exception to Common's comments about interracial relationships on the song "Real People." Yungun, Doc Brown and Rising Son recorded a track over an instrumental version of "The Corner" named "Dear Common (The Corner Dub)." Common states that he has heard of the track but never actually taken the time to listen to it, and has not retaliated in song.[http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/8057 "Common Gets Thugged Out, Ghost Writing For Diddy Too] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060911075641/http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/8057 |date=September 11, 2006 }}". Sohh.com. Retrieved December 7, 2006.

Common's seventh LP titled Finding Forever was released on July 31, 2007. For this album, he continued his work with Kanye West, as well as other producers such as Will.i.am, Devo Springsteen, Derrick Hodge, and Karriem Riggins, as well as the only J Dilla-produced track, "So Far To Go". The album features guest spots from artists such as Dwele, Bilal, D'Angelo, and UK pop starlet Lily Allen. The first single from the album was "The People" b/w "The Game". West predicted that Finding Forever would win the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.Reid, Shaheem (April 19, 2006). "[https://archive.today/20120903144013/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1528967/04182006/west_kanye.jhtml?headlines=true Kanye Says He Won't Do 'Fast-Food' Music — 'M:i:III' Track Took 50 Hours]". MTV News. Retrieved December 6, 2006. The album was nominated for Best Rap Album, but did not win, losing to West's Graduation; however, Common did win his second Grammy for "Southside," which won the 2008 Grammy for Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group.

On July 31, 2007, Common performed a free concert in Santa Monica, California, on the 3rd Street Promenade to promote the release of Finding Forever. Common explained to the audience that the title "Finding Forever" represented his quest to find an eternal place in hip-hop and also his wishes to be an artist for the rest of his life. The album debuted at No. 1 on the national Billboard 200 charts.

In an August 2007 interview with XXL, rapper Q-Tip of the group A Tribe Called Quest stated that he and Common were forming a group called 'The Standard', and were planning to record an album to be produced by Q-Tip; however, this never came to fruition.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=13364 |title=Hip-Hop on a Higher Level | " Q-Tip and Common Form New Group, The Standard |website=XXLmag.com |access-date=May 13, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412225147/http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=13364 |archive-date=April 12, 2009 }}

Common was instrumental in bridging the trans-Atlantic gap by signing UK's Mr. Wong and J2K to Kanye West's Getting Out Our Dreams recording outfit. Common met the pair during his tour in the UK earlier on in the year. It is speculated that the deal is not only to bring the UK and US hip hop genres together but that to rival Syco Music's cross-Atlantic success with Leona Lewis. He also has a deal with Zune mp3 players. In 2008 Common made an estimated 12 million dollars, making him equal in earnings to Eminem and Akon, tied for the 13th highest grossing Hip-Hop artist.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}

File:Common in Copenhagen.jpg

The eighth album from Chicago hip-hop artist Common was originally scheduled to be released on June 24, 2008, under the name Invincible Summer, but he announced at a Temple University concert that he would change it to Universal Mind Control.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045697/common-previews-invincible-new-album |title=Common Previews 'Invincible' New Album, 29 April 2k8 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 13, 2011}} The release date was pushed back to September 30, 2008, due to Common filming Wanted. The release date was set for November 11, 2008, however, it was once again pushed back to December 9, 2008.

The album's eponymous lead single "Universal Mind Control", was officially released on July 1, 2008, via the US iTunes Store as part of The Announcement EP (sold as Universal Mind Control EP in the UK). The song features Pharrell, who also produced the track. The Announcement EP included an additional track titled "Announcement", also featuring Pharrell. The video for the lead single was filmed in September by director Hype Williams. In 2009, Common was prominently featured throughout his GOOD Music label-mate Kid Cudi's debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day, as a narrator and featured artist. In late 2009, it was revealed Common was nominated for two Grammys at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Make Her Say", alongside Kid Cudi and Kanye West, as well as Best Rap Album for Universal Mind Control.

