Kanye, Common, Method & Redman sued over jazz sample
Here's the worst pitfall of hip-hop producing—creatively re-purposing intellectual property always carries the risk of a fat ol' lawsuit from a sampled musician. In the latest case of rap sample litigation, it's the estate of a dead musician claiming punitive damages for sampling without permission.... read more
Found in: Music, NewsCommon signs on for Terminator 4
Terminator 4 just began shooting last week, which means that final casting announcements for the film are leaking out. Common actually has a lot of acting experience, working in American Gangster and Smokin' Aces last year, and Wanted later this year. All of this, plus two albums planned for release, plus at least one side project, plus some tour dates, plus... Well, that Common is one busy man. Also signed on to the T4 project now are Sam Worthington (Avatar)and Anton Yelchin (Charlie Bartlett), with Josh Brolin rumored to be the new Terminator. The film is planned for release early... read more
Found in: Movies, NewsCommon set to release Invincible Summer on June 24
Common, the man who once announced to the world that he was music, is back with some more...wait for it...music. Entitled Invincible Summer, the album hits stores on June 24, just in time for the last long stretch of summer. The MC recently spoke to Billboard.com about the album, saying, "I created this music for the summer time, it's about feeling good. This is the type of music I felt was missing from my body of work." Invincible will feature an array of artists that include Cee-Lo (of Gnarls Barkley) and super-hyped/super-awesome newcomer Santogold. No word currently on what's... read more
Found in: Music, NewsConverse takes on Hunter S. Thompson, Karen O, more
Converse is taking its centennial celebration global with its new "Connectivity" ad campaign. The shoe group is attempting to bridge the gap between past and present, not to mention the cultural icons that have been associated with the brand. The Nike-owned company is getting back to its roots through reissues and reminding consumers in 75 different countries of its counterculture legacy. Artists featured include Joan Jett, M.I.A. and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. "Connectivity is an exceptional global campaign that fully captures our spirit and brand ethos celebrating true originals," chief marketing officer for Converse Geoff Cottrill said in... read more
Found in: Culture, NewsCommon announces The Believer, tour dates
Although he has made his way into Hollywood’s good graces, Common hasn’t forgotten his first love. The lyricist recently announced plans to release a new album in November titled The Believer. As he told MTV news he has been putting pen to pad in between filming and tour dates. Speaking of filming, Common can be seen on the big screen twice this year. First up this April is noir heavyweight James Ellroy’s Street Kings, also starring Keanu Reeves and Chris Evans. And unless you stopped watching TV and movies in the past four months you’ve seen the trailer for comic... read more
Found in: Music, NewsCommon + Q-Tip = The Standard
Think of it as the Black Star of the 21st Century. While Mos Def and Talib Kweli continue to tease with the occasional one-off duo appearance, two of their fellow '90s hip-hop juggernauts are joining forces on a more permanent basis. As reported by XXLMag.com, Chicago kingpin Common and ex-Tribe Called Quest abstractionist Q-Tip are tag-teaming it up as The Standard. The pair hasn't started recording just yet, but there's no better way for two top-notch MCs to bond than by embarking on a national tour together. The trek has been dubbed the 2K Sports Bounce Tour (even socially aware... read more
Found in: Music, NewsCommon
Common has remained a constant in a radically shifting rap equation for 15 years. read more
Found in: Music, FeaturesCommon - Be
Close, But No Coronation: Common turns out solid, enjoyable yet over-hyped hip-hop record... read more
Found in: Music, Reviews
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