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Monday, May 23, 2005
11:29:00 AM EDT
Hearing Bob Marley - Johnny Was
Common's classic-to-everyone-but-me, BE, hits stores today. Click here to peep the second video, "Go," and here to check the record out at AOL's listening party.
My complaint about this record is that it's not exciting. It's technically strong, the lyrics are good, and the beats are on point. But few songs jump out of the speakers and evoke any feelings from me. I'm a big fan of "The Food," but I've been bumping that since it was featured last year on "Chappelle's Show."
This ties into another problem he's got, one pointed out to me by a well-known, up and coming emcee. Somehow, his image-makers have decided to market him like he's somebody's uncle. The ugly blazers, the vests, even the bald head with the full beard make Com seem older than he is. When young people are like that, we say they're precocious. When cats in their thirties are like that, they're just boring. The cool thing about the "Go" video is that it's hip and sexy, words that haven't been used to describe Com's music since Like Water for Chocolate, and "sexy" was a stretch on that one.
I still think this record is receiving the hype it's gotten because anything would be better than Electric Circus, but this just isn't a classic. Some would say the same sentiments are why the Roots' The Tipping Point got so much positive press, but that stands up with the dopest stuff in their catalog. BE isn't of that caliber.
This video, however, is that fiyah. But if he comes out next go-round looking like he keeps a pint of Thunderbird in the breast pocket of his jacket, I won't be surprised in the least.
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11:29:00 AM EDT
Hearing Bob Marley - Johnny Was
Uncle Common
My complaint about this record is that it's not exciting. It's technically strong, the lyrics are good, and the beats are on point. But few songs jump out of the speakers and evoke any feelings from me. I'm a big fan of "The Food," but I've been bumping that since it was featured last year on "Chappelle's Show."
This ties into another problem he's got, one pointed out to me by a well-known, up and coming emcee. Somehow, his image-makers have decided to market him like he's somebody's uncle. The ugly blazers, the vests, even the bald head with the full beard make Com seem older than he is. When young people are like that, we say they're precocious. When cats in their thirties are like that, they're just boring. The cool thing about the "Go" video is that it's hip and sexy, words that haven't been used to describe Com's music since Like Water for Chocolate, and "sexy" was a stretch on that one.
I still think this record is receiving the hype it's gotten because anything would be better than Electric Circus, but this just isn't a classic. Some would say the same sentiments are why the Roots' The Tipping Point got so much positive press, but that stands up with the dopest stuff in their catalog. BE isn't of that caliber.
This video, however, is that fiyah. But if he comes out next go-round looking like he keeps a pint of Thunderbird in the breast pocket of his jacket, I won't be surprised in the least.
Written by bjonesfmo Blog about this entry |
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This entry has 5 comments: (Add your own)
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Oh my gosh! I so agree. Why is he looking so old and he's not that much older than me. Common looks 42. I like the album alot. The production and the tracks are real nice. I like the song "Go," I really enjoy this album. Everyone is dressing weird though now. I saw some pictures of Usher lately and I was like, "Why?" I saw this one pic he had on a bright green shirt with a tie and like some green pants, he thought he was fly but it was just too much for me.
Dorrie from thabiz.com -
I dig the album. I admit, it can be a tad monotonous... but com is on point. and be is a classic- don't sleep. i dig testify, though.
as always-
b -
I think Common LIKES to dress like that
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You're killing me with the Thunderbird in the breastpocket. I thought it was just me. For real, BE is only being touted as a classic because the ever popular "Kanye West" declared it a classic on sight. But ya think that would have something to do with him being the super producer on board?!! LOL.... but you're right the video is cool but the rest of the tracks are simply kinda glossed over.
6/9/05 2:14 PM