Biography 

Grammy award winning artist Common is often referred to as one of the most thoughtful and gifted lyricists in hip-hop.

His impressive music career began twelve years ago with the release of his debut album, Can I Borrow a Dollar? That effort was praised for its down-to-earth vibe and intelligent rhymes, but the unapologetic middle-class sensibilities conveyed on Common's second album, 1994's Resurrection, which yielded the hip-hop classic "I Used to Love H.E.R.," earned him the respect enjoyed by kindred spirits such as A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. Following the release of his deeply introspective third album, 1997's One Day It'll All Make Sense, which addressed serious issues like family planning, Common relocated to New York to heighten his visibility and become more involved in the music industry. Common unleashed 2000's noticeably more musical Like Water for Chocolate. The album was a versatile mix of gravity, sardonic humor and soulful hip-hop beats that spawned the Grammy-nominated single, "The Light." Like Water for Chocolate also signaled Common's emergence as a member of the Soulquarians-a collective of musicians that includes Roots drummer Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, beat-maker Jay Dee and keyboardist James Poyser, among others-which reconvened to produce the bulk of 2002's Electric Circus.  Circus, Common's fifth album was anchored by an uncommon and refreshing air of open-mindedness, both musically and lyrically. The album included the hit single "Come Close" featuring Mary J. Blige.

Common has been keeping busy since the release of Electric Circus. In 2003, he received a Grammy Award for "Love of My Life," a duet with Erykah Badu from the Brown Sugar soundtrack.  His appearance on "Why (Remix)" with Jadakiss, Anthony Hamilton, Styles P., & Nas, garnered him a 2004 Vibe Award for Coolest Collabo.  Common left fans hungry for more after he performed "Food" with Kanye West on the Chappelle Show earlier this year.  The wait is almost over. Common is currently in the studio working on his new album, BE, with producer Kanye West.  BE is scheduled for a May 2005 release

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