Common "Be"

i can't say enough about this album. Common's first big release since 2003's "Electric Circus" which, though it has it's moments ("Star *69" ps with love w/ prince is still bumped on the regular), this new album "Be" has been called his return to the '94 Common backpackers and kufi wearers alike have name-dropped repeatedly.

first off, the production. 9 out of the 11 tracks on the album are produced by Kanye West, who also features/sings-the-hooks on most of those tracks. The other two are produced by Jay Dee. yes, only 11 tracks, a far cry from the epic "like water for chocolate." This is what I guess you can refer to as the "innervisions" syndrome, which is making a dope album a very limited number of songs that all supposedly bang really hard ("innervisions" is only 8 tracks and a classic). The Roots tried this with "The Tipping Point", but I think Common gets the closest to it with "Be"

secondly, the lyrics. it is classic Common, lots of word play, lots of witty little pauses within his verses. but the key difference between "Be" and "Resurrection": he's a grown ass man and recognizes it, a la Mos Def. this is Common riding dope beats at his best - relaxed, confident, sarcastic, playful. Just peep the third verse on "The Corner" or the whole second verse of "Love Is" - even the most Jans Sport of backpackers will agree that he's fucking killing it.

Kanye always talks about the 'resurgance of the soul sounds'. "college dropout" had it at times, John Legend's "Get Lifted" definitely carried it, but i think "Be" truely embodies this sound. The tone of Common's voice, the way he rides the beats (some of Kanye's best and most original and soulful), and just the vibe of this album is just FUN - a word hip hop NEVER talks about these days. You'll be smiling, head knodding, and pop lockin all in one.

favorite tracks:
the opening track "Be" - best beat i've heard in a while.
"Go" - kanye's version of Pharrell's "let's get blown" - fun as shit.
"Faithful" - Bilal actually makes sense with John Legend's harmony
"Love Is" - Common kills.
"They Say" - John Legend at his best.

May 24th, 2005. Buy it, or Common will have to keep on selling hats.