On Common's latest album, the veteran rapper proves that no matter how much the game changes, conscientious emcee he will always be.
On Be, Common returns to his usual jazzy, hip-swaying beats, similar to his classic albums Like Water for Chocolate or Resurrection.
And it's good he's back. His last album, the futuristic Electric Circus, although innovative and funky as all get out, strayed a bit too much from what many Common fans were used to. It was a modern twist on his usual metaphorical but not in-your-face style, and the electronic beats reassured fans that Common refused to be pigeonholed.
But on Be he seems to be done experimenting and returns to classic hip-hop, where Common shines. The beats echo of Kanye West, who was the executive producer of the album. The two make a good team, with Common as the gifted lyricist and West providing groovable beats and not opening his mouth too often, which is what he does best.
Common has always been able to rhyme to the hardcore heads while at the same time hitting a chord in the sensitive female population. He once again nails this on the album, particularly with "Go," where West sticks to the hook and croons about fantasies, and Common talks of the chemistry between a man and a woman. It sets the stage for an album filled with odes to the ladies, and the jazz and promises of being faithful will be a sure bet for anyone who can appreciate the lovemaking jams.
Although the album is quality from start to finish, there aren't any standout songs or instant classics. And from a man who brought us "The Light" and "I Used to Love Her," in his early days, this is a bit of a disappointment. But to be fair, how does one top those two songs? "The Light" has a beat that creeps into your head and refuses to leave, and even though it was written about Common's relationship with soul singer Erykah Badu, it's the perfect relationship song for any circumstance. "I used to Love Her," seemingly another song about a woman, is in reality a metaphor about the state of hip-hop in the '90s, and is quite possibly the best hip-hop song of all time.
You can't top these standout songs, so longtime fans must not compare Be to other albums and just be content with a record that hits all the right marks in both beats, cuts and rhymes.
