Common
Common
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionMusician
Date of Birth13 March 1972
CountryUnited States of America
dream teacher kids
Teachers give so much to the future and to youth. So, when you see somebody make that type of sacrifice towards work - just parents in general, what they got to give to their kids is a lot - I'm inspired, man, to give and help those who didn't or don't have opportunities. And even those that may have some opportunities, [to] help them achieve their dreams.
pain kids atlanta
Whether the people in Haiti, the young kids in Chicago that [are] going through violence, or whether you're in Atlanta or L.A. or Europe - it's not even color barriers for me - I go to where I know there's a lot of turmoil and pain.
school kids parent
I've met kids who haven't had the best of parents but because they had something in them, or they had somebody at school help develop them, they turned out fine.
kids caring rights
As I got to know the people of the Civil Rights Movement, I realized... I am the hopeful black woman who was denied her right to vote. I am the caring white supporter killed on the front lines of freedom. I am the unarmed black kid who maybe needed a hand, but instead was given a bullet. I am the two fallen police officers murdered in the line of duty. 'Selma' has awakened my humanity.
kids hands black
I am the unarmed black kid who maybe needed a hand, but instead was given a bullet.
album contribute named physical
That's why I named my album 'Finding Forever,' because that's what I was thinking about: What did I want to contribute to this world that would live beyond my physical existence?
against dude feeling hear hold loved movies music people personal remember seen song
I think you really have to remember what you loved about making music in the first place. Ultimately, people can be like, 'We've seen this dude in many movies,' but if they hear a song and they're feeling it, they can look past all the personal things and not hold it against you that you're also an actor.
art believe decide excellent hears matter music quality reviews whoever work
I believe that music is about making quality things, making quality art, and no matter who you decide to work with, you and that person have to come up with something special, come up with something that is excellent material, so whoever hears it and reviews it will like it.
artist came chicago rap side south wanting
I came from the South Side of Chicago wanting to be a rap artist and make videos.
america build built ourselves
What America was built on was being able to say, 'Hey, we're going to come in and use our resources to build for ourselves and our communities and build around that. We're not going to depend on others.'
music types
Me as an artist, I've ventured off into doing all types of music. I'll do a jazz album, you know what I mean.
beats incredible
It was incredible to have J Dilla in your dining room making beats - it was one of the greatest experiences I've had.
men able way
To me to be a storyteller is you got to be able to speak the truth. You've got to be able to absorb life and take in life and be able to interpret it in a way that anybody in this room could say, "Man, that's my story. I can relate to that."
artist names achievement
To have my name said like, "Common and John Legend, Golden Globe nominees," is one of the greatest achievements I've ever had as an artist, as a person.