Common RSS Feed

Vote for both "Drivin' Me Wild" and "I Want You" in the MTV VMA Nominations | News

IGA — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:46:00 GMT

This year MTV is letting the fans decide who the nominees are for the VMA’s! Voting opens today for the Best Hip-Hop and Pop Video categories. Make sure to go to vma.mtv.com to vote for Common's videos “I Want You” and "Driving Me Wild" ft. Lily Allen in both the Pop and Hip-Hop categories. Voting closes Wednesday 7/30 at 11 AM

Common Launches “THE CORNER” through the Common Ground Foundation | News

CBM — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:08:00 GMT

June 3, 2008 (San Francisco, CA) In an effort to encourage and inspire youth to read, the Common Ground Foundation has launched The Corner, a national online book club. This interactive platform provides youth across the country with an opportunity to discuss current reading selections, and fosters the development of critical thinking skills.

The Corner, provides an interactive way for students, ages 13-18, to learn about and discuss relevant reading materials. Our team works with a list of recommended books that convey messages of tolerance, compassion and non-violent expressions of achieving social justice.

Teens are able to follow along with the recommended book of the month, blog with other members about relevant topics and have the opportunity to participate in a live online chat with Common Ground Foundation staff. Celebrity artists will also be interviewed each month and talk about their favorite books and why reading is so important to them. Each year the Foundation will sponsor a national "Common Ground Challenge" for our book club members. Winners will have an opportunity to meet Common and their essay will be posted on The Common Ground Foundation website. The Foundation is also committed to provide a college scholarship as the first prize award. Through exposure and participation in educational endeavors, The Common Ground Foundation creates a positive atmosphere for learning and understanding.

Common has been selected for the American Library Association (ALA) READ Campaign poster.

Please visit http://www.commongroundfoundation.org The Corner Book Club to sign up.

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Common Ground Foundation is dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth in the United States.

VISION STATEMENT:

The Common Ground Foundation was created by Hip Hop artist, actor and children’s author Lonnie Rashid Lynn, known as “Common”.

Common’s social-conscience message is the cornerstone of the Foundation’s vision and serves as an inspiration for equality, opportunity and hope among youth in underserved communities. The Foundation is committed to empowering youth in urban neighborhoods and providing life skills needed to achieve their dreams.

Contact: Daphne E. Ortiz/k101 Agency/323.864.9890/daphne@k101agency.com

» www.commongroundfoundation.org

Common Exerts 'Control' On New Single | Press

IGA — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:07:00 GMT

Check out the article Billboard.com ran on Common's new single "Universal Mind Control (U.M.C.)"

"Universal Mind Control (U.M.C.)" is a high-energy track reminiscent of Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force's "Planet Rock." "I created this music for the summertime. It's about feeling good," Common told Billboard.com last month. "This is the type of music I felt was missing from my body of work." - Billboard.com

Click HERE to read the article!

» www.billboard.com

Common Ground Foundation Day with the Chicago White Sox | News

CBM — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:58:00 GMT

Everyone is invited to join the White Sox for a summer night at the ballpark on August 12^th and help support the Common Ground Foundation.

The Common Ground Foundation was created by Hip Hop legend, actor and children’s author Lonnie Rashid Lynn, known as “Common,” to serve as an inspiration for equality, opportunity and hope among youth in underserved communities. The Foundation is committed to empowering youth in urban neighborhoods and providing life skills needed to achieve their dreams.

On Tuesday, August 12 at 7:11 p.m., the Chicago White Sox will play the Kansas City Royals at U.S. Cellular Field. A portion of every ticket purchased on behalf of the organization via the below link will go toward the Common Ground Foundation.

Please see link for ticket information. Tickets must be purchased by July 14th.

We look forward to seeing you on the South Side on August 12^th for a night of baseball in support of a tremendous cause!

» www.commongroundfoundation.org

Common Previews 'Invincible' New Album | Press

IGA — Sat, 10 May 2008 01:46:00 GMT

"A special eight-song preview last night (April 29) reveals that Common's upcoming eighth album, "Invincible Summer," is shaping up to be an electro-tinged departure from the MC's previous lyric-driven albums.

