To anyone proclaiming that hip hop is dead: you obviously have yet to hear the inspirational material that Common has recently released for the world's listening pleasure.
The rapper has always been known for speaking words of encouragement and sending out positive messages to his audience, who in turn waited patiently for a new album while Common himself developed his acting career. He pushed back the release date of his newest album, "The Dreamer, The Believer" for three years, finally releasing the album in December.
One of the notable tracks includes "The Believer," which features John Legend. The song's beat, lyrics, melody and verses come together perfectly to form an amazing and motivational result. Common encourages listeners to continue chasing their dreams because "dreams won't turn to dust." Legend pounding on the piano keys makes the song five-star quality.
In "Raw (How You Like It)," Common brings listeners back to the glory days of hip hop with a unique beat and catchy hook. His lyrics are on point; it seems very few rappers are able to rhyme and make sense in this age. "Celebrate" is more relaxed, something you would hear in a party and vibe out to.
The album is produced by No. I.D., the Executive Vice President of Def Jam Records, who has also worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Drake and Kanye West. It is obvious in listening to "The Dreamer, The Believer," that this style suits Common: he allows only one producer to call the shots and make his own dreams real.
"The Dreamer, The Believer" is one of winter's most satisfying album releases; Common's rhymes never fail to impress and his beats differ in style from the rest of the hip hop world. He is a true music artist and "The Dreamer, The Believer" is everything he has to say about love, life and learning.
Amber Le can be reached at kimberly.le@student.shu.edu