Talk:Common (rapper)

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Article name[edit]

Common (artist?) can be misleading. Wouldnt "Common (entertainer)" be more correct?

Dan56 (talk) 21:33, 13 August 2009 (UTC)[reply]

New Album[edit]

When did it become known common was doing a new albulm. If someone could find a source then put something about it, it would help alot. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.213.233.162 (talk) 01:58, 12 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Indeed. The album "My Resurrection" is listed but there is no mention of it on any other part of the page. Fortynever (talk) 01:04, 19 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

According to Okayplayer (his associated portal site), his new album title is "The Believer"

http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=3&topic_id=165254

electric circus[edit]

can someone please put a section in the electric circus page about samples

I am looking for a song that sampled Nice & Smooth's let it go chorus, that goes "i think you better let it go" repeating a few times. I think he did it in one of his songs and i am looking for that song. put something on my talk page if you know. --Sp0 13:52, 3 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

BE Plaltinum?[edit]

Did BE really go platinum? I'd like to see a link. It was Gold last I saw...

Be did go platinum.

No it didn't it sold 800,000. There is even a reference to it

Vegetarianism[edit]

He has been added to the category vegiterians, though speaks of eating meat (specifically chicken) on many of his albums. Where does this catorgization come from?--Ewhite77 18:36, Mar 29, 2005 (UTC)

If I recall correctly, he publicly endorsed vegetarianism two or three years ago, and appeared in print advertisements (or public service messages?) eating a veggie burger. - Gyrofrog (talk) 06:28, 1 Jun 2005 (UTC)

Album covers and copyright[edit]

I'm not sure that the album cover images should be added to this article. The way that I understand fair use (at least as it applies in the United States) is that an album cover image may be used in an article about the album itself (e.g., in a critical review, or a Wikipedia article specifically about the album in question). Of course, this is not the only article where this has happened. -- Gyrofrog (talk) 20:08, 25 October 2005 (UTC)[reply]

some places need npov?[edit]

I'm not sure that "trappings" is the right word to describe the *themes* that Common's work does or does not address.

I think the use of "trappings" is fine. Per the New Oxford Dictionary: trappings |ˈtrapi ng z| -the outward signs, features, or objects associated with a particular situation, role, or thing. --Ewhite77 14:31, 11 December 2005 (UTC)[reply]
"lyrics that focus more on love and spirituality, and less on the usual hip hop trappings of money, power, and women."

My issue is the fact that we assume "money, power, and women" are the usual hip-hop trappings. Mainstream, dance hip-hop music, maybe, but hip-hop music on the whole -- when you take into account the countless underground heads, jazz hip-hop, old school hip-hop, alternative hip-hop, you see that the usage of the term "the usual" is a little misleading. Let's not look through the hate-colored glasses the media and ignorant outside critiques have placed in front of our eyes. A little objectivity, please. Richard Corey 14:44, 1 February 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Don't forget about organic hip-hop.

I took out this part:

", and less on the usual hip hop trappings of money, power, and women"

because it was not really necessary anway. If anyone feels it really needs to be in there, it's still here for re-copying and pasting. But I'm sure we can agree that this is a little POVish. Richard Corey 14:48, 1 February 2006 (UTC)[reply]

see also[edit]

someone added like 20 items to the see also section! we will want to cut this down drastically.. - Stoph 22:14, 31 December 2005 (UTC)[reply]

AIDS Activist[edit]

I think that Common's work as an AIDS activist should be mentioned as well.

Racism quote[edit]

Did Common really say "I oppose dreadlocked black men getting into mixed relations because it defeats the purpose of the lock' purpose"? Perhaps we should add [sic]. Tim Ivorson 2006-06-07

I removed the section for now. It wasn't contributing anything at the time I removed. FWIW, I don't think this implies racism. He doesn't say "I oppose interracial marriages," only that it goes against his dread philosophy. If nothing else, this is a much smaller issue that the Ice Cube beef, which isn't mentioned right now (I'm too busy to add this very minute... was just browsing through). Citations of people accusing him of racism would be helpful, not just a mention of some song by guys who took it personal. miklo68 2006-07-10


