Common - A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 2 (Discussion Thread)

[EndDomination]

Sure. He's definitely boring and unimaginative. That's not what makes me think he's an agent, though it's part of it. I think the proliferation of black excellence mascots communicating in uniform empty rhetoric isn't coincidental, actually. It keeps black people rooting for idols and empty mantras while distracting them from the worsening of their plight. And it gives white liberals the absolute least to do in the name of absolution and progress: be allies by supporting goofiness rather than meaningful societal change.

Common isn't just still cutting lame, saccharine, empty records. He's voicing major corporate commercials. He's (poorly) freestyling the intros at the NBA All Star game. He's a visible member of Hollywood. He's cleaning up on the college lecture and corporate convention circuits, where he's collecting checks to talk about racism and diversity despite have expertise on neither and offering little outside of platitudes and cliches. It's not always dumb luck that finds certain figures perpetually propped up in the spotlight, regardless of the quality of their art, thinking, acting, etc. When I notice a person continues to be foisted upon the masses and granted huge platforms in spite of being a clown, I start paying attention and wondering why. In Common's case (and with other mascots like Common) I suspect they might be part of an effort to dumb down the discourse and undermine any potential revolution by selling the rest of us the idea of a bought and paid for, empty Black Renaissance that keeps us feeling a sense of fulfillment via idol worship and social media talking points. Am I saying I'm definitely right? No. Am I saying I have genuine suspicions? Absolutely.

Check out this article, you don't have to be a socialist, but it does examine the exploitation of Black artists for profit:

Understanding Exploitation through the "Saweetie Meal" - Hood Communist

I completely agree.

 

[TrifeGod]

Like Water...for Chocolate

Is this a RAP album or experimental?

 

[☑︎#VoteDemocrat]

 

[Rev Leon Lonnie Love]

I wrote Common off after The Dreamer/The Bellever, but these comments got me curious

 

[☑︎#VoteDemocrat]

 

[LevelUp]

 

[Ziggiy]

I know he’s in his acting bag but a focused Common hooking up with somebody like Bink would make some incredible music.