American producer No I.D., stated that he and Kanye West would be producing Common's album The Dreamer/The Believer.{{cite web|url=http://nahright.com/news/2008/10/09/no-id-kanye-to-helm-next-common-album/ |title=No I.D. & Kanye To Helm Next Common Album |website=Nah Right |date=October 9, 2008 |access-date=February 20, 2011}} In July 2011, it was announced that No I.D. would be the album's sole producer.{{cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.15831/title.no-id-to-produce-the-entirety-of-commons-the-dreamer-the-believer |title=No I.D. To Produce The Entirety of Common's "The Dreamer, The Believer" | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |website=HipHop DX |date=July 5, 2011 |access-date=October 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905182353/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.15831/title.no-id-to-produce-the-entirety-of-commons-the-dreamer-the-believer |archive-date=September 5, 2011 |url-status=dead }} Common made an appearance on The Jonas Brothers' most recent album, Lines, Vines and Trying Times as a guest rapper for the group's 2009 song, "Don't Charge Me for the Crime."{{cite web|url=http://www.idiomag.com/peek/83623/common#/83623/1/ |title=Common on Jonas Brothers New Album |website=IdioMag |access-date=June 11, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714184422/http://www.idiomag.com/peek/83623/common |archive-date=July 14, 2014 }}

On July 6, 2011, Common released his first single, titled "Ghetto Dreams", from his next album. A second single, "Blue Sky", was released on October 4, 2011. On December 20, 2011, Common released his ninth solo album, titled The Dreamer, The Believer. Although he left GOOD Music in 2011, Common was featured on the label's first compilation album, 2012's Cruel Summer. Common released a song entitled "Sweet", from The Dreamer/The Believer, which included lyrics critical of rappers who sing, although this criticism was not aimed specifically at Canadian recording artist Drake.{{cite web |url=http://rapradar.com/2011/12/20/common-responds-to-drake-shade-45/|title=Common Responds To Drake (Shade 45)|work=Rap Radar|date=December 20, 2011 |access-date=December 20, 2012}} Drake took offense and responded by releasing "Stay Schemin'", a song with Rick Ross and French Montana.{{cite web|url=http://www.prefixmag.com/news/is-drake-dissing-common-on-rick-ross-stay-schemin-/60283/|title=Is Drake Dissing Common On Rick Ross' "Stay Schemin'"? |work=Prefixmag.com|access-date=May 28, 2012}} Common fans only had to wait two-and-a-half days for him to respond to Drake's diss track. On February 13, 2012, Common commented on the feud by saying "It's over. But it was all in the art of hip hop. He said some things to me so I had to say some things back...I wouldn't say [he started it] but I know I heard something that I felt was directed to me so I addressed it. That's all. But you know, thank God we were able to move forward from it and all is good."{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.18651/title.common-confirms-drake-beef-is-over-sends-prayers-to-whitney-houstons-family|title=Common Confirms Drake Beef Is "Over," Sends Prayers To Whitney Houston's Family|work=HipHopDx|access-date=August 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417214029/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.18651/title.common-confirms-drake-beef-is-over-sends-prayers-to-whitney-houstons-family|archive-date=April 17, 2012|url-status=dead}}

After a quiet 2012, Common announced he would release an extended play (EP) in January 2013, and his first mixtape in April.{{Cite web |last = Horowitz |first = Steven J. |date = January 3, 2013 |title = Common To Release An EP, Album & Mixtape In 2013 |work = HipHopDX |url = https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.22416/title.common-to-release-an-ep-album-mixtape-in-2013 |access-date = January 10, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140403153106/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22416/title.common-to-release-an-ep-album-mixtape-in-2013 |archive-date = April 3, 2014 |url-status = live}} In February 2013, Common announced his tenth solo studio album would be released in September 2013 and will feature Kanye West and production from Kanye West and No I.D. Later on September 8, 2013, he gave an update to his projects saying the previously announced EP would be released soon, and would feature a song with new Def Jam signee Vince Staples. He also told HipHopDX, his tenth solo studio album would be released in early 2014.{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Bruce |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25365/title.common-promises-ep-details-vince-staples-collaboration |title=Common Promises EP & Details Vince Staples Collaboration | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |website=HipHop DX |date=September 8, 2013 |access-date=September 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912050546/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25365/title.common-promises-ep-details-vince-staples-collaboration |archive-date=September 12, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

