On this date in 1972, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., the rapper, actor, and poet also known as Common was born in Chicago, Illinois. The Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist is not only an icon of Windy City’s Hip Hop scene, but he has also helped to blaze a trail for Golden Era rappers into other aspects of entertainment as he has with his roles in blockbuster movies such as American Gangster, John Wick 2 and Glory just to name a few. The newly signed HBO producer has come a long way since he was known as Common Sense asking Can I Borrow A Dollar?
As we salute Common on his born day, let us send him a keen reminder of his first love that brought him into our living rooms, literally making him a household name.
Whether Common is onstage or onscreen, his talent always shines through. The rapper and actor has added another television project to his already extensive resume, proving his ability to transcend industries flawlessly. Common took to his Instagram on Tuesday (March 7) to share a teaser of Silo, where he stars alongside Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins, Rashida Jones, and David Oyelowo. This star-studded cast also boasts Harriet Walter, Chinaza Uche, and Avi Nash and will premiere on Apple TV+ on May 5th.
Alongside the trailer, the 50-year-old wrote, “I’m so honored and excited to be a part of this great piece of art. I’m equally excited for y’all to see it. ‘Silo’ is special. It’s got something.” As showcased in the preview, the dystopian series follows the residents of a post-apocalyptic community restricted to living in an underground silo. Directed by Morten Tyldum, the show is based on Hugh Howey’s book series of the same name.
Silo doesn’t mark Common’s first notable acting role. In fact, the “When We Move” rapper already holds a significant list of films and television roles under his belt, including The Informer, Never Have I Ever, and Hunter Killer. The talented artist also dipped his feet into theatre last year, with his Broadway debut in Between Riverside and Crazy. In an interview with Pix 11, he noted how he always “dreamed” about performing on stage. “When I got this role, I called my mother like I had gotten my first record contract. Haha! It was that much joy,” Common enthusiastically reflected.
Even with two other film projects underway (Fool’s Paradise and Breathe), Common hasn’t neglected his musical roots. In fact, last year he composed the soundtrack to Ramy Youssef’s Mo alongside Karriem Riggins and Patrick Warren, which resulted in a short and jazzy collection of 13 instrumental songs. Additionally, the South Side rapper joined forces with Bonny Gonz on “Outcome X,” which dropped last October. Regardless of what project this Grammy award winner puts his hands on, it’s likely that the resulting art will amount to gold. For more news on hip-hop and pop culture, stay in touch with HNHH.
Trugoy The Dove’s passing has continued to send chills throughout the hip-hop community. As one of the founding members of the legendary rap trio De La Soul, his artistry has had a significant impact on today’s newer acts as well as many of his peers. Multi-hyphenated talent Common was among his peers inspired by his lyrical abilities.
Devastated by the news of Trugoy’s passing, Common took to social media to share a touching tribute for his late friend. The activist opened the tribute by recounting their initial meeting, writing, “It was around 88’ when one of my best friends brought back a Red Alert tape from NYC. On it was a song called “Plug Tunin” from a group called De La Soul. It was one of the most innovative, fresh, unique songs & sounds I had ever heard. This group would then drop their album ‘3 Feet High And Rising,’ and it changed my life. They would become one of my favorite groups of all time and one of the greatest groups of all time. One of MCs was Trugoy, the Dove who I would get to know as Dave. All I needed to hear was his flow on Afro Connection at the Hi 5 to know he was one of our greatest innovators and stylish with a way with words MCs that hip hop had never seen or heard.”
Common then went on to talk about the first time working with the group, “In 96, De La would give me one of the greatest gifts of my life when they featured me on their song the ‘Bizness’ (which I believe Dave produced). They changed my life again! They took me in to live with them in Long Island (forever Love to Maseo and Tina).”
