2. Common - Up until very recently Common had held the number one spot for me. It was the release of his newest album coupled with the release of Atmosphere's latest that bumped common down to #2 from #1 (a spot he had held since at least 2002). Nevertheless, I can never get enough of Common. He is another one of those MC's that I got into when I was first discovering that real hip hop flavor at the beginning of the 21st century. I'll never forget the day I heard I Used To Love H.E.R. off of Resurrection. To this day and probably forever more it shall remain as my favorite song of all time. If you only know of common from his most recent songs that have made him somewhat of a commercial success then you need to hear this. Not only this song, but this entire album. For those who have never heard it I won't ruin it for you. Just listen to it for yourself, although you may have to play it two or three times to really get the gist of the concept.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y12YgEIFcAY
He has always had my favorite flow in the game. Laid back and very pleasing to ear, it seems as if Common is always having fun on the microphone, especially on Resurrection. The man keeps turning out great tracks and he tends to drop more knowledge than most MC's of his stature and presence in the game. For me, his older material will always be his best work though. I have listened to his newest album and while I respect what he was trying to do with the music. I think he needs to stick to what got him to where he is. Making that laid back-vibed out hip hop track for us to nod our heads to.
My favorite tracks of Commons are all on Resurrection so here is another choice cut from that album. Track 13 on Resurrection really showcases the fun that Common has with this record.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywVRX2jE8wg
Common is by no means a new artist on the scene with upwards of 10 albums. If you have only heard his newer tracks I urge you to check out his older ones. Resurrection is my favorite album of all time and once you hear it I'm sure you will have a newfound respect for this great artist.