On January 6, 2014, Common announced his tenth studio album to be titled Nobody's Smiling and would be produced entirely by longtime collaborator 'No I.D.'. The album, which Common revealed was originally going to be an EP, is set to feature Vince Staples, James Fauntleroy and "some new artists from Chicago." The concept of the album was inspired by his troubled hometown of Chicago: "We came up with this concept 'nobody's smiling.' It was really a thought that came about because of all the violence in Chicago," he says. "It happens in Chicago, but it's happening around the world in many ways." He continues, "We was talking about the conditions of what's happening, when I say 'nobody's smiling.' But it's really a call to action."{{Cite news|title=Common Announces New Album 'Nobody Smiling'|language=en-US|work=Rap-Up|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2014/01/06/common-announces-new-album-nobody-smiling/|access-date=January 10, 2023}}{{Cite web|last1=Kennedy|first1=John|date=January 7, 2014|title=Watch: Common Reveals Guests On 'Nobody Smiling' LP |work = Vibe |url=https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/watch-common-reveals-guests-nobody-smiling-lp-201551/|access-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140112131337/http://www.vibe.com/web/20140112131337/http://www.vibe.com/article/watch-common-reveals-guests-nobody-smiling-lp |archive-date = January 12, 2014}}{{Cite web |last = Ortiz |first = Edwin |title=Common to Release New Album "Nobody Smiling" In 2014, Entirely Produced by No I.D. |work = Complex |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/common-new-album-nobody-smiling-fully-produced-by-no-id|access-date=January 10, 2023}} On June 4, 2014, it was announced Common signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings and No I.D.'s Artium Records.{{cite web|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Grammy-Winner-COMMON-Signs-to-No-IDs-ArtiumDef-Jam-Recordings-20140604# |title=Grammy Winner COMMON Signs to No I.D.'s Artium/Def Jam Recordings – BWWMusicWorld |website=Broadway World |access-date=July 13, 2014}} It was also announced Nobody's Smiling would be released July 22, 2014. Lonnie "Pops" Lynn was to be featured on this album as well but the recording fell through as Lonnie's health declined. A recording was indeed made and is in process of being released on Dirty Laboratory Productions featuring production by AwareNess.

In 2016 Common released his eleventh studio album titled Black America Again under Def Jam Recordings, the album featured guest appearances by Stevie Wonder, Bilal, Marsha Ambrosius, BJ The Chicago Kid, John Legend, PJ, Syd, Elena & Tasha Cobbs. The album was primarily produced by Karriem Riggins alongside many other contributors including Robert Glasper.

In 2018, Common also announced he would be forming a jazz group called August Greene with Karriem Riggins & Robert Glasper, shortly after this announcement an August Greene album was released through a partnership with Amazon Music. The album featured guest vocals (credited and uncredited) by male singer Samora Pinderhughes and featured award-winning singer Brandy Norwood on two songs titled "Optimistic" and "Time" respectively. On August 30, 2019, Common released his twelfth solo studio album titled Let Love, the album was released by Loma Vista Recordings and Concord Records. The album features guest appearances from Samora Pinderhughes, Daniel Caesar, Swizz Beatz, Leikeli47, BJ the Chicago Kid, A-Trak, Jill Scott, Leon Bridges and Jonathan McReynolds and production of the album was primarily handled by Karriem Riggins and the song titled "HER Love" (feat. Daniel Caesar) was produced by J. Dilla.

In 2020 Common released a nine-track album titled A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 1. The album features female singer PJ on seven tracks and also features guest vocals from Black Thought and Lenny Kravitz. In 2021 he released a sequel album, A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 2, which features guest vocals from Jessica Care Moore, PJ, Black Thought, Seun Kuti, Marcus King, Isaiah Sharkey, Brittany Howard, and Morgan Parker. Production of both albums was handled primarily by long-time collaborator Karriem Riggins, with various other producers credited as session musicians.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8094946/common-august-greene-optimistic|title=Common Teams Up With Longtime Producers to Form Supergroup August Greene: Listen to 'Optimistic' Single|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 2, 2018}}

On August 1, 2023, Common was featured in Men's Health's Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary edition alongside Method Man, Wiz Khalifa, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, and 50 Cent.{{cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Keith |title=Hip-Hop Is Life |url=https://www.menshealth.com/health/a44567421/hip-hop-50/ |website=Men's Health |date=August 2023 |access-date=August 1, 2023}}

In 2024, it was announced that Common would be releasing a collaborative album with Pete Rock titled The Auditorium Vol. 1, and released the album's first single, "Wise Up".{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Joe |title=Common & Pete Rock Kickstart New Album Rollout With First Single 'Wise Up' |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/common-pete-rock-wise-up |website=HipHopDX |date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=May 27, 2024}}

In 2003, Common appeared on the American UPN sitcom Girlfriends. In the episode "Take This Poem and Call Me in the Morning", he appeared as Omar, a slam poet who competes with fellow poet Sivad (played by Saul Williams) for the affection of Lynn Searcy (played by Persia White). He also had a cameo appearance on an episode of UPN's One on One, where he played a drama class instructor named Darius. He also made an appearance on the ABC show Scrubs. In 2007, Common appeared with Ryan Reynolds, Jeremy Piven, and Alicia Keys in the crime film Smokin' Aces, making his big screen debut as villainous Mob enforcer Sir Ivy. He appeared alongside Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, The RZA and T.I. in the 2007 crime thriller American Gangster. On January 20, 2007, one week before the opening of Smokin Aces, he appeared in a Saturday Night Live sketch as himself. The show's host was Piven, his Aces co-star.