No, Tim, he did not. That was a gross misquote. Here is the actual article, and the quote. http://www.touchmagazine.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=448 . "When you see dreadlocked dudes with white girls that’s like they going against what the dreadlock’s purpose was."HæSúsê 2006-08-16

I like Common, but if you look at the lyrics to 'Real People': Black men walking wit white girls on they arms I be mad at em as if I know they moms. I hardly think he's racist though...--NPswimdude500 03:15, 22 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think it's more anti-miscegenatist not racist. Waynepl107 12:36, 31st August 2006 (EST)

He say that he was told to go beyond the serface, and that a persons a person, but he uses this quote against white people. I dont nessecarily believe that common is a racist but he should think about the way he words things.(nmandala47)

How is this *not* racism? If Common were a white man and had said this about a black man and a white woman, people would be calling for his head. And where do people get off saying anti-miscegenation views are not racist? I invite you to do some research on the history of anti-miscegenation views (and laws) and where they come from, and I mean both white anti-miscegenation sentiment and black anti-miscegenation sentiment. You're free to associate yourself with whomever you want to, but lecturing strangers on who they should or shouldn't be dating, as Common is doing, is racism. Period. Hesperides 19:45, 29 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

He has also stated his thoughts against 'Black men in the South of France O-Jaying' during a poetry reading of 'Keep On' on MTV hip hop orientated poetry readings. There exists a Youtube video as such. O-Jay himself was a black sports star who married a white woman and subsequently produced 'inter-racial' children.

I think we can assume from his quotes that he is against inter-racial marriages, but the quote does not necessarily imply "racism". "Dreadlocked guys," or Rastafari, who are essentially anti-white-culture.Fortynever (talk) 01:03, 19 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, we can only assume. However, the original comment about the dreadlocks was, in any way, a racist comment. Look up Rastafarian culture and you'll understand why. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.19.74.167 (talk) 23:54, 8 February 2009 (UTC)[reply]

History Section, Paragraph 2[edit]

Quoting the previous article:

"The song "I Used to Love H.E.R." sparked a feud with West Coast rapper Ice Cube. The lyrics of the song criticized the path hip-hop music was taking, including the popularity of West Coast G-Funk rap. Ice Cube and Common dissed each other back and forth, finally meeting with Louis Farrakhan and setting aside their dispute. Following the popularity of this album, Common Sense was sued by a ska band with the same name, and was forced to change his moniker to simply "Common"."

This paragraph has a line "following the popularity of this album", but never qualifies which album "this album, is. I took the liberty of adding a line to the first sentence, that clarifies that "I Used to Love H.E.R." is off of the album Ressurection. HaeSuse - 2006-06-13

I would also like to point out the many refferances that artist Talib Kweli makes to the album "Ressurection", though if i'm not mistaken he never appears on it. Correct me if i'm wrong.

Instruments?[edit]

I removed the Instruments part, its obvious why —Preceding unsigned comment added by Samil20 (talkcontribs) 2006-07-21

Other tracks[edit]

I removed the other tracks section because it needs serious work and includes many factual errors.--NPswimdude500 03:58, 28 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