"I created this music for the summer time, it's about feeling good," Common tells Billboard.com. "This is the type of music I felt was missing from my body of work." - Billboard.com

Click HERE to read the rest of the article!

» www.billboard.com

Street Kings Now In Theatres | News

CBM — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:12:00 GMT

Common stars alongside Keanu Reeves and Oscar & Golden Globe Winner Forest Whitaker. Common plays a heroin dealer who is posing as an undercover cop.

» www.foxsearchlight.com

Common Awarded a Grammy | News

CBM — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:29:00 GMT

Congratulations go out to Common and Kanye West for being awarded a Grammy for their track "Southside".

Common and Kanye beat out "Make It Rain" by Fat Joe Featuring Lil Wayne, "Party Like A Rockstar" by Shop Boyz, "Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You)" by UGK Featuring OutKast and "Better Than I've Ever Been" by Kanye West, Nas & KRS-One.

Awarded for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group
(For duo, group or collaborative performances of Rap only. Singles or Tracks only.)
Southside
Common Featuring Kanye West
Track from: Finding Forever

Yes We Can | Video

Geffen — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:32:00 GMT

Inspired by Barack Obama's 'Yes We Can' speech.

Common Supports Barack Obama | News

CBM — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:20:00 GMT

Common is voting for Obama. View his PSA for Vote Hope 2008 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1dc6KcGeQw.

» www.votehope2008.org

TBA, Chicago, IL, NUS | Concert

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:47:00 GMT

Common Ground Foundation Event

Common Nominated for NAACP Image Award | News

CBM — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 21:22:00 GMT

Common has received a nomination for a 2008 NAACP Image Award for the Recording Category of Outstanding Male Artist. The 39th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Thursday, February 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.

This is the third year in a row Common has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award.

The NAACP Image Awards honors projects and individuals that promote diversity in the arts in television, recording, literature and motion pictures. The theme of this year’s show is “Stand Up and Be Counted.” During this crucial election year, the NAACP encourages everyone to be socially conscious and take a stand on critical human and civil rights issues.

Additionally, in recognition that today’s environmental crisis will become tomorrow’s civil rights issues, this year the NAACP is incorporating eco-friendly initiatives to reduce the Image Award’s carbon footprint and reduce the ceremonies impact on the world’s climate.

Founded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities and monitor equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

Nicole Gonzales /FOX 310-369-0827
Jennifer Price/The Lippin Group 323-965-1990.

Common featured in the American Library Association READ Campaign | News

CBM — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:27:00 GMT

Some of the world's best-known faces lend their support to the simple but powerful message-"READ"-on prestigious posters published by the American Library Association (ALA). Common is privileged to have been asked to support the campaign, which will launch on January 8, 2008 and feature his poster in a printed catalog as well as online.

The multi-talented Common desires to make a difference in the lives of others, especially youth. One of his most joyful accomplishments is the three books he has written inspired by his daughter, one of which, “I Like You, But I Love Me,” was recently nominated for a NAACP Image Award. His first book, “The Mirror and Me,” teaches lessons of life, the human spirit and human nature and his third book, “M.E. (Mixed Emotions),” is due for release later this year. He also started the Common Ground Foundation, an organization dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth in the United States through education. Additionally, its support and focus on AIDS/HIV prevention programs targeted toward youth and young adults reach beyond our national borders and serve communities throughout Africa. His most recent album Finding Forever won the BET Hip-Hop Award for CD of the Year. Look for him on the silver screen in Wanted with Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman this spring.

Vote "I Want You" Video on BET & MTV | News

Geffen — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:27:00 GMT

Vote for "I Want You" on BET 106 & Park and TRL.

www.bet.com
www.mtv.com

Common is the New Face of Lincoln's Navigator Brand | News

CBM — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:04:00 GMT

Through an exclusive partnership with Lincoln, Common will appear in national television broadcast, radio and print advertisements, primarily focused on the all-new 2008 Lincoln Navigator. The first of the ads, titled “Common,” will debut nationwide November 25 during NFL Sunday Night Football on NBC, and later appear on general market and urban schedules. The commercial spotlights the people, places and experiences that shaped his life in his hometown of Chicago. It segues to his present-day life as an enterprising, multitalented individual, continuing to reach higher, yet still deeply rooted in his community. His understated confidence, authenticity, and distinctive sense of style echoes the personality of the Lincoln Navigator. The print and radio ads will premiere in 2008.

