Shots (not) fired:

So people want to know: will you respond to Common?
No. Because despite how it’s been worded by him that situation is not a “hip hop moment” or a “battle for the sake of musical integrity”…it’s a ploy for attention around the release of an album. More than anything it was just disappointing cause what kid isn’t a fan of what Common has done for our genre. A guy who made such an incredible career for himself based off expressing genuine feelings about life and love is now targeting me for sharing my story.

I gotta say, I’m tired of this “beef,” if you can call it one, but much props to Drake for being mature about the entire situation, just like Rick Ross did with 50.

In XXL’s April 2010 issue, Lloyd Banks filled in the blanks to 20 questions. Question No. 8 was, “ ______ career would have been better off if he didn’t bump heads with G-Unit.” Guess whose career he chose to fill in that blank? He chose “Ja Rule’s.” Now, does the same go from Drake when it comes to bumping heads with Common?

Not yet. But it is a warning that cautions “do no repeat.”

According to hearsay, the cause for the whole battle (this is not beef, there is a difference) between Common and Drake is tennis great Serena Williams. In early 2010, Com and Williams ended their lengthy relationship. What’s more, Drizzy was rumored to be involved with Williams, during late 2011. Drake did not shoot down the gossip like Williams did in August of 2010, when she deemed him as just a “close friend.” In the thank you section for his sophomore album Take Care, Drake added fuel to the fire. “Serena Williams (you have given me a very exciting year and I am so grateful to have you in my life…” Come what may, the origin of the battle is not of great import; the music being produced is and the consequences of the battle might be.

“I’m hearing all of the jokes. I know that they trying push me. I know that showing emotion don’t ever mean I’m a p—-. Know that I don’t make music for n—-s who don’t get p—-. So, those are the ones I count on to diss me or overlook me,” Drizzy voiced on his track “Lord Knows.”

Those bars by the Toronto native seemed enough to ward off other, potential detractors besides the ones who did prior to the release of the record, yet who could have ever predicted Common to be one? And, the hip-hop veteran with nine albums under his belt did not only diss him; he almost finished him.

Common jumped on Rick Ross’s “Stay Schemin” that features Drake voicing several indirect bars that are all but surely about him and: rapped about Drake’s father (“Son of a b—-, I imagine what your father is”), expressed the fact that Drizzy stole Big Sean’s flow (“His style, he don’t own it”), questioned Drake’s true grit which many have reservations about (“Everybody know you sweet, what the problem is… Acting all hard when he hardly like that… You a b—-because you cling like a b—- that’s eighteen”), called him out on the fact that he continues spitting allusive bars (“Can’t say my name but rap about a n—-’s wife”) and even casted aspersions on Drake’s bicultural status (“You so black and white, trying to live a n—-’s life”).

Common did all that in one verse, soon after the original “Stay Schemin” dropped, mentioned Drizzy’s name and pointed out how Drake implied how he was going to confront Com with his crew instead of by himself? Game over? Not quite yet. One has to at least revisit Drake’s verse on the track.

“I just ask them ‘when you see me you speak up n—-,’ that’s all,” rapped Drake on the song, which was dope but also was the lone bar that Drake in which case referred to confronting Com by himself, without his crew.

“Me and my G from DC that’s how I roll around. Might look light, but we heavy though. You think Drake will pull some shit like that? You never know,” Drake also added in his verse.

Was Drake talking about being strapped now? Really? Come on. Not only that, he mentioned the fact he would not be alone, which he did multiple times. Then, he started oddly rapping about Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant’s divorce and strayed from what sounded like confidential matters Serena told him about Com, “Shorty wanna tell me secrets about a rap n—-.”

“I’m just hitting my pinnacle. You and p—- identical. You like the f—ing finish line. We can’t wait to run into you,” OVOXO’s czar rapped.

Again, there is another hot part to Drake’s diss to Common, but, similar to the previous part I referred to as being dope, the Canadian-born rapper loses points because he stated he and his crew “can’t wait to run into” Com, instead of him alone.

