10 Ways Common Has Reshaped His Career

10 Ways Common Has Reshaped His Career

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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One of the most unique artists of our era, Common has had a career unlike anybody else. Emerging on the Chicago underground rap scene under the moniker Common Sense, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. first thrust himself into the mainstream consciousness with his 1994 album Resurrection, which brought him national recognition and led to him being sued by a ska band also named Common Sense, which is why he is now known only as Common.

His evolution since his days as Common Sense is one of the most fascinating and unique stories in the history of rap, and taking the full view makes one appreciate the breadth of this rapper/actor/poet/activist/author’s talent. Given Common’s diverse array of a talents, to appreciate his journey you have to look at every step; here are 10 Ways Common Has Reshaped His Career.

Common’s track "I Used to Love H.E.R." denounced the rap establishment and even sparked a feud with Ice Cube.

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Amid questions about his artistic integrity, Common again thumbed his nose at gangster rap beginning with One Day It’ll All Make Sense.

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When Like Water for Chocolate went gold, it made Common a rarely-seen critical and commercial success.

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Common made his first acting appearance in 2003 on Girlfriends, and has gone on to appear in many movies.

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Be earned Common four Grammy nominations, making him an awards show staple.

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Common has modeled for many clothing companies, most prominently the Gap.

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In 2007, Common pledged to no longer use anti-gay lyrics in his music.

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Common has publicly supported PETA and is now a pescetarian after many years as a vegan.

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Michelle Obama invited Common to a 2011 poetry reading at the White House.

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Common authored a memoir that explores his close relationship with his mother and her influence on his career.

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