It’s been a minute since Common introduced us to a wild ride on his “Electric Circus” but with his new album he promises to be more down to earth. Although he is only half way through his new album aptly titled “Be”, Common is hoping to jump into the studio with the likes of Neptune’s and ?uestlove within the next few weeks. “This one feels grounded, like hanging out on someone’s Chicago sidewalk,” Common told MTV.
“After going way out, it’s a natural progression for me to come home again. It’s more about people and things relative to life. This album is rooted in not trying too hard to do anything specific, just letting the music come the way it comes. It’s more of what people expect hip-hop to be,” Common explained. “I gave them a space movie with Electric Circus. Now the movie is more about something blue-collar you can relate to.” Although the album is not completely finished there will be a guest appearance by fellow Chicagoan Roc-a-fella artist Kanye West. Put it this way: I didn’t underestimate him. But I didn’t know it’d get like this,” Common said of Kanye’s sudden popularity. “There’s no limitations to him. I love his vision. He brings something fun, innocent and creative to hip-hop. I forgot hip-hop could be like that”.
Even though Common is no longer with R&B artist Erykah Badu he still feels the vibe in her music influences hip-hop in a major way. “Their best music makes me want to work that much harder. It’s good to have that kind of creative inspiration around you. They remind you we do this for the love of it.”