Still, back to the lesson Drizzy should have learned from the Ja Rule/G-Unit beef, which is basically to avoid bumping heads with rappers’ disses that digress one from the content that they make and is accepted for. Imagine it was not Common, who is not considered the toughest guy by casual hip-hop fans to say the least. Envision this had been Jadakiss or an up-and-comer with 50 Cent’s aggressiveness and Jay-Z’s elite lyricism. Conjure up Drizzy doing a record like “Clap Back” and changing his whole persona similar to how Ja did.
Next time, it will not be Common. And, no Com is not a punk. In 1990s, he battled Ice Cube before Cube’s family movie days. In the early 2000s, Common slapped a heckling fan during a live performance in South Carolina.

Quite the contrary, Drake last had a rap feud with Kardinal Offishall. Yes, Kardinal Offishall. And, what is Drizzy known for doing live? Saying he loves Rihanna and briefly ranting about how he is not a b—- because he sings. Further, Drake can wear Carhartt and all black as much as he wants to, but now it’s time he responds directly. He got leeway since Common’s “Sweet” was indirect, even though Com stated it was not specifically for Drake and that Drake “embraced” it on his own. But now, Drake replied with “Stay Schemin” and has no choice but to reply or people will forever think he is indeed “sweet.” Still, he should make sure to avoid replying to most disses from here on or his career could end up like Ja’s and people will likely just shake their head and say “look what you’ve done.”

Drake, it’s your turn.

Common will be premiering his music video for “Sweet” tonight at 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET on UStream.  Users will be able to view the video for a donation of $1, with all proceeds going to the J/P Haitian Relief Organization.

The music video captures not only the devastation left by the 2010 earthquake but more importantly the beauty and power of the Haitian people and the land. Team Common’s trip to Haiti was a life changing moment for all and the guests will be able to delve further into the trip with an opportunity to purchase a collection of photographs taken on location by photographer Steven Taylor and other members of Team Common.  Guests will be able to purchase these photographs as well as a series of specially selected, limited edition photographs signed by Common. All proceeds from photography sales and online video donations will go to benefit the J/P Haitian Relief Organization. Founded by Sean Penn immediately after the January 12th, 2010 earthquake, J/P HRO is managing programs in Camp Management, Medical, Rubble Removal, Community and Education, Redevelopment, and Emergency Response Operations.

 http://www.ustream.tv/thinkcommonlive

ABOUT J/P HRO
J/P Haitian Relief Organization began as an emergency relief mission immediately following the devastating earthquake of 2010. Founded by Sean Penn and led by its predominantly Haitian staff, J/P HRO works with both government and non-governmental agencies to deliver immediate results where the need is greatest. Principal efforts include: providing emergency medical and primary care services, facilitating rubble removal and community regeneration, management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, distributing water purification systems, delivering much needed medicines and equipment, and developing housing and education facilities. J/P HRO?s medical staff has treated more than 100,000 patients, and its team has removed 4.2 million square feet of rubble. The goal of JP HRO is to assist the hundreds of thousands of Haitian people still displaced from the earthquake to return home by rebuilding and regenerating neighborhoods.

For further information on J/P Haitian Relief Organization, please visit: http://jphro.org/

Common’s 9th studio album, The Dreamer/The Believer will be in stores on December 20th, 2011.

Photos and video by Tyrone Clemons. 

Last Thursday all of New York came out for the Ajile Turner Foundation’s Farewell Summer Benefit, with Common, DJ Brainchild, and a slew of other celebrities. The Foundation was created in the memory of Common’s first cousin Ajile Turner, a well known Brooklyn resident and one of the original organizers of the Fort Greene Festival. It’s mission it to help youth perusing careers in the arts and entertainment industry.

During the event, our correspondent Nekeya O’Connor spoke with Common and Ajile’s mother Mattie Turner about the foundation and Common’s role in the event. For more information, and to donate visit www.ajileturner.com.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ali Shaheed Muhammad 

DJ Brainchild and Mary

Rahzel

All photos by Boney Starks | @boneystarks. PLEASE support.

I’m convinced that the Summer Spirit Festival is the grown and sexy Woodstock.

Over 20,000 people made the pilgrimage to the Merriweather Post Pavilion to see Eyrkah Badu headline an amazing lineup of modern soul and hip-hop talent, including Common, Janelle Monae, The Roots, B.O.B. and the one and only Chuck Brown. All jokes about Woodstock and pilgrimages aside, sitting at the pavilion you can tell that this was something special, and not just another concert night.

Unfortunately thanks to traffic I missed the set by Janelle Monae as she started on time to a gathering crowd. I did get a chance to witness B.O.B. make one of the most classic rock and roll mistakes that any rookie could make.