  • Freestyle (feat. Prince) - Live @ The Metro; Chicago IL 11/22/00
  • Soul By The Pound (Thump Remix)
  • Tekzilla
  • Confusion (with Just Ro)
  • Slam Pit (with The Beatnuts)
  • Interview (featuring Joe Clair and DJ Love)
  • Fresh Rhymes (featuring J.U.I.C.E. & O-Type Star)
  • High Expectations
  • Lately I've Been Thinking (featuring Sean Lett)
  • Freestyle (featuring. Funkmaster Flex)
  • The Remedy (featuring A Tribe Called Quest)
  • Freestyle (featuring. DJ Honda)
  • Reminding Me Of Sef (Roots Remix)
  • Like They Used To Say
  • Sun God (featuring Hi-Tek)
  • Divide & Conquer
  • Can-I-Bus (featuring Y-Not)
  • The Bitch In Yoo (Ice Cube Dis)
  • State To State (featuring No I.D. & Dug Infinite)
  • Da Bizness (featuring De La Soul)
  • Resurrection (Large Professor Remix)
  • 8 Minutes To Sunrise (featuring Jill Scott)
  • A Better Tommorrow (featuring Brand Nubian)
  • Car Horn
  • Play Dis (98' Version) (featuring Saukrates)
  • U.N.I. Verse All (featuring The Roots)
  • A For Effort
  • The Light (featuring Prince) Live @ The Metro Chicago, Il, 11/22/00
  • Intro (Be Yourself)
  • Resurrection (Extra P Remix)
  • The Jam (featuring Alliance Ethnik & Rahzel)
  • Embrace The Chaos (featuring Ozomatli)
  • Out For The Cash (Original Version) feat. DJ Honda, The Beatnuts, Al Tariq, Fat Joe & Problemz
  • Life Goes On (featuring Kid Capri, AZ, Allure & Case) [UNRELEASED]
  • 89.9-WKCR Radio Freestyle (with Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito)
  • Mic Set (featuring The Immigrants) [UNRELEASED]
  • In The Sun (featuring Shaquille O'Neal & Black Thought) [UNRELEASED]
  • Act Too (The Love Of My Life) (featuring The Roots)
  • Play Dis ('99 Remix) (featuring Saukrates)
  • One For Love feat. Talib Kweli, Kool G Rap, Rah Digga, Mos Def, Sporty Thievz, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Pharoahe Monch, Posdonuos
  • Money For Doe feat. O-Type Star [UNRELEASED]
  • Who Stole The Clippers? [UNRELEASED, EARLY 90's DEMO]
  • 88.5-WHPK Radio Freestyle (with Masta Ace)
  • The Truth (featuring Pharoahe Monch & Talib Kweli)
  • Don't Come My Way (featuring Slick Rick)
  • 1-9-9-9 (Duro Remix) (featuring Sadat X) [UNRELEASED]
  • UnAmerican Caravan (featuring Y-Not) [UNRELEASED, EARLY 90's DEMO]
  • The Bitch In Yoo (Alternate Lyrics) [UNRELEASED]
  • 88.5-WHPK Battle: Common vs. Kanye West ('96)
  • Funk Sh*t (featuring Marley Marl)
  • Jesus Walks Remix (featuring Kanye West)
  • Respiration (with Black Star)
  • While I'm Dancin' (featuring Payme)
  • Cryogenic (Refreshed Rhymes) (featuring Cyphernauts) [UNRELEASED]
  • The Corner Remix (featuring Scarface & Mos Def)
  • The Struggle Continues (featuring Talib Kweli & David Banner)
  • Why Remix (with Styles P, Jadakiss & Nas)
  • 1-9-9-9 feat. Sadat X
  • The Train [Unreleased Demo]
  • She Wants More (with N-E-R-D, Mos Def, De La Soul & Q-Tip) (Native Tongue Remix)
  • Real Compared To What (with Mya)
  • Better Than Yours feat. Kanye West
  • Yelling Away feat. Zap Mama, Talib Kweli & ?uestlove
  • Come Closer Remix (Closer) feat. Erykah Badu, Pharrell & Q-Tip
  • Days Of Our Lives feat. De La Soul
  • Enough Beef feat. Royce Da 5'9" & Chino XL
  • Claimin' Respect #2 feat. Edo G & Masta Ace (Coulevard Connection)
  • Verbal Murder 2 feat. Pete Rock, Big Punisher & Noreaga
  • Ghetto Show feat. Talib Kweli & Anthony Hamilton
  • Any Given Sunday fea. Jamie Foxx & Guru
  • Freestyle Song feat. KRS-ONE
  • Wack N*ggas feat. Consequence, Kanye West & Talib Kweli
  • I Used To Love H.E.R. (Molemen Remix) Prod. By Panik
  • Erykah Badu & Common - The Light (Remix)
  • Erykah Badu & Common - Love of my Life
  • Kanye West - Get Em High (Feat Talib Kweli And Common)
  • Mary J Blige - Dance for Me (feat. Common)
  • Bilal - Reminisce (feat. Common & Mos Def)
  • Kanye West, Common, JV, and Malik Yusef - Wouldn't you like to Ride
  • Armand van Helden feat. Common - Full Moon
  • Brand Nubian - Maybe One Day (Feat. Common)
  • Femi Kuti - Missing Link (feat. Common)
  • Syleena Johnson - Bulls-Eye (Suddenly) Ft. Common
  • De La Soul - Bitch in Yoo (feat. Common) (Live At Tramps NYC 1996)
  • De La Soul - Biznes (feat. Common) (Live At Tramps NYC 1996)
  • Last Poets, Dead Prez & Common - Panthers
  • The Food (w/ Kanye West) (Studio Version)
  • Real People (Studio Version)
  • Faith Evans – Again (Remix) feat. Common & Ghostface Killah
  • Kanye West - My Way Home (Feat. Common)
  • Fort Minor - Back Home (feat. Common and Styles Of Beyond)
  • Jamie Joxxx - U Still Got It (Interlude) (Feat. Common)
  • Kanye West - We Can Make It Better (Feat. Talib Kweli, Rhymefest, Q-Tip and Common)
  • Kanye West - Back To The Basics (Feat. Common)
  • Common - The Movement
  • Floetry - Superstar feat. Common
  • Car Horn (Madlib Remix)
  • Ghetto Heaven [Remix] (feat. Macy Gray)
  • No Competition
  • Faithful (Live Sessions@AOL)
  • GO! (Live Sessions@AOL)
  • Testify (Live Sessions@AOL)
  • The League Freestyle 2003 (Mick Boogie remix)
  • Hip-Hop 101 (LIVE in Concert)
  • Act Too (LIVE on MTV)
  • 6th Sense (LIVE in Germany)
  • Come Close Part 3 feat. Phife Dawg (Mick Boogie remix)
  • So Cool
  • Jay Dee - E=MC² (feat. Common)
  • Jay Dee - So Far So Good (feat. Common & D'Angelo)
  • Common Feat. Erykah Badu - The Light (Dave Chappelle's Block Party)
  • Hi-Tek - Music For Life (Ft. J Dilla, Nas, Common, Busta Rhymes & Marsha Of Floetry)
  • Busta Rhymes - Midwest Shit feat. Twista & Common
  • Common - I Have A Dream (Produced by will.i.am)
  • T.I. - Goodlife (ft. Pharrell & Common)
  • Common - Holiday in Your Hood (Gap 2006 TV Commercial)
  • Omar - Gimme SUM (Vocal Version) [Feat. Common, Rodney P, Cantibe & Ashman]
  • Omar - Gimme SUM (RAP Version) [Feat. Common, Rodney P, Cantibe & Ashman]
  • Papoose feat Common - Rebel muzik
  • Big Daddy Kane Tribute (BDK, Common, TI, The Roots)
  • Absolute, Black Thought, Bobbito, Common & Pharoahe Monch - Live from the D.J. Stretch Arm