In 2007, Common played the role of Smokin' Aces co-star Alicia Keys's boyfriend in the music video "Like You'll Never See Me Again".

In 2008, he had a supporting role in the film adaptation of the comic book Wanted alongside Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie. Common also appeared in the movie Street Kings with Keanu Reeves, Hugh Laurie, The Game, and Forest Whitaker. Common also starred in the 2010 movie Just Wright as a basketball player who falls in love with his physical therapist Queen Latifah.{{cite web| url=http://www.firstshowing.net/2007/11/17/four-justice-league-of-america-casting-confirmations-arrive-early |title=Four Justice League of America Casting Confirmations Arrive Early |website=Firstshowing.net |date=November 17, 2007 |access-date=May 13, 2011}} He appeared in the 2009 film Terminator Salvation as John Connor's lieutenant Barnes.{{cite web |url=https://nme.com/news/nme/36455 |title=Common to appear in new 'Terminator' film | News |website=Nme.com |date=May 7, 2008 |access-date=May 13, 2011 |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714194534/http://www.nme.com/news/nme/36455 |url-status=dead }}

In 2009, Common was cast as John Stewart/Green Lantern in the unproduced film Justice League: Mortal.

Common starred as a corrupt cop in the 2010 comedy Date Night with Steve Carell and Tina Fey. He was also featured in the role of deployed soldier Chino in 2011's New Year's Eve, the husband of Halle Berry's character, Nurse Aimee.

He was part of the ensemble cast of AMC's Hell on Wheels, as one of the lead characters, Elam Ferguson, a recently freed slave trying to find his place in the world.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.amctv.com/hell-on-wheels/2011/11/common-interview.php |title=Common Q&A |website=amctv.com |date=November 6, 2011 |access-date=November 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112061408/http://blogs.amctv.com/hell-on-wheels/2011/11/common-interview.php |archive-date=November 12, 2011 }}

In 2013, Common played the role of Agent Evans, an FBI agent in Now You See Me along with Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco. In the 2014 film Selma, for which he also co-wrote the Oscar-winning song "Glory", Common co-starred as 1960s civil rights movement leader James Bevel. In 2015, he played a hitman in Run All Night.

Common appeared as a gangster in the 2016 film Suicide Squad, directed by David Ayer and part of the DC Extended Universe.{{cite web|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/23/common-joins-suicide-squad-cast/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150423193557/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/04/23/common-joins-suicide-squad-cast/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 23, 2015|title=Common Joins "Suicide Squad" Cast|website=BallerStatus.com|date=April 23, 2015}}

In December 2015, Common appeared in the NBC TV special The Wiz Live!, as the Bouncer guarding the Emerald City.

In 2016, he co-starred in the film Barbershop: The Next Cut, alongside former rival Ice Cube.

In February 2017, he appeared alongside Keanu Reeves again, this time as professional hitman/bodyguard Cassian in John Wick: Chapter 2.

In August 2017, Common began voicing Kiburi the crocodile in Disney Junior's The Lion Guard.{{cite web|last=Scott|first=Sydney|title=Exclusive: Common Gets Shady In Disney Junior's 'The Lion Guard'|url=http://www.essence.com/entertainment/exclusive-common-disney-junior-lion-guard|website=Essence |access-date=August 12, 2017|date=August 10, 2017}}

Common played opposite Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Eva Vives's debut feature, All About Nina, which had its world premiere at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival. It was a major, breakout role for which he has received much critical acclaim (Variety's Peter Debruge calling his performance "easily the strongest of the half-dozen supporting roles he's had this year"{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/all-about-nina-review-1202961009//|title=Film Review: "All About Nina"|website=Variety |access-date=October 5, 2018|date=September 28, 2018}}). That same year, he appeared as Rear Admiral John Fisk in the action thriller film Hunter Killer.{{cite news |last=Castillo |first=Monica |title=Hunter Killer movie review & film summary |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/hunter-killer-2018 |access-date=July 10, 2022 |work=RogerEbert.com |date=October 26, 2018}}

