FINDING FOREVER - COMMON
For the first time in his seven-album career, Common has made a record that follows the same formula as its predecessor. Not a bad move considering the success of the four-time Grammy Award-nominated “Be.” Still delivering genuine rhymes, and reteaming with mentor/producer Kanye West, the Chi-town wordsmith might just be the best equipped to save hip-hop from its commercial slump. On the Lily Allen-assisted “Drivin Me Wild,” the MC rhymes about a woman obsessed with her looks and a man who thinks material things will gain him respect; the backing track features marching-band drums. Common also raps about the desire to be with a past love on the Will.i.am-produced “I Want You.” But it’s the Nina Simone-sampling “Misunderstood” where he’s clearly in his storytelling element, as he deftly describes the thin line separating great ambitions, strong faith, lost dreams and hopes gone astray. (G.O.O.D. Music/Geffen Records)