“Hello Boston!”

As the boos gathered he realized the mistake he made, and apologized, again thanking the fans in….Baltimore.

Goofs aside, B.O.B. put on another solid set, and his relentless touring has allowed his act to mature and get even stronger. Of course crowd-pleasers “Nothing on You,” and “Airplanes” got the pavilion moving and any ill will had in the beginning was long forgotten. You can tell that Bobby Ray has a promising career ahead of him.

However, he still needs to take notes from Common.

The internet might rag on Common (and my family has beef with him), but you can’t deny the dude’s stage presence and the palpable love he received from the crowd. Who said so-called “conscious” rappers can’t move the crowd? Hitting on tracks like “The Light,” “Go!,” and “The Corner,” in addition to a medley of hip-hop hits the audience was out of their chairs, throughout his whole performance.

Of course having one of the best DJs on the East Coast (DJ Dummy, trust me) and serenading girls on stage helps.

But if Common could get the crowd moving, what did you think Chuck Brown did?

Even though the audio mix during his set was kind of weak, there is no denying that Chuck Brown owns the DC area. The go-go revival was most certainly the highlight of the festival not only showcasing Chuck’s hits like “Bustin’ Loose,” and the newest “Chuck Baby,” but covering other go-go favorites like Rare Essence’s “Overnight Scenario” and the hit cover “Pieces of Me.”

The Roots unfortunately had a tough act to follow and they did their best to entertain the crowd. As a die hard fan, I have to remember that even though Questlove and crew are the hardest working crew in show-business, they still have a ways to go to make inroads into the mainstream community. After the raucous acts before them, the crowd was a tad subdued for the boys from Philly. It was only until their hit “You Got Me” (and Capt’n Kirk’s subsequent guitar antics) that the crowd came alive.

After 4 hours of performances it was time for the woman of the hour. Ms Badu, entering the stage with a blonde mohawk and a flowing African gown easily won the prize for best costume (let me stop). Unlike some of her previous shows, her act was more subdued, which might not have been the best look for some tired and weary fans. Having that said, her set was always entertaining and she pulls no punches to deliver a great performance.

You might remember “Next Time” from when it was released some months ago as an ‘unreleased track’. It has now been re-released reportedly as the first single from Common’s upcoming Go! Common Classics “best of” album - set to drop May 25.  Produced by Kanye West,  this version is much better in sound and features new verses from Common and lovely melodies from Queen Latifah. It’s oh-so-nice - check it out.

Common always seems to be a few years ahead of his time. The Chicago MC was once scolded by the hip-hop community for his more adventitious projects–Electric Circus and Universal Mind Control–however now it’s almost the norm for hip-hop artists to rhyme over electro beats. Ever forward thinking and innovative, the MC has not only changed the hip-hop game, but has made his mark in feature films, television, and causes such as animal rights, AIDS awareness, and Haitian relief.

We caught up with Common at BMI’s “How I Wrote That Song” panel at The House of Blues in Hollywood a day before he attended the 52nd Annual Grammy ceremony, where he was nominated for two awards. The yearly panel featured Common, along with Nas, Colbie Caillat, and Salaam Remi.

Check below the break for a DOPE video of Common, Nas and Colbie vibin’ to “The Light!”

On being nominated for two Grammys…

“It’s always good to be recognized for your art…for doing something that you love to do. It’s a great feeling to be nominated for a Grammy. And also to be recognized by an award show that is still prestigious when it comes to music [means something]. A Grammy still holds a certain prestige about it. For me, even though I’ve received Grammys [in the past] I still feel honored when I’m nominated. It’s a good feeling.”

On the new album…

“I’m working with No ID and Kanye West. It’s a different sound frommy last album, We have some crazy samples in there. I’m working on some verses that might not even be 16 bars. You might not hear any hooks on these songs. You might just hear some scratches where the chorus would be. I’m really looking into doing some raw stuff.

Sometimes you go through some phases like…’this is what I’m on right now.’ I might be on some Euro word style music–that’s Universal Mind Control. I might be on some afrobeat slash soul-ful hip-hop–that’s Like Water for Chocolate. As like goes, you just have to express who you are at the time, whether you think the audience is there or not, you owe it to yourself to express it.

On the devastation in Haiti…

“We have to recognize that not all is going to change in one day. People are going to be in need for a while. So I’m going to continue to do things that will provide for the people.”