Underground[edit]

"Though he maintains a significant underground following, in recent years he has gained notable mainstream success."

What is considered underground? Common has been in main stream music for a long time, while he might not be blasted over MTV like other popular rappers, it does not mean he is underground. What does an "underground following" mean? Does this mean people who listen to underground music also listen to Common? Shouldn't this be re-phrased? —User:Christopher Mann McKay 19:48, 1 May 2007 (UTC)[reply]

They're probably referring to him being in the Unsigned Hype column in The Source and how his albums sold really badly, which would classify him as something other than a mainstream artist. -Nickoten (talk) 22:29, 25 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Selling Out[edit]

In the section that covers his "commercial work", it should be stated that by doing Gap commercials he alienated most of his former fans, not only by selling out (by doing the commercial in the first place), but by doing so for a company with such questionable morals. I know of a lot of people who in 2005 thought that "Be" was an amazing album, yet after said commercials the same people want nothing to do with him.65.43.214.58 16:43, 10 May 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Are there any sources that back up this information? If not, keep it off this article. —User:Christopher Mann McKay 21:28, 10 May 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Agreed. With all due respect, what your friends think is completely irrelevant when it comes to this article. Not a viable source by any means.--NPswimdude500 (Talk|Contribs) 01:38, 11 May 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Shouldn't this section be deleted? It's not necessary to list his upcomming and past shows. —Christopher Mann McKayuser talk 23:59, 22 May 2007 (UTC)[reply]

External Links[edit]

