Common (rapper)

Common (aka Common Sense, born Lonnie Rashied Lynn) is a Chicago-based alternative hip hop artist. Common debuted in 1992 (see 1992 in music) with the single "Take It EZ" and the LP Can I Borrow a Dollar. Though popular success was virtually nonexistent, Common established a solid fanbase among alternative rap fans, in spite of critical criticism for misogyny.

In 1997 (see 1997 in music), Common released One Day It'll All Make Sense, which included nu soul artists like Lauryn Hill along with rappers like Q-Tip and Black Thought. The album was critically acclaimed, and led to his major label contract with MCA Records.

With ?estlove producing, 2000's Like Water for Chocolate was almost a breakthrough success, and greatly expanded his fanbase among critics and listeners. His latest album, Electric Circus (2002, 2002 in music) was similarly successful.