On J Dilla…

“I’ve never someone make music and do what he does, to create sounds that could be anything from the rawest hip-hop to something that sounds like Pink Floyd mixed with Radiohead. He would play some of the instrument also. I never seen a producer where other producers would have so much respect for. Everybody from Pharrell to Kanye to Questlove would be like ‘man, that’s my favorite producer.’ I actually think that music would be in a different place if he were still here. He provides so much inspiration to every musician.”

On Michael Jackson…

“Michael is the reason a lot of us wanted to be stars. I can speak specifically for me when I say that Mike is the reason I wanted to be someone important in the world. I’ve see an African American male winning awards and being celebrated. To me he’s the greatest as far as an entertainer goes. Hes’ the star. Hes’ the definition of a star. And then there are the things he did for people. There are things that we don’t even know about that he did for people and the way he treated people. He’s the prime example of what a star should be.”

WHO: New York’s Giant Step returns to Miami to ring in the New Year at Delano. Grammy award-winner Common will be joined by his live band for an exclusive performance in The Florida Room with additional music by DJ Tommy Ryk. Up-and-coming hip-hop star and M.I.A. protégé Rye Rye takes over the Poolside for a free show with DJ Mateo DiFontaine.

WHEN: Thursday, December 31st
9:00pm- Doors open for Rye Rye, Poolside
10:00pm- Doors open for Common, The Florida Room

WHERE: Delano
1685 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139

TICKETING:
Common (The Florida Room)
Admission: $275 including tax and gratuity, 21+
Open Bar 10pm – 1am
To purchase tickets 305.674.6152 or
http://newyearseve.morganshotelgroup.com/#/delano_mi

Rye Rye (Poolside)
Admission: Free with RSVP at http://www.giantstep.net/nye2010 – Cash Bar, 21+
Cabanas, beds and tables are available for purchase. Please call 305.674.6430.

Photo courtesy of Sergio Leenen

Common + The Roots – Come Close, Love Is…

Amerie + The Roots – Why Are U?, One Thing

The Roots – You Got Me

Download: All three tracks in a Zip file.

On September 19th, 2009, The Roots, Common, Amerie, Muhsinah,  Boyz II Men and Anjulie descended upon The Velvet Room in Atlanta, GA as part of the Hennessy Artistry Blends event series.  The result of these collaborations left a crowd of over-Hennessied ATLiens swooning with multiple eargasms.

Moral debates aside (alcohol & tobacco company sponsorships), this was definitely one of the best shows to pass through Atlanta this year.

I got the word that the illustrious Zoe Kravitz and her band Elevator Fight for getting added to the Hennessy Artistry Tour, supporting Common and The Roots. If you don’t know, we interviewed Elevator Fight before their show in DC, and I’m glad to see that the group has taken a giant leap forward. Congrats to Zoe, Khari, and the rest of the band.

In addition to Elevator Fight, the tour also picked up another Couch Sessions fave, Collin Munroe, and Atlanta newcomers Elizabeth the Band. Curated by Questlove, the event will roll into four cities this fall.

Hennessy Artistry Tour Dates

The Shrine, CHICAGO – September 12
The Velvet Room, ATLANTA – September 19
The Corinthian, HOUSTON – October 3
“HALO” NEW YORK @ Terminal 5 – October 7

Regardless of what you think of Kid Cudi (his emo tirades are well documented by now), Cudi’s latest release “Poke Her Face,” is reinventing how music is getting pushed from the Internet to the mainstream.

After the success of “Day N’ Nite,” and the Crooker’s remix, Cudi’s people were scrambling to find a follow-up to keep the buzz alive until “Poke Her Face” came on the scene. What looked like a one of Internet collabo took off after ultra positive responses from the blogs and  live performances and was fas tracked as his latest single. The track, not only is as current as the front page of your Google Reader (it references tracks such as Asher Roth’s “College” and “Blame It On The Alcohol playing on the nation’s new found ADD), but was built around a rework of the acoustic version of Lady GaGa’s single. Referencing a track from only a few months ago completely flips the mentality of reaching back into the 70s or 80s for source material right on its head.

Even if Cudi is completely out-shined on his own track (creating doubts about his longevity), this is the perfect summer song. The video, draped in light pastels, also adds to the summer vibe, and is dare I say cute?