Hey guys how about linking to Common's A.D.D. bio on MTV.com? Its exclusive content. Check it out and see if you want to add it to the external link page. The URL is http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1567617&vid=170204--Chasingemy 20:34, 23 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Please note that Chasingemy is an MTV employee. — Carl (CBM · talk) 20:50, 23 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

One Day It'll All Make Sense[edit]

The Corinthians reference should be 13:11 according to my OUP KJV (13:12 is the more famous "For now we see through a glass, darkly"). Regretably, I've not yet managed to get my hands on One Day, so before making the change, has anyone got a copy to check the reference as made in the liner notes? Soobrickay (talk) 01:32, 31 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Common attending LSU[edit]

Common attended Florida A&M University before dropping out. What proof is there besides a quote in a song that he attended college elsewhere? Are we to believe that Common is a "pimp" because of a song on the Like Water for Chocolate Album? If it cannot be produced then it should be removed. Eerattler (talk) 22:12, 1 February 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Infobox[edit]

Hey, the infobox of this artist got screwed up. Can anyone fix it?

Tezkag72 (talk) 19:29, 25 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Boyfriend of Serena Williams not a rumor or mention?[edit]

I am watching the US Open right now, the semifinal match with Serena Williams vs Dinara Safina. So this coverage I guess would be under tennis commentators and experts, and CBS news today. They just showed Common and said and showed that he is Serena's boyfriend. And that he has been nothing but good for her. Earlier they also showed Venus Williams' boyfriend, a pro golfer. So it should probably be sourced and rewritten that he is in fact her boyfriend. ~ GoldenGoose100 (talk) 21:52, 5 September 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Not to mention it is already written and sourced at article:Serena Williams#Personal life, so here it needs an update.
~ GoldenGoose100 (talk) 21:56, 5 September 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Category change[edit]

Are you sure about the change from 'rapper' to 'artist'? Common has had a far greater influence through his rapping than in any of his acting roles. Even Jay-Z stated on his song Moment of Clarity, "Truthfully I want to rhyme like Common Sense". Mind you, he has become more prominent in films as of late. I'm not sure. Any thoughts? --Rollonover (talk) 04:41, 1 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

And if it is going to be changed to artist, at least change it so a search of common comes up with Common(artist), not the current common(rapper) which leads to this page--Rollonover (talk) 11:20, 1 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Urgent Cleanup Needed[edit]

Large portion of the article is missing, eg one day it will all make sense, soulquarians era, g.o.o.d. music era, and the intro is very cluttered. someone please revert. --Rollonover (talk) 23:58, 3 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I think I fixed it.--Rollonover (talk) 00:04, 4 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Veganism[edit]

If he was formerly a vegan, when did he stop being one, and what is he now? Badagnani (talk) 05:44, 27 May 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know what his reasons are, but I remember reading a recent quote attributed to him where he said he'd started eating fish again. Deanster321 (talk) 02:38, 14 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Associated Acts: The Jonas Brothers?[edit]

Since when did Common ever collaborate with the Jonas Brothers? Is this vandalism? 24.189.90.68 (talk) 05:11, 24 January 2010 (UTC)[reply]

What religion does he follow?[edit]

Does anyone have info on what religion Common follows? Someone65 (talk) 15:59, 24 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Awards[edit]

grammy nomination for best rap album for universal mind contol in 2010 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.177.66.8 (talk) 16:28, 14 August 2010 (UTC)[reply]

White house controversy[edit]

The "White house controversy" section needs NPOV. Especially the last sentence: suggested people not worry about this because Common has done other things to make up for it since then misreports the response and give it a kind of "apologetic" tone which does not exist in the reported source. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.98.250.79 (talk) 03:59, 12 May 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I have fixed the section to comply with NPOV, removed passive voice about Sean Hannity's accusations, removed a broken citation, generally made the section less inflammatory and, frankly, less incorrect. I think there is a compelling argument to me made for removing this section altogether. This seems to be a manufactured controversy, but I'm not going to make that call. Ben P. (talk) 06:35, 12 May 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I'm inclined to agree. At the very least, it currently has a bit of an undue weight issue.. It really shouldn't be more than a few sentences max. Sχeptomaniacχαιρετε 19:33, 13 May 2011 (UTC)[reply]
I also agree that this is a manufactured controversy; it wouldn't even be one if the right-wing commentators at Fox News hadn't decided to make it one. Besides, its well known that they dislike everything and everyone who doesn't agree 100% with their views, so if we let what they say dictate our coverage, every single article on Wikipedia except for Michele Bachmann and Sarah Palin would have lengthy controversy sections. I personally say we remove the section altogether as its not notable enough to warrant such heavy coverage in an article that is supposed to be an overall picture of Common's life and work. 75.118.250.122 (talk) 16:47, 15 May 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Besides the other stuff, now a bit too much on Chesimard is being coatracked into the article. I'm going to cut it back, as, at most, it should only be about Common's opinion that she's innocent, not her or her trial.Sχeptomaniacχαιρετε 14:17, 17 May 2011 (UTC)[reply]

