I’ve watched with amusement the recent “non-troversy” over the invite of Common to a poetry event First Lady Michelle Obama is throwing at the White House. If there was one rapper that you would think would be a safe bet to invite it would be Common, who has spent the better part of 20 years as one of the most socially conscious rappers in Hip-Hop. His lyrics haven’t always been perfect, but it’s comical to hear conservatives attempt to paint the man as a “vile thug” who advocates violence.
The little row does provide me an opportunity to reflect on the best tracks from a storied career, so here are the Top 5 conscious tracks from Common, one of my favorite rappers, both for the consistency of his rhymes (Universal Mind Control notwithstanding) his pitch perfect flow and his distinctive cadence that could only come out of the Windy City.
5 ½. Black Star feat. Common – Respiration
It’s not technically one of Common’s songs, but his guest verse on this legendary track by Black Star still sends chills down my spine every time I hear it.
5. Common – Retrospect For Life
You’d think Common would get some bonus points from Conservatives for this pro-life song, one of the few where a rapper has ever thoughfully considered the consequences of promiscuity and an unplanned fatherhood.
4. Common – The People
Classic even though it’s the most recent track on this list, great production from “The New Primo” Kanye West and great lines of uplift from Common.
3. Common – The Sixth Sense
Common paired with “The Real” Primo, featuring the debut of Bilal and great autobiographical and anthemic socially conscious lyrics.
2. Common – The Light
Without a doubt the best Hip-Hop song ever written from a man’s perspective on Love…
1. Common – I Used To Love H.E.R.
Without a doubt the greatest song ever written about Hip-Hop…