In 2018, Common starred in the film adaptation of The Hate U Give, playing Starr's uncle Carlos, a black police officer that is forced to defend his colleague that is involved in the shooting of a black teen.{{Cite web|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|date=August 22, 2017|title=Common Joins Amandla Stenberg in YA Adaptation 'The Hate U Give' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/common-joins-ya-adaptation-hate-u-give-1031467/|access-date=May 22, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}}

In September 2022, it was announced that Common would make his Broadway debut in Second Stage Theater's Between Riverside and Crazy in the winter of 2022.{{Cite magazine|last=White|first=Abbey|title=Common to Make Broadway Debut in Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play 'Between Riverside and Crazy'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/common-to-make-broadway-debut-in-pulitzer-prize-winning-play-between-riverside-crazy-1235140274/|date=September 16, 2022|access-date=September 16, 2022|magazine=Billboard}}

On October 27, 2015, Common signed a two-year deal with HBO that allowed to start his own film production company, Freedom Road Productions.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6745073/common-hbo-deal-first-look | title=Common Signs Two-Year Deal With HBO | magazine=Billboard | date=October 27, 2015 | access-date=January 17, 2016 | author=Lynch, Joe}}{{cite web | url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/rapper-common-inks-two-year-production-deal-with-hbo/ | title=Hip hop artist/producer Common links two year deal with HBO | website=Digital Trends | date=October 28, 2015 | access-date=January 17, 2016 | author=Chris Leo Palermino}} He stated in an interview in February 2012 that one of his big career goals was to start his own film production company.{{cite web | url=http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2012/02/common_interview_sundance_film_festival_2012.html | title=4 Questions With Common | website=The Root | date=February 2, 2012 | access-date=January 17, 2016 | author=Walker, Julie | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122020205/http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2012/02/common_interview_sundance_film_festival_2012.html | archive-date=January 22, 2016 | df=mdy-all }}

In 2016 Common also worked with Amazon Studios and American Girl, serving as an executive producer for the direct-to-video feature An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbs8.com/story/33524580/exclusive-see-black-ish-star-marsai-martin-as-the-newest-american-girl-in-melody-1963-love-has-to-win|title=EXCLUSIVE: See 'Black-ish' Star Marsai Martin as the Newest American Girl in 'Melody 1963: Love Has to Win'|last=Kile|first=Meredith|publisher=KMFB Channel 8 |access-date=November 5, 2016}}

In 2006, Common was a model for photos of The Gap's fall season collection, appearing on posters in stores. Later that year, he performed in The Gap's "Holiday in Your Hood" themed Peace Love Gap. In February 2007, Common signed a deal with New Era to promote their new line of Layers fitted caps. Common also stars in a television commercial for the 2008 Lincoln Navigator. He appears in NBA 2K8 in NBA Blacktop mode. In the fall of 2008, Common appeared in an ad for Microsoft's Zune, comparing his new song, "Universal Mind Control", to "Planet Rock", a song from hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. Also, he featured in the Diesel campaign for a new fragrance called "Only The Brave". His song "Be (intro)" is featured in a commercial for BlackBerry {{as of|2011|January|lc=y}}.

In December 2008, Common launched a new clothing line in partnership with Microsoft titled "Softwear", based on 1980s computing.

Common was invited by First Lady Michelle Obama to appear at a poetry reading on May 11, 2011, at the White House.{{cite news|title=Rapper Common performs at White House amid media controversy|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/rapper-common-performs-at-white-house-amid-media-controversy/2011/05/11/AFQHgcuG_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post}} His poetry was found to be greatly influenced by Maya Angelou's works. This invitation caused furor with the New Jersey State Police and their union,{{cite web|url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2011/05/common-controversy-comes-to-white-house-poetry-night-cops-conservatives-cry-foul-at-some-of-his-past-work.html |title=Common Controversy Comes to White House Poetry Night; Cops, Conservatives Cry Foul at Some of His Past Work (UPDATED) – Political Punch |publisher=ABC News|date=May 2, 1973 |access-date=May 13, 2011}} who cited some of Common's previous lyrical content, most notably the song "A Song For Assata" about Assata Shakur, a member of the Black Liberation Army (and step-aunt of deceased rapper Tupac Shakur){{cite web |title = Joanne Deborah Chesimard {{!}} FBI Most Wanted Terrorists |publisher = Federal Bureau of Investigation |url = https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists/joanne-deborah-chesimard |access-date = June 11, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230611180222/https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists/joanne-deborah-chesimard |archive-date = 2023-06-11 |url-status = live}} who was convicted in 1977 of the first-degree murder of New Jersey state trooper Werner Foerster. At another poetry reading, Common had stated, "flyers say 'free Mumia' on my freezer", a reference to Mumia Abu-Jamal, who murdered Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner in 1981.