If we must have a section on this, let's at least have it be honest. I've edited to more accurately reflect the cause of the "controversy" and its source. Ken (talk) 00:31, 16 September 2011 (UTC)[reply]

The section as I found it today is in clear violation of WP:V, WP:NOR and WP:NPOV, and on several counts:
"The "controversy" was generated by Fox News and picked up by other conservative media outlets..." First of all, putting quotation marks around the word "controversy" conveys an editorial opinion. This is not permitted. Second, that the matter was generated by Fox News is an editor's personal opinion, and does not come from any cited source. If a media critic made this assertion, then it would be reasonable to include it, and only then it its attribution to that critic were emphasized. But no source is provided that supports this assertion. In fact, the first three sources for the controversy in the section are two ABC News pieces, and one Daily Caller piece.
"...and was roundly mocked and condemned by more moderate voices." The only cited source indicates that it was mocked by one voice, that of Jon Stewart.
"These lyrics, as Jon Stewart pointed out on his show, ended with the couplet, "No time for that cause there's things to be done, stay true to what I do so the youth's dream come." I saw the linked videos twice, and I didn't see where Stewart made this point. Perhaps I missed it somehow, so if someone could point out in which video it's in, and where, please do so.
"Hannity's comments were clearly made with a misunderstanding of the meaning of Common's poem, which is meant to promote peace and love in black communities." Again, no citation at the end of this passage, which seems to convey the personal conclusion of the editor who added it. Nightscream (talk) 17:33, 19 September 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Is Common really a warlock?[edit]

I've noticed that it states that, next to his occupation. Now, I know that a warlock is a male witch, but I just find it unusual to be placed as an occupation. Is this really true? If so, how is this known to be true? Just a little curious and a lot surprised!

The dubious info has been reverted. --Jezebel'sPonyobons mots 15:19, 8 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Infobox photo[edit]

I know that showing him at a concert is certainly relevant, but in general, my preference is for clear portrait shots when they are available, in order to more easily show the reader at a glance the subject, and "setting"-type pics for further down in the article. I know that there may not have been any good portrait shots available before, but I uploaded 42 of pics of him from the Sept 13 book signing for his memoir, seen here, and the first several are portrait shots that show him clearly, without sunglasses. Thoughts? Nightscream (talk) 03:32, 17 September 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hell on Wheels[edit]

it should be noted that Common is cast in the new amc show "hell on wheels" in a prominent role as an emancipated slave living in the 1850s — Preceding unsigned comment added by 15.195.201.87 (talk) 23:19, 21 September 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Electric Circus - part of the Soulquarians era[edit]

I notice that Common's 5th album, Electric Circus, is only mentioned once on the entire page, and that is in the Discography. It seems quite odd that this album is treated as if it never existed.

I think it should be added to the "Soulquarians era" section since he collaborated with many of the Soulquarians (Questlove, J Dilla, James Poyser, Bilal, etc) on this album as well. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ese76 (talkcontribs) 15:34, 7 September 2012 (UTC)[reply]

UnAmerican Caravan[edit]

I was unsuccessfully looking for some information on Common's 1991 demo tape, UnAmerican Caravan. It never saw an official release and out of its 7 tracks, three made it onto the debut album. Bootleg copies are floating around. But I was wondering whether anyone who knows more about Common's early days could add some more info about it? Seeing as it's his first production, I think it deserves at least a mention. 84.227.89.51 (talk) 21:16, 13 November 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Requested move 1[edit]

The following discussion is an archived discussion of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on the talk page. Editors desiring to contest the closing decision should consider a move review. No further edits should be made to this section.

