Common

Early Life

Lonnie Rashid Lynn, known professionally as Common, was born on March 13, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in the Calumet Heights neighborhood, he is the son of educator Mahalia Ann Hines and former ABA basketball player Lonnie Lynn. His parents divorced when he was young, leading to a challenging upbringing, but his father remained involved in his life, even securing him a job as a ballboy for the Chicago Bulls at age 11. Common attended Florida A&M University on a scholarship, majoring in business administration but did not graduate.

Music Career

Common began his music journey in the late 1980s, forming a rap trio called C.D.R. while in high school. He transitioned to a solo career in 1992 under the name Common Sense, releasing his debut album "Can I Borrow a Dollar?". His subsequent album, "Resurrection" (1994), garnered critical acclaim and expanded his audience beyond Chicago. Over the years, he has released several influential albums, including "Like Water for Chocolate" and "Be", and has collaborated with notable artists, contributing to the evolution of hip-hop and neo-soul.

Activism and Other Activities

Beyond music, Common is a passionate activist. He is a vegan and supports animal rights, participating in campaigns for PETA. He founded the Common Ground Foundation to empower underprivileged youth and has been involved in various initiatives promoting social justice, including performances in California prisons and the launch of the Imagine Justice organization. In 2019, he was honored with an honorary DFA degree from Florida A&M University, where he also served as a commencement speaker. Common's commitment to activism and community service reflects his belief in using his platform for positive change.