By Jamil Weeks

Greatest rappers lists are contentious to say the least. Hip hop fans get blisters on their twitter fingers making the case for how these lists should be ordered and who deserves placement. Some common rappers who appear on top 10 lists include Jay-Z, Biggie, 2Pac, Lil Wayne, Eminem, Nas, Rakim, Kanye, and, lately, both Drake and Kendrick. One notable name that is commonly overlooked is, well, Common. A perplexing omission from these lists given how the Chi-Town rapper has survived over 30 years in a revolving-door industry without cheap gimmicks or juvenile social media antics. Lonnie Rashid Lynn has proven his resiliency with his brand of pure hip hop that champions mature subject matter with a dash of street knowledge. Labeled a conscious rapper due to the thoughtful subject matter in his music about politics, poverty, relationships, and life in general, a rapper like Common is not supposed to have a long lasting career in an industry that promotes the more trendy negative aspects of the culture. Almost 32 years after releasing his debut album, Common has joined Pete Rock to release arguably the best rap album of the year with The Auditorium Vol. 1. The album was so good that I revisited Common’s discography. In listening to his music, it struck me that Common might be the single most underrated rap artist in hip hop history.

When greatest rappers’ lists are compiled, there is criteria the authors of these lists use to measure who gets placed in what position. One popular criterion is lyricism. Over the past 30 years, Common has been one of the most consistently potent lyricists in the game. Known for his layered rhyme schemes that are saturated in clever word play and ambiguity, Common demonstrates on every song why he is considered an elite spitter. Common is a conceptual lyricist, capable of creative storytelling, such as “I Used to Love H.E.R.” off his 1994 album, Resurrection. Whether its socio-economics or catering to the ladies, Common has shown his diversity in infusing these aforementioned lyrical elements within his music. Common is also battle tested. Labeled as a positive rapper, he is also not afraid to go toe-to-toe with your favorite rappers. Rather it’s Ice Cube on the classic “The B**** In Yoo” or Drake on “Stay Schemin’ Remix”, Common is quick to shed his conscious image for a vicious tongue lashing against any opponent who mistakes him for a soft punk. He also is not known for ducking competition on the mic. Working with some of the greats emcees such as Slum Village, Nas, Mos Def, Black Thought, De La Soul, and Canibus in his prime, Common has proven he can get on a record with anyone and hold his own. Make no mistake about it, Common’s skill set is as well rounded as any potential top 10 greatest rapper candidate.

Another key ingredient in what makes a rapper great is the music itself. Common has quietly built a stacked catalogue. Not too many rappers can boast making classics with the likes of No I.D., Kanye West, and J. Dilla (R.I.P.). Part of being a great rapper is having a good ear for beats. Common has made some of the greatest music with the most legendary producers. Most artists would salivate at having the capability to make albums as good as Resurrection, One Day It’ll All Make Sense, Like Water For Chocolate, Be, Finding Forever, The Auditorium Vol. 1, and The Dreamer, The Believer. The fact Common has made albums that are either classic or near classic in every decade since the 90s is what places him in a rare space most music artists of any genre never find themselves in. Sure Common has missteps along the way, such as Electric Circus, but his overall batting average is well above average. The fact that he has collaborated with stars as big as Pharrell, John Legend, and Erykah Badu is a testament to the quality of his music. Common may not be a super star in rap, but his music has caught the attention of the right people.

Perhaps a lack of crossover appeal may be one of the biggest reasons Common is not mentioned in most people’s top 10 greatest lists. Common has not proven himself to have the hit making capability of the greats. Many of his detractors have deemed his music boring due to a lack of street anthems or club bangers. You are not going to hear a Common record in heavy rotation on the radio. One can argue that Common has traded mainstream fanfare for timeless music. On the other side of the argument, people will say being able to create a hit record while being a dope lyricist elevates an artist to another label. That is why many regard Jay as the greatest given his ability to reach the clubs, the radio, the streets, the back packers and the casuals through his music. Yet Common throughout his career has been able to go gold on a number of occasions. Say what you want, but being able to reach half a million consumers with multiple albums signifies there is certain level of accessibility to his music.

I challenge the hip hop community to go through Common’s discography with a fine-tooth comb. There is a strong argument that Common should be considered as a top 10 greatest rapper ever. Exceptional bars. Exemplary albums. Vivid storyteller. Diverse artistry. Then there is the actual emceeing aspect. Common is a phenomenal performer that knows how to rock a crowd. We have not even got into his career as an actor in Hollywood, demonstrating star capability. Add to the fact that Common can breakdance and freestyle off the top of the head reveals a special commitment to the culture than your average rapper. Since releasing The Auditorium this year, Common has been compared to Nas more than ever in his career. To be a rapper in his 50s still exhibiting a passion for the music should be appreciated and not overlooked. Common has shown on his new album, as he has his whole career, that he never takes his foot off the gas pedal as a lyricist and artist. Almost every bar is well thought out and crafted with care. Common deserves to be in that top 10 conversation. In an industry laden with the “I’m not a rapper” industry plants, the purity in his music proves why more rappers should rap like Common Sense.