The result of the move request was: move to Common (rapper). -- tariqabjotu 06:36, 10 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]


Common (entertainer)Common (rapper) – This article started out at Common (rapper), then was bounced around Common (singer), Common (musician), Common (artist), Common (entertainer) without there ever being a RM. This is not an extreme example of problems with the (entertainer) dab since this BLP genuinely does sit twice and equally in two sub-categories in the Category:American entertainers umbrella (there shouldn't really be anyone sitting in the category umbrella itself). However the article does offer the chance to try out the "and" dab on someone more notable than Junaid Khan (actor and singer), so this is proposed as an experiment. RM amended per feedback 03 sept See detailed explanation below: In ictu oculi (talk) 10:12, 31 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Background: If we go by printed sources the article should be at Common (rapper) still: "the rapper Common" 175 in Books vs. ["singer Common" = zero] "the actor Common" = zero, "entertainer Common" = 1 (Ebony magazine). Similar proportions in plain Google once noise is weeded out. However judging by the bouncy history of the article Common (rapper) isn't considered a fit with WP:CRITERIA by the article's editors. So, taking a leaf out of Junaid Khan (actor and singer), proposing a double-dabbed "and" title. The word "and" gets used a lot of Common, increasingly so since 2010, see: "rapper, actor Common" (New York Times), "actor and hip-hop star Common" (Calgary Herald 2013), , "rapper/actor Common" (Jet magazine 2007), "recording artist/actor Common" (Billboard}, "Rapper-actor Common takes acting seriously" (Advocate 2013). In ictu oculi (talk) 10:12, 31 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  • Support move, but preferably just to Common (rapper); he's not primarily known as an actor. The proposed new title is still an improvement, though. 168.12.253.66 (talk) 16:22, 31 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  • Oppose move request - "Common (rapper and actor)" that is just an ugly dab, entertainer covers both rapper and actor and is much better than the proposed title. I would support a move to Common (rapper) as he is primarily known for rapping, but his amount of film and tv roles might constitute the (entertainer) dab. STATic message me! 18:05, 31 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  • Oppose move His acting career is notable enough that he would have a page just based on his acting (although the current text does not make this clear).--TonyTheTiger (T / C / WP:FOUR / WP:CHICAGO / WP:WAWARD) 13:55, 1 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  • Support move to Common (rapper) (rapper and actor) is truly ugly and is far worse than entertainer. Since he has a rapper infobox and has had a longer career in rap, I think it's clear what he is primarily known as. Taylor Trescott - my talk + my edits 13:45, 2 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  • Support move to Common (rapper). Still apparently what he's primarily known for and it's a very bad idea to use two disambiguators. -- Necrothesp (talk) 15:19, 2 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  • Oppose per TonyTheTiger, and per nom's sources that show the subject is notable for both rapping and acting. As such, "entertainer" is a useful umbrella term to disambiguate. "Rapper" by itself leaves out his acting career. Even the double-dab is preferable to "rapper" on its own. Dohn joe (talk) 18:45, 2 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

RM Amended - given 168.12.253.66, Static, TaylorTrescott, Necrothesp comments the experiment (rapper and actor) is evidently not an option and I have amended RM proposal. (Also deleted my own support comments for what is now the amended proposal as redundant) In ictu oculi (talk) 23:40, 3 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

