As much as I like Common if he never started rapping hip hop would be the same. I tried to come up with names that had impact and influence
Common had plenty of influence, he's just not one of the cool names people throw out in general discussions.
If you ask any of the newer more lyrical rappers, I guarantee he's somewhere in their top 5-15.
Not to mention all the 25 - 45 year old Tribe, De La, Madlib, Dilla, Slum, Mos, Kweli, Kanye, Lupe .... native tongue/soulquarians era hip hop fans.
Common has an all time classic record: I used to love HER
Won a battle against one of the greatest emcees in hip hop history: Ice Cube (The bytch in You)
Has arguably 3 classic albums: Resurrection, LWFC, and Be
And parlayed his music career into a successful movie career.
Common's run was very impactful and influential.
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