Common Finds Forever at HU

By Matthew White


HAMPTON- The Hampton University Convocation Center was rocked last Saturday night as Chicago based Hip-hop artist Common closed out HU's Springfest Week.

Following on the success of his latest release Finding Forever, Common played a melody of some of his recent hits as well as some music from earlier albums Like Water for Chocolate, Electric Circus and Be. The album debuted at the number one on the Billboard 200, selling 155,000 units in the first week, becoming Common's first chart-topper. Selling over 500,000 units in the US, it has been certified Gold.

"Common without a doubt killed it," said Luther Quarels, a senior Biology major from Jacksonville, Florida. "This show showed what real hip-hop is. It has a message and isn't all about cars, rims and money. It's sad artists like Common don't get the same kind of media attention like 50 Cent."


Known for his positive messages in his music, students were pleased by the positive message brought by the Chicago born M.C. Common was a great choice to close out Springfest as many visiting High School students were in town for Hampton University's annual High School Day.


"This was an event that I had to be at," said Marissa Morgan, a high school sophomore in town for High School Day. "Even though I'm not to familiar with his early work, I love his most recent stuff and love what he talks about."


Common is also known to be very vocal with his political beliefs and stances. He took his time on stage to express how he felt about several topics that mean a lot to him. One of those was how privileged he felt to be performing at a HBCU. He also expressed how important it is for African-Americans to be involved with the upcoming election. As well as the importance of education and making an impact towards the future.

Look for Invincible Summer, a new EP from Common in July. It will serve as a preview to Common's upcoming album The Believer, to be released in November of this year. You can also look for Common in the new major motion picture Street Kings, featuring Keanu Reeves, The Game and Cedric the Entertainer, in theaters now.






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