Common
Grammy & Academy Award-Winning Artist & Activist
Hip hop artist and actor Common is one Tony Award away from becoming an EGOT—Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony—winner. And that’s not counting his Golden Globe or any of the other numerous awards he’s won. Throughout his career he has used his art as a platform to change people’s perspectives, promote more diverse narratives, and encourage people to movement. At the podium, Common motivates audiences to nurture the dreams of the young, overcome adversity, and address the persistent hope that lives within us all. Compassionate, mindful, and driven to inspire, Common reminds audiences that we all have a voice—and we must speak out.
The "King of Conscious Hip Hop," Common is one of music's most poetic and respected lyricists. Over the course of nine albums, his introspective rhymes have pushed boundaries with their incisive social commentary. From Can I Borrow a Dollar? to BE and Finding Forever, his Grammy-nominated collaborations with Kanye West, Common has spent 16 years in the notoriously fickle world of hip hop by taking risks and staying one step ahead of the game.
Common has also branched out into acting, portraying freed slave Elam Ferguson in AMC's historical drama series Hell on Wheels. He also appears in several movies, including Smokin' Aces, Wanted, Terminator Salvation, Date Night, and Just Wright.
Common isn't just a musician and actor—he is a role model. In 2007, he launched the Common Ground Foundation, an organization dedicated to the empowerment and development of America's urban youth. Offering the younger generations a better understanding of self-respect and love, he has combined hip hop with literature, releasing three children's books: The MIRROR and ME, I Like You But I Love Me, and M.E. (Mixed Emotions). His first book for adults is the provocative and touching memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense. In 2015, Common received an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song with John Legend for their powerful collaboration, "Glory," featured in the civil rights film, Selma.
Whether inspiring audiences through his music, his books, or his foundation, Common continues to break new ground, and remains one of hip hop's most innovative, positive voices.
Common has also branched out into acting, portraying freed slave Elam Ferguson in AMC's historical drama series Hell on Wheels. He also appears in several movies, including Smokin' Aces, Wanted, Terminator Salvation, Date Night, and Just Wright.
Common isn't just a musician and actor—he is a role model. In 2007, he launched the Common Ground Foundation, an organization dedicated to the empowerment and development of America's urban youth. Offering the younger generations a better understanding of self-respect and love, he has combined hip hop with literature, releasing three children's books: The MIRROR and ME, I Like You But I Love Me, and M.E. (Mixed Emotions). His first book for adults is the provocative and touching memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense. In 2015, Common received an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song with John Legend for their powerful collaboration, "Glory," featured in the civil rights film, Selma.
Whether inspiring audiences through his music, his books, or his foundation, Common continues to break new ground, and remains one of hip hop's most innovative, positive voices.
Topics:
- A Conversation with Common
A Grammy-award winning rap artist, poet, lyricist and actor, Common is also a dedicated community activist who supports animal rights and HIV/AIDS awareness among many other causes. He is the founder of the Common Ground Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to empower underprivileged urban youth to become strong and productive citizens. The foundation offers programs that foster the development of leadership skills, creative expression and a commitment to education. Common engages audiences with stories of his childhood on the South Side of Chicago and the obstacles he overcame. Drawing upon his own hard work and path to success, he helps audiences understand how to strive for and achieve greatness by making a commitment to a greater cause.
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