Jay Carney, the White House Press Secretary at the time, stated that President Obama opposed these particular lyrics, but supported what Common stood for more broadly.Dirner, Cullen. [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2011/05/white-house-condemns-some-of-commons-lyrics-but-praises-his-larger-body-of-work.html "White House Condemns Some of Common's Lyrics but Praises his Larger Body of Work"]. ABC News. May 11, 2011 Common responded by saying: "I guess Sarah Palin and Fox News doesn't like me." On Facebook, he also stated, "The one thing that shouldn't be questioned is my support for the police officers and troops that protect us every day." Common later discussed the matter with Jon Stewart during a September 14, 2011, appearance on Comedy Central's The Daily Show.{{cite episode|series=The Daily Show with Jon Stewart|url=http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/ixbs5v/common|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324032501/http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/ixbs5v/common|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 24, 2014|title="Common"|airdate=September 14, 2011|network=Comedy Central}}

File:9.13.11CommonDrHinesByLuigiNovi2.jpg in Tribeca, Manhattan]]

In September 2011, Common published his memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense, through Atria Books. As the book details how his close relationship with his mother influenced his life, it is partially narrated by her.[https://www.amazon.com/One-Day-Itll-Make-Sense/dp/1451625871/ One Day It'll All Make Sense]. Amazon.com. accessed September 11, 2011.

Common released his second memoir, Let Love Have The Last Word, in May 2019. The book highlights his relationship with his daughter Omoye, romantic relationships, his parents, and his struggle to cement his perspective in the concept of love.{{Cite magazine|last1=Legaspi|first1=Althea|date=May 8, 2019|title=Common Talks Family and Relationships, Reveals He Was Abused in New Memoir|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/common-memoir-let-love-have-the-last-word-interview-watch-832699/|access-date=July 22, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}

Common is a vegan and he is a supporter of animal rights and PETA.{{Citation |title=Why Common Makes Sure He Shows Up Early For His Broadway Gig | date=December 13, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-FBcKRMiak |language=en |access-date=December 14, 2022}} He appeared in a print advertisement for PETA titled "Think Before You Eat,"{{cite web |title=Common charity biography |date=n.d.|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1464-common |website=Look to the Stars |access-date=October 11, 2010}} and in a documentary titled Holistic Wellness for the Hip-Hop Generation where he promoted vegetarianism.{{cite web|url=https://allhiphop.com/2003/08/13/common-sticman-badu-featured-in-new-health-documentary/|first=Mike|last=Winslow|title=Common, Sticman, Badu Featured In New Health Documentary|website=AllHipHop|date=August 13, 2003|access-date=May 20, 2018}}

Common is also part of the "Knowing Is Beautiful" movement, which supports HIV/AIDS awareness. He is featured in the video for "Yes We Can," a song in support of the candidacy of Barack Obama, which made its debut on the internet on February 2, 2008. Common pledged to stop using anti-gay lyrics in his music.{{cite web |title=Common Pledges No More Anti-Gay Lyrics |date=September 6, 2007 |url=http://newnownext.com/common-pledges-no-more-anti-gay-lyrics/09/2007/ |website=NewNowNext.com |access-date=February 14, 2025 |archive-date=May 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516221423/http://newnownext.com/common-pledges-no-more-anti-gay-lyrics/09/2007/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}ContactMusic.com. May 9, 2007. Retrieved June 24, 2008.

Common is the founder of the Common Ground Foundation,{{cite web|title=Mission Statement |date=n.d. |url=http://www.commongroundfoundation.org/newaboutus2.html |publisher=Common Ground Foundation |access-date=October 12, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005154609/http://www.commongroundfoundation.org/newaboutus2.html |archive-date=October 5, 2011 }}{{cite news |title=Hip Hop Humanitarians|url=https://issuu.com/radiobums/docs/nation19_2/15|access-date=November 30, 2011|work=Nation19}} a non-profit that seeks to empower underprivileged youth to be contributing citizens and strong leaders in the world. The foundation includes programs dedicated to leadership development & empowerment, educational development, creative expression, as well as a book club. In 2014, Common Ground inaugurated the AAHH! Fest music festival in Chicago's Union Park.{{cite news|last1=Mark|first1=Bazer|title=Common is Back in the Neighborhood|url=http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/October-2014/Common/|issue=October 2014|work=Chicago magazine|date=September 17, 2014}} After a one-year hiatus, AAHH! Fest returned in 2016, but was canceled one week before showtime in 2017. An official announcement stated the fest would return September 15, 2018.{{Cite news |last = Cheung |first = Ariel |date = September 14, 2017 |title = Common's AAHH! Fest Gets Canceled Just One Week Before Showtime |work = DNAinfo |url = https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170914/west-loop/commons-aahh-fest-gets-canceled-just-one-week-before-showtime |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170916054409/https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170914/west-loop/commons-aahh-fest-gets-canceled-just-one-week-before-showtime |archive-date = September 16, 2017 |url-status = live}}

In 2017, Common performed concerts in several California prisons, as well as on the grounds of the California State Capitol.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7905216/common-j-cole-free-community-concert-sacramento-justice-reform/|title=Common to Host Free Community Concert With J. Cole & More to Advocate For Criminal Justice Reform|magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 18, 2020}} This concert tour inspired him to found Imagine Justice, another non-profit organization.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mic.com/p/mic-partners-with-commons-imagine-justice-to-advocate-for-criminal-justice-reform-17987507/|title=Mic partners with Common's 'Imagine Justice' to advocate for criminal justice reform|website=Mic.com|date=June 8, 2019 |access-date=May 18, 2020}}

In May 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Common launched a social media campaign through Imagine Justice, dubbed #WeMatterToo, with dozens of advocacy and activist groups calling attention to the threat that the pandemic poses for incarcerated men and women and intended to create greater public awareness about conditions facing incarcerated populations.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/cb61acba37b83f9d8b30249bef950786|title=Common's #WeMatterToo push urges jail releases amid virus|date=May 13, 2020 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=May 18, 2020}} The campaign includes the production of short films that will include recordings of inmates expressing their concern about the coronavirus spreading inside prisons.{{Cite news|url=https://www.papermag.com/common-we-matter-too-coronavirus-2646000096.html|title=Common Launches #WeMatterToo to Protect Incarcerated People|newspaper=Paper|date=May 14, 2020|access-date=May 18, 2020}}

Along with other rappers and activists, Common appeared in the award-winning documentary short film #Bars4Justice, which was shot in Ferguson, Missouri and produced by Nation19 Magazine.{{cite web|title=Filmmakers bring Ferguson to Phoenix's Hip Hop community… Sheriff Arpaio not invited|url=http://nation19.com/nation19s-new-short-film-filmed-in-ferguson-set-to-premier-in-phoenix/|website=Nation19|access-date=September 30, 2015|archive-date=June 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612203304/http://nation19.com/nation19s-new-short-film-filmed-in-ferguson-set-to-premier-in-phoenix/|url-status=dead}} Common performed with Andra Day in the opening musical performance for the March for Our Lives anti-gun violence rally in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2018.{{cite AV media |date = March 24, 2018 |title = Live Stream: March For Our Lives Rally |publisher = C-SPAN |url = https://www.c-span.org/video/?442255-1/march-lives-rally-coverage |access-date = June 11, 2023}} He also performed at the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's death{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2018/04/04/common-lin-manuel-miranda-commemorate-50th-anniversary-martin-luther-king-jr-s-death/485280002/|title=Common, Lin-Manuel Miranda commemorate 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s death|website=USA Today |access-date=July 16, 2019}} in Memphis, at an event co-hosted by the labor union UNITE HERE. Common was later accused of joining anti-union efforts by crossing a UNITE HERE picket line in Boston.{{Cite web|url=https://flipboard.com/article/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.masslive.com%2Fnews%2Findex.ssf%2F2018%2F10%2Frapper_common_crosses_picket_l.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0TZMxZjANeNkySA9-Wx1nH5kBAU-A0RlfSIcIq1Nf9f8uQ87HfIWqXoVU|title=Rapper, actor Common crosses picket line of striking Boston Marriott workers|website=Flipboard.com|language=en|access-date=July 16, 2019}}