The actor then closed with how over the years, the pair had become more than just collaborators but family, “The way Pos, Maseo, Dave treated me was like a brother. They took me on tour with them. It was my first trip to London. Just being on a song with De La gave me a stamp of the highest level. And during that process, I formed a real friendship and brotherhood with each member, including Dave, who would show me dope indie movies like ‘kids’ and take me to get the Jamaican patties out in Long Island,” adding, “I studied Dave and his creativity and how he worked and functioned. I actually bit one of his nicknames and made it a song. The Sun God. The truth is he has been one of the greatest influences and inspirations in my life. I will miss you, brother. You are loved beyond words, and I am praying for all of your family, which is our family. Love you, Dave! GOD Bless your Soul.”
Common wasn’t the only musician to take to social media after discovering the news. Pharrell, Quest Love, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Chuck D, Erick Sermon, 9th Wonder, Redman, and more have also shared posts honoring Trugoy.
Academy Award, Grammy and Emmy-winning artist Common takes fans behind the scenes of the official music video for “The Light,” in the latest installment of Vevo Footnotes, premiering today. The exclusive content is part of Vevo’s celebration to honor the historic 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop – more details here.
“Thank you Vevo for always supporting my work, this is dope to be a part of Vevo Footnotes. This is the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, and man…hip-hop has changed my life in ways that I can’t even fathom. I thank God for hip-hop, and thank y’all for celebrating ‘The Light’ and including it in Footnotes for the celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Peace.” – Common
In the episode, Common pays tribute to J Dilla, delves into how Erykah Badu influenced the song’s message about the different dimensions of love and shares how, as a Southside Chicago dude, he initially felt uncomfortable about not wearing socks during the music video shoot. Additionally, Common discusses “The Light” being one of his greatest videos, his favorite line in the song and how proud he is that so many people have told him they’ve played the song at their weddings.
Emmy, Oscar, and Tony winning-actress Viola Davis joined the list of celebrities with EGOT status during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. The award-winning actress won the “Spoken Word Album” category. Updated By: Kendall Parks (2/6/23 at 5:40 pm) Viola Davis found her way to a new list of iconic celebrities who have reached EGOT status. […]
Common and Jennifer Hudson are reportedly dating each other after rumors of a romance swirled since last year. Furthermore, RadarOnline on Thursday (January 26) that an insider close to the alleged couple confirmed their fling. While fans speculated on their status, rumors of a fling came after the rapper’s split from Tiffany Haddish.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Recording artists/actors Jennifer Hudson (L) and Common attend the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons honoring Martin Bandier at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 7, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage)
Moreover, the Empire star knew the 50-year-old MC for quite some time before this report. However, RadarOnline‘s insider said that they got closer on the set of their upcoming thriller flick, Breathe.
“Things took a romantic turn while they were filming in Philadelphia over the summer,” they stated. “When the day’s shoot wrapped, they’d always find their way to each other’s side.
“They’ve kept up their communication since shooting the movie,” they went on. “They get together whenever their schedules allow. Of course, he’s known as a total flirt, but Jennifer feels there’s no harm in that, and she’s having fun.”
Furthermore, things spiced up for the two last year when fans spotted them at a romantic Philadelphia dinner. According to eyewitness reports, the Chicago rapper acted “cozy and flirty” with Hudson and there was “lots of cuddling and giggling.”
In fact, the 41-year-old actress opened up about that dinner on Entertainment Tonight back in September.
“People create their narratives of it, and it’s like, OK, you know, how you feel,” she expressed. “We shot a film together, and he played my husband. We gotta eat in between those moments.”
Afterwards, onlookers spotted the two again when Common picked Hudson up from her talk show in Burbank, California. Still, the two faced some high-profile breakups recently that contextualize this fling. Jennifer split from pro wrestler David Otunga in 2017 and Common broke up with Tiffany Haddish in 2021.
“I was disappointed,” Haddish told Jason Lee of the breakup on FOX SOUL’s Hollywood Unlocked Uncensored. “I was very disappointed, I was like, ‘Oh, OK. ‘Cause that’s not what you told me, but OK.’”
However, Common stated that they were just too busy to nurture their bond.
“I don’t think the love really dispersed,” he explained. “I just think it was like we weren’t feeding the relationship. Neither one of us is gonna stop. We both care about our crafts and what we do.
“We care about love too and partnership, but I think the energy that has been put into our careers and continuing to want to do the things that we do for ourselves and for the people,” he continued. “It was hard for me to balance all of that and keep the relationship fed.”
I’m really starting to think Common is the only single man left to date in the industry. Sending a PSA to Jennifer Hudson…look at his track record…you are setting yourself up for failure.
— Phillippia Reynolds, PHR, SHRM-CP (@hr_maven) January 27, 2023
Still, what do you think of Jennifer Hudson and Common reportedly dating and forming a new romance? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, come back to HNHH for the latest in celebrity gossip, freshly-brewed rumors, and hip-hop romances.
Video network Vevo teamed up with Public Enemy’s Chuck D to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop. There will be programming including “Legends In Concert,” “Hip-Hop International,” “2K Hip-Hop Legends,” and more. The world’s leading video network will also collaborate with a hefty, yet, impressive list of hip-hop artists with appearances throughout 2023 from legends such […]
Over the past few years, the Mount Rushmore of hip-hop conversation has loomed on. While the talk might not be as popular as it was just a couple of years ago, many people and media outlets are still putting them out and spurring controversy. Yesterday, January 17, hip-hop Twitter page Raphousetv shared their Mount Rushmore of Chicago rap.
Raphousetv’s Mount Rushmore included G Herbo, Lil Durk, King Von, and Chief Keef, leaving out older Chicago rappers like Kanye, Twista, Common, and Lupe Fiasco.
After the post was tweeted, it sparked a lot of debate and controversy, especially over the exclusion of Kanye. Many said that there needs to be a Mount Rushmore for the older generation of rappers and the newer generation.
During a 2021 interview, G Herbo was asked about his top 4 Chicago rappers during the height of the rap Mount Rushmore conversation. Herbo said that his top 4 from Chicago included Chief Keef, Lil Durk, Juice WRLD, Polo G & himself. After being called out for not having any older Chicago artists, he said there needed to be two lists, one for the newer artists and one for the older ones.
G Herbo names top 5 on Chicago’s Mount Rushmore: Chief Keef, Lil Durk, Juice WRLD, Polo G & G Herbo pic.twitter.com/mdafukobMX
On this day in Hip Hop history, Chicago rap icon Common released his fifth studio album Electric Circus. This album may have not been Common’s most commercially successful release, selling under 300,000 copies, but it was one of his most highly anticipated and critically acclaimed albums. Common is quoted saying he “wasn’t feeling Hip Hop” while making this album and such feelings toward the genre are what fueled his new eclectic sound that fused hip hop, pop, rock, electronic, and neo-soul music together to create an electric circus of sound.
The inspiration for this album came from artists like “Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix” according to Common. The production came heavily from a collective of musicians called The Soulquarians. This star-studded group of musicians was created during the recording of Common’s previous release Like Water for Chocolate and consisted of ?uestlove of The Roots, Jay Dee of Slum Village, keyboardist James Poyser, and bassist Pino Palladino. This live instrumentation helped to shape the new sound that was emphasized on this album. This project also featured some production from the late, great J Dilla and The Neptunes. Lyrically, Common stuck to his underground roots and dove into subjects that were previously uncharted in the industry. His subject matter throughout the album pushes social boundaries when touching on topics of sexual abuse, homophobia, and racial injustice much to the same tune as Like Water For Chocolate. Common also worked with an extremely talented and eclectic group of lyricists on this project; Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Cee-Lo Green, and Bilal.
This album came at a time in Hip Hop where there was a rise in neo-soul-influenced projects. Artists like OutKast, The Roots, Most Def, Goodie Mob, and Jay Electronica were the ones at the time pioneering a way for eclectic rappers like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole to be able to be as popular as they are today. Electric Circus was one of those projects that were so outside the box that they allowed breathing room in Hip Hop and separated the genre from the club rocking hits that were coming out of the Dirty South and gangsta rap that was native to the West Coast. It helped make way for a refreshing sound in rap that is now prevalent in countless artists’ sounds.
