Iconic Picture

Analysis of iconic picture

Celebrity Text

Mediators

Fan / Anti-Fan Discourse

Iconic Picture Analysis

This picture was on the cover of XXL in May of 2005. XXL describes Common’s latest abulm “Be” (released in May 2005) a “Classic.” This picture also exemplifies Common’s unique style.

Celebrity Text

1- Originally went by the name “Common Sense”

2-Known for producing non-commercial rap; his lyrics can be described as “intelligent” and “literate” due to his political consciousness, clever delivery and lack of materialistic subject matter

3-He hails from the South Side of Chicago

4-“I used to love HER”-one of if not the best known track of his career thus far

5- He is part of the “Know” HIV/AIDS campaign for MTV encouraging teens and young adults to get tested

6- Forced to shorten his name to Common due to a legal dispute with a ska band of the same name

7- Born Lonnie Rashied Lynn

8-Has a daughter which he refers to in many of his songs; Omoye Assata Lynn who was named in the spirit of exiled black activist Assata Shakur

9- Dated songstress Erykah Badu

Mediator(s)/ Co-Creators:

Fan Discourse

http://www.common-music.com/community/discography_comment.asp?AssetID=1183504&ArtistID=231&Start=21&Year=

A characteristic common to the fans of Common is his truth. By this I mean that they admire the fact that he speaks the truth not only about society, regardless of if we want to hear it or not, but about his feelings as well. He is “real” with himself and his fans and that shows through his music.

“I mean should he be hypocritical and say what everyone wants to hear? Nah, he's being true to himself. Truthfully I would be upset if Common didn't say what he felt. That’s what music is all about, expressing yourself.” This is in reference to a song called “Real People” were3 Common admits that he is uncomfortable with interracial relationships to some degree yet he is able to be open-minded and look past that and see that people are in fact just “real people.”

“He hasn't sold out like other rap artists, he has remained true soul yet matured in his craft.”

“Thank the hip-hop gods that the brother stuck to his guns and continued to be true to himself, his fans, and the art by innovating and staying fresh.”

” your music is the most honest and true music out there that no matter who you are can relate, vibe, and just flat out enjoy more so than anyone else’s.”

Another characteristic appreciated by Common fans are his socially conscious rhymes. He is able to make an amazing track without the use of subject matter prone to most artists in hip-hop/rap today; girls, money, cars, “bling-bling.” He is a lyricist and receives respect from his fans for that.

“It is refreshing to see a socially conscious brother, with unique style who utilizes his brain.”

“You are the greatest lyricist of all time”

“You have blessed us with meaningful verse, with powerful words, and beats that move your inner-most soul.”

This comment is about the distaste for what other artists in the industry rhyme about, this person goes on to say that Common’s rhymes are what the industry needs. “I need substance, I need something I can relate to , i can't relate to rims , I can't relate to love absent lust and sex, and I can't relate to bling and if I could why write a song about something so unmeaningful.”

A common theme, no pun intended, of the fans is the realization that though Common has been able to produce album after album that is up-lifting to hip-hop fans across the globe, a breath of fresh air if you will, he has yet to receive the respect through commercial success.

“I am disappointed that Common never got to enjoy the commercial success that many lesser skilled rappers have and worried the he might dumb down his music one day in order to sell”

“Then for me, I feel enraged, that this Brotha can't get the respect and record sales that cats like 50, and other WACK rappers are getting.”

Another theme of Common’s fans is that he is real, as a person. Many who have met him have posted messages illustrating this fact. Not once have I seen someone who has met him describe him as rude, arrogant, having that “too good for you” attitude that many celebrities tend to have when you catch them in public.

“I met Common in Dec 2004 at a Muslim Young Adult Conference. I am usually not into celebrities. But this man was one of the realest brother's I have seen in a long time. He wasn't even on that star stuff. I am not exaggerating it's like he radiated some type of light.”

“You left a lasting impact on me when I met you”

More specifically, many comments were related to his latest album “Be.” Everyone calls “Be” a classic, the best album of his career. The difference between this and many others is the collaboration with super producer Kanye West. It is a move not expected of Common but the fans seem to be embracing it not fearing his slight push into mainstream.

“What can I say...... You've done it again! I was surprised by the Kanye production but I'm happy with every track!”

“Anyone who feels this CD is not inspirational does not know hip hop for what is really is. And teaming up with Kanye was a stroke of genius!!!”

“big up to the pair, hot collaboration for this album.”