Lincoln will additionally work with Common in developing other online and offline cross-promotional and marketing programs across his diversified businesses, including the licensing of songs for creative executions for television and the Web, tie-ins with Common’s books and hat lines, as well as alignments with his concert tour. Common will also perform and make personal appearances on behalf of Lincoln at auto shows and dealer events, and be an integral component of the annual multiple-city Lincoln Lounge events.

Lincoln also plans to align itself with Common’s nonprofit organization, the Common Ground Foundation.

Obama Hope Vote Campaign With Common | News

CBM — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:05:00 GMT

Vote Hope launches the first in a series of celebrity public service announcements to Get-Out-the-Vote for Obama in California in advance of the February 5th primary. To view the video, go to: http://www.votehope2008.org or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1dc6KcGeQw.

The first 60-second PSA features hip hop artist and actor Common who takes his "get-out-the-vote" message straight to the people via video-sharing web sites like YouTube, MySpace and FaceBook. "I'm voting for Obama because he's just there to do some good in the world", said Common in the video. Viewers are encouraged to "Bank it for Barack" by pledging to vote on the VoteHope2008.org web site. Viewers are also encouraged to leave their own online video response stating why they're voting for Obama.

Vote Hope's goal is to get hundreds of thousands of early votes pledged and banked for Obama, leading into the California primary on Feb. 5, 2008. "Increasing voter turnout among young people and communities of color in California will be critical to Obama's success," said Vote Hope founder Steve Phillips.

About Vote Hope
Vote Hope is a new statewide political network championing democracy and justice in California. Our purpose and mission is to increase voter turnout in California among young people and people of color, who are grossly underrepresented in the current state electorate. Vote Hope increases civic engagement by supporting candidates at all levels of government who share our vision for change.

Vote Hope is made up of activists representing multiple generations of Californians committed to increasing public response to issues of poverty, race, education, and immigrant rights.

For more information, visit http://www.votehope2008.org.

For more information, contact:
Carla Sims, 202-360-9959 or email carlasims@verizon.net
Leah King, 703-732-6517 or email leahKing@gmail.com

» www.votehope2008.org

Common Interview on IMF | News

Geffen — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:11:00 GMT

Check out the Common interview on IMF (Intenational Music Feed).

http://www.imf.com/link_player.html?video_id=2649

Common Featured in Vibe Magazine | News

CBM — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 22:27:00 GMT

Check out Vibe's ultra cool article on Common's blossoming acting career.

The Nov 2007 issue includes some fresh photos as well - pick up a copy today.

» www.vibe.com

Common Featured On Maxim.com | News

CBM — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 22:07:00 GMT

Q: What do American Gangster, hip-hop, and sweater vests have in common? A: Common!

Maxim interviews Common about American Gangster, the culture of hip-hop, his favorite pizza and more.

» www.maxim.com

MTV Video Remixer | News

Geffen — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 02:10:00 GMT

Check out the new Video Remixer @ MTV for Common's last video "Drivin' Me Wild" Ft. Lily Allen. Take clips from your favorite Common videos and live performances and put them over the "Drivin' Me Wild" track!

http://remix.mtv.com

» remix.mtv.com

I Want You | Video

Geffen — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:44:00 GMT

The 4th single from the Gold album, Finding Forever featuring cameos from Alicia Keys, Kerry Washington, Kanye West and more...

Lincoln Commercial | Video

Geffen — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 03:34:00 GMT

New Video For "I Want You" Premiere on October 23 | News

Geffen — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:51:00 GMT

Common’s 4th video in support of Finding Forever, the star-studded “I Want You” (produced by Will.I.Am) which features Kerry Washington (Co-Director), Alicia Keys, Derek Luke, Kