When Common (born Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr) joined Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label, West was the leading producer-turned-rapper in hip-hop, following the massive success of his 2003 debut album, ‘College Dropout’. Common, also from Chicago, was experiencing his own creative peak with 2002’s ‘Electric Circus’, an ambitious blend of rock, soul, and rap that received critical acclaim but fell flat commercially, resulting in the end of his relationship with MCA Records.
Having known each other since their teenage years (West regards Common’s longtime producer No I.D. as a mentor), Common and Ye rejoined forces to create ‘Be’—the 33-year-old MC's comeback album. It became a standout in his discography and set a template for his future albums over the next twenty years. While West’s polarizing image now overshadows his work, he was once fueled by a steadfast intention to push rap into the future while respecting its rich legacy. With West as the primary creator, the expansive sound and brilliance of ‘Be’ far surpassed Common’s earlier projects.
Nominated for four Grammy Awards, ‘Be’ is brought to life by West’s skill as a sampler. He reinterprets gospel music and lush string arrangements from lesser-known ‘70s artists, like DJ Rogers' ‘Faithful’ on ‘Faithful to the End’ and Honey Tone’s ‘Innocent Til Proven Guilty’ on ‘Testify’, creating a soulful base for Common’s lyrical flow. Notably, on ‘Faithful to the End’, John Legend's smooth vocals are enhanced by the vocal artistry of Philly’s Bilal in a call and response duet exploring the struggles of fidelity.
The album's first single and centerpiece, ‘The Corner’, was praised by critics as a tribute to social hardship and gun violence. Seven years later, right-wing politicians protested Common’s invitation to perform at a prestigious poetry event at the White House, mistakenly asserting that his lyrics celebrated violence. The incorporation of The Last Poets’ iconic spoken word over West’s boom-bap beats was a brilliant move; the quartet drew inspiration from South African poet Keorapetse Kgositsile, who considered himself one of the last poets of an era before gun violence became widespread. The track pays homage to hip-hop's storytelling tradition, serving as a catalyst for Common and his contemporaries Nas and Public Enemy, while honoring the intricate realities of life in the streets of Chicago’s south side.
‘The Food’ – the live rendition performed on The Dave Chappelle Show – includes an innovative reinterpretation of Sam Cooke’s ‘Nothing Can Change This Love’. Its reimagined piano hook dominates the track, allowing Common to shed light on the hardships of ghetto life and the path to breaking free from poverty. The horns on ‘Real People’ evoke the spirit of Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’ era; similar to Gaye’s themes, Common addresses the devastation wrought by institutional racism and police brutality. It’s no surprise that West, ever grand, dubbed Common ‘The Marvin Gaye of Rap’.
‘It’s Your World, Pt 1 & 2’, one of two tracks produced by J Dilla, features Bilal again, whose vintage vocals are delivered with mastery. Together, they imagine a future where the next generation can pursue their dreams despite daunting challenges. Recognizing the importance of parental guidance in achieving those aspirations, Common included his father Lonnie ‘Pops’ Lynn in the Gil Scott Heron-influenced spoken word conclusion.
Whether ‘Be’ is Common’s best album is still up for discussion. Does it rival the creativity of ‘Electric Circus’ or the rawness of ‘Like Water For Chocolate’? Probably not. However, it stands as Common’s most commercially successful work, launching him to greater heights. His notable acting roles in ‘American Gangster’, ‘Suicide Squad’, and ‘John Wick 2’, as well as being the first artist to perform a Tiny Desk Concert at the White House, would likely not have materialized without the mainstream appeal of ‘Be’.
Now, two decades later, revisiting the album reinforces Common’s reputation as one of hip-hop’s most progressive artists.
2005: THE ALBUMS
Kanye West – ‘Late Registration’
Gorillaz – ‘Demon Days’
Animal Collective – ‘Feels’
Fiona Apple – ‘Extraordinary Machine’
M.I.A. – ‘Arular’
Words: David Aaron
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When Common (whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr) joined Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label, Ye had already established himself as the leading producer-turned-rapper in hip-hop after the