In this conversation, Grammy-winning rapper, actor, and activist Common explores his remarkable journey as shared in his candid memoir. From growing up on the South Side of Chicago to becoming a globally recognized artist, Common's path was never easy. He faced challenges, including doubts about his career after his first album’s lackluster sales, but his perseverance and deep connection to his roots fueled his rise to stardom. Central to his story is the powerful influence of his mother, who shaped his understanding of love, family, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Common reflects on how his journey—from struggling artist to conscious rapper and beloved public figure—serves as an inspiring testament to how resilience, love, and self-reflection can lead to a life of purpose, understanding, and success.
In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Common shares how love and mindfulness can transform our lives and communities. Drawing from his book "Let Love Have the Last Word," he explores self-love, family, relationships, and the role of love in overcoming division. Through personal stories and deep insights, Common challenges us to embrace love as a daily practice—using our words and actions to heal, unite, and create lasting change.
Common went above and beyond with his keynote and with the meet and greet afterwards. He exceeded our expectations, and we’re so happy he was able to join us for the event.
University of Rochester
- Oct 05 2023
He got his start in the era of gangsta rap and admits to a ‘bros before hoes’ attitude early in his career. So how did the Chicagoan become one of conscious rap’s strongest voices?
It was early October of 2014, and Microsoft was working hard to finish producing its first-ever Super Bowl commercial. The advertising team had strung together audio clips from CEO Satya Nadella’s recent speeches about empowerment, and overlaid video of kids using Microsoft technology to help improve their lives. Ultimately, it was rapper Common whose voice was heard by millions around the world during those Super Bowl commercials and in several follow-up spots thereafter.
At 48, he’s considered rap’s ambassador outside its borders. That doesn’t mean he wants to be seen as “safe.” Survey most hip-hop heads and they’d agree Common hit legend status more than a decade ago. He’s an icon of “conscious hip-hop” — the long misunderstood, often oversimplified subgenre that’s become shorthand for a willingness to lyrically speak to Black people’s fight for basic human rights, even the right to self-love.
Meditation time! Find a comfy spot to stretch out, close your eyes, and breathe deeply, in and out. Good. Now imagine a beam of energy. Peaceful, right? And are you hearing that celestial music yet? What type of music is it? Is it . . . rap? Perhaps it is not. And perhaps that is why Lonnie Rashid Lynn, the rapper, actor, writer, and activist known as Common, based his new album, “Let Love,” on concepts of healing, therapy, and meditation.
Gerard Butler, Gary Oldman and Common climb aboard an arctic submarine in the first trailer for 'Hunter Killer,' released Thursday.
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