User:TonyTheTiger - can you provide some reason why you think readers will be searching [Common entertainer] rather than [Common rapper] please. My understanding is that WP:CRITERIA applies to all of the title, including the (disambiguator)? In ictu oculi (talk) 23:33, 3 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
You are missing my point. I am saying that if you eliminated his rap career from his article, his acting career is notable enough for WP. Describing him as just a rapper is misleading. I watch Hell on Wheels religiously (having seen every episode) and have 2 Common songs on my iPod, which has 17,092 songs on it. He may be more commonly searched for as a rapper, but he has a current television show and no current music out. People watching the TV show, which is currently airing would likely not be looking for a rapper. His last album came out in 2011 and last album to achieve Gold status came out in 2007.--TonyTheTiger (T / C / WP:FOUR / WP:CHICAGO / WP:WAWARD) 23:58, 3 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Right, but why would anyone search "entertainer"? In ictu oculi (talk) 06:31, 4 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
One would search "Common" and then be presented with the option. If I am looking for an actor and don't know he is a rapper (or the other way around) I might stop there thinking he has no article on Wikipedia. Agathoclea (talk) 10:11, 4 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
If one entered Common (actor) into the search bar, the third search result was this article with a blurb that said "(born March 13, 1972), better known by his stage name Common (formerly Common Sense), is an American rapper and actor from Chicago , ..." Since this would have caused you to "stop there thinking he has no article on Wikipedia", I have created a redirect.--TonyTheTiger (T / C / WP:FOUR / WP:CHICAGO / WP:WAWARD) 15:06, 4 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
User:TonyTheTiger, sorry but I can't see how this argument is a reason for going against WP:AT CRITERIA 2. Naturalness – The title is one that readers are likely to look or search for and that editors would naturally use to link to the article from other articles. Such titles usually convey what the subject is actually called in English. If WP:AT says "Such titles usually convey what the subject is actually called in English" then WP:CRITERIA requires assessment of WP:RS to find out "what the subject is actually called in English" before it can be "conveyed" in the title. Given that sources don't call Common an "entertainer" how can anyone by WP:AT support the title Common, entertainer. If WP:CRITERIA fails Common, entertainer for WP:AT, then Common (entertainer) fails as much as Common, entertainer. In ictu oculi (talk) 04:05, 7 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Non-argument. If one searched for Common the first result would be the disambiguation page. The top entry is for this gentleman, who is described as an "American hip-hop artist, actor and poet". Where's the confusion? Disambiguators do not have to specify every field the individual is known for - they are merely there to distinguish one article from another. -- Necrothesp (talk) 15:45, 4 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
You seem to have a differernt search. I get all the commonwealth and common law stuff anyway. But I can't see anybody typing "Common (disambiguator)" in the search box. If one does he would get the redirect page served to his choice of disambiguation anyway. Agathoclea (talk) 16:05, 4 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Evidently, since I've just tried it and I get the disambiguation page straight off! As to your last two sentences, I have no idea what you're getting at. -- Necrothesp (talk) 16:18, 4 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  • Support He's best known as a rapper, regardless of any acting he's done. If his acting career ever eclipses his rap career, (as with Will Smith), we can revisit this (but even then, I'd probably prefer Common (actor)). --BDD (talk) 23:13, 4 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  • support Common (rapper). Most well known for this. Note how long the music vs acting section is on his bio.--Obi-Wan Kenobi (talk) 15:58, 6 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
The above discussion is preserved as an archive of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on this talk page or in a move review. No further edits should be made to this section.

Surname[edit]

Why are people changing his surname to Gutierrez?

Assessment comment[edit]

The comment(s) below were originally left at Talk:Common (rapper)/Comments, and are posted here for posterity. Following several discussions in past years, these subpages are now deprecated. The comments may be irrelevant or outdated; if so, please feel free to remove this section.

I'm rating this article B-Class on the WikiProject Biography quality scale. This article contains a great deal of factually accurate information that gives the casual reader a good idea of who Common is and what he does. There remain several aspects which need more details. A passage about Common's relationship with his father (citing his father's prominence in several of his albums) is one area which needs more clarification. For the most part I feel that this article has earned a B-Class designation. Please add any comments you feel are appropriate, or change the rating if need be.--NPswimdude500 02:34, 21 October 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Substituted at 05:09, 13 May 2016 (UTC)

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"Anti-labor union activism"[edit]

An IP editor seems rather insistent on keeping in a claim that Common has engaged in anti-labor union activism. I think this is undue weight on a single random event in his life. NinjaRobotPirate (talk) 00:26, 21 October 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Common mentions the Wikipedia page (name wrong?)[edit]

He sometimes says the WP page gets the name wrong (but it seems correct now). See approx. 20:25 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUKdJXsfGGw Snooganssnoogans (talk) 22:55, 23 July 2020 (UTC)[reply]


Discography on artist page[edit]

Where is the discography/albums listing on the artist page? Moonlightfocus (talk) 10:26, 19 October 2020 (UTC)[reply]