Buzz Surrounds Be By Rapper Commons, Produced by Kanye West

If you haven't heard of Common, you will very soon, and in the world of Rap music, no one has more buzz surrounding them right now.

For an industry where bigger is better, Common is a name that seems to be an awkward choice, especially for a rapper. But for over a decade now, this artist has been making music that routinely earned him spots on "greatest rap artists of all time" lists.

He has enjoyed a successful career filled with critical acclaim, but hasn't achieved the CD sales numbers of his mainstream counterparts. That's all about to change.

Oddly, 2004 was probably one of the most important years in Common's career, and he didn't put out one song, one album, or rap one syllable.

In 2004, Kanye west had a breakout year. The long time producer released his first solo album, sold 2.7 million U.S. copies, and garnered 10 Grammy nominations.

Along with hits he produced for the likes of Twista, and Alicia Keys, the year resulted in a Label deal. He inked an agreement with Geffen Records to create his own imprint G.O.O.D Records, an acronym standing for Getting - Out - Our Dreams.

Among the first artists signed to Good were long time collaborator John Legend, and a rapper named Lonnie Rashid Lynn, better known as Common.

It was a natural paring. Both hail from Chicago, and both have a style of rap that is more socially aware than the customary bling bling driven content of todays rap music.

Commons highly anticipated new album, Be was released in stores on May 24th, and is already being touted as a classic. The album is produced by the self proclaimed "Face of the Grammy's", Kanye West.

While The first single off the new album, The Corner, wet the appetites of ravenous fans, the second single has them chomping at the bit. "Go", is an artfully subdued track, driven by retro keyboards, and sparse harmonies.

The track perfectly compliments Commons conversational rap style, and poetic lyrical delivery. Surprising to most, the song was conceived from the union of Kanye West, Common, and another musical mind, John Mayer.

John Mayer has long been a favorite in many hip hop circles. His soulful voice and R&B flavored songs are in the iPods of some of todays biggest hip hop stars. It began when Mayer, West, and Common had viewed the movie Ray.

In an interview with VH1, Common spoke about the process from which "Go" was created. "The movie was so good, to me, as a musician and as an artist, I just felt inspired," Common says.

"We left there and went straight to the studio. Kanye started cooking up this beat, and started doing this chant, like, 'go, go, go.' "While we were sitting there trying to figure out what to write, John Mayer said, 'You could write about your fantasy,' " said Common.

"And I was like, 'Am I going to let John Mayer come up with the concept for this joint? This is hip-hop.' But John Mayer is a very talented brother, and you don't know where your blessings are going to come from.

He was singing and we made him a sample on it, going 'go.' So it all came together and now we have the song 'Go,' which is about going to my fantasy." With the help of Mayer, "Go" is a brilliant achievement.


While Common is staying true to his conscious rap roots, he hasn't forgotten about the "sexy". This album features a few instances of the rappers more erotic side. In fact, "Go" is a song about a former lover, and a woman with whom he wants to hopes to have a Ménage à trois .

"People only think Common is just about this conscious thing," he said. "Talking about my fantasies is a good way to express myself because I am a balanced person. I like sex, I just try to be in control with it. Conscious cats like sex too."

The album is promising to be the most successful in years for the Grammy Award winning MC. He has long had a reputation for social conciseness, and sharp lyrical styling. Add to that the music of Kanye West, and you have the ingredients to one of the most anticipated Rap albums of the year.

It is a notable feat in todays hip hop landscape. To generate such buzz and anticipation, without controversy, or confrontation, but with music, and music alone.

From beginning to end, Be is a life preserver to a genre often treading in a sea of creative regurgitation.