Common is a vegan. In February 2009 he stated he is a pescatarian,{{cite web |url=http://vegetarianstar.com/2009/02/03/rapper-common-has-common-ground-with-vegetarians/ |title=Vegetarian StarRapper Common Has Common Ground With Vegetarians |website=Vegetarian Star |date=February 3, 2009 |access-date=November 6, 2016}} and has returned to veganism as of December 2024.{{cite web |url=https://www.gq.com/story/real-life-diet-common |title=The Real Life Diet of Common, Who Needs Good Vegan Cheese on His Pizza |website=GQ |date=December 10, 2024 }} He is a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears.{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/espn/page2/index/_/id/6588923 |title=Common talks about Bulls, hometown of Chicago |first=Adena|last=Andrews|publisher=ESPN |access-date=May 25, 2011}}{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2015/01/06/common-rex-ryan-coach-chicago-bears-dope-video |title=Common Bears Should Hire Rex Ryan |work=TMZ Sports |date=January 6, 2015 |access-date=January 6, 2015}} He is a Christian, attending Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.{{cite web |url=https://wtlcfm.com/454381/jesus-walks-rapper-common-talks-putting-faith-first/ |title=Jesus walks: Rapper Common talks putting faith first |date=August 3, 2010 |publisher=1067. WTLC |access-date=November 2, 2019}} On May 4, 2019, Common served as spring commencement speaker at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and after his address, was awarded an honorary DFA degree.{{cite web |url=https://www.wftv.com/news/local/uncommon-celebrity-sighting-common-presented-honorary-doctorate-from-famu/947528238/ |title=Uncommon celebrity sighting: Common presented honorary doctorate from FAMU |publisher=WFTV |date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=June 1, 2020 |author=Wilson, Sarah}} While at FAMU, he studied in the School of Business and Industry.{{cite web |url=http://www.famunews.com/2019/05/famu-commencement-speakers-common-and-gillum-urged-graduates-to-serve-2/ |title=FAMU Commencement Speakers Common and Gillum Urged Graduates to Serve |publisher=FAMU News |date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=March 5, 2020 |author=Miles, Keith |archive-date=March 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306041305/http://www.famunews.com/2019/05/famu-commencement-speakers-common-and-gillum-urged-graduates-to-serve-2/ |url-status=dead }}

Common has a daughter named Omoye Assata Lynn (b. 1997) from a previous relationship with his ex-fiancé Kim Jones. Omoye graduated from Howard Law School in 2022.{{cite web | url=https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/common-daughter/ | title=Common's Daughter Graduated from Law School and He Couldn't be More Proud | date=May 10, 2022 }}

Common was in a relationship with comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish from mid-2020 to November 2021.{{cite news|last1=Fernández|first1=Alexia|last2=Leonard|first2=Elizabeth|url=https://people.com/movies/tiffany-haddish-and-common-split/|title=Tiffany Haddish and Common Split After a Year Together: They're 'Too Busy for a Serious Relationship'|work=People|date=November 29, 2021|access-date=November 30, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130011106/https://people.com/movies/tiffany-haddish-and-common-split/|archive-date=November 30, 2021}}

In 2022, while working on the film Breathe, Common met and subsequently began dating singer and actress Jennifer Hudson.{{cite web |last1=Kaur |first1=Brahmjot |title=Jennifer Hudson and Common Confirm Their Romance in the Most Heartwarming Way |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1393579/jennifer-hudson-and-common-confirm-their-romance-in-the-most-heartwarming-way |website=eonline.com |date=January 22, 2024 |publisher=E! News |access-date=April 1, 2024}}

{{Main|Common discography|List of Common songs}}

;Studio albums

• Can I Borrow a Dollar? (1992)
• Resurrection (1994)
• One Day It'll All Make Sense (1997)
• Like Water for Chocolate (2000)
• Electric Circus (2002)
• Be (2005)
• Finding Forever (2007)
• Universal Mind Control (2008)
• The Dreamer/The Believer (2011)
• Nobody's Smiling (2014)
• Black America Again (2016)
• Let Love (2019)
• A Beautiful Revolution (Pt. 1) (2020)
• A Beautiful Revolution (Pt. 2) (2021)

;Collaboration albums

• August Greene (with Karriem Riggins & Robert Glasper as August Greene) (2018)
• The Auditorium Vol. 1 (with Pete Rock) (2024)

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Common}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Wikiquote|Common (rapper)|Common}}

{{Commons category|Common (entertainer)|Common}}

• {{Official website}}
• [http://www.common-music.com/ Common: Geffen Records Site]
• {{AllMusic}}
• {{IMDb name}}
• [https://www.democracynow.org/2018/1/26/actor_musician_common_on_erica_garner Common] on Democracy Now! – video interview

{{Common (rapper)|state=expanded}}

{{Common singles}}

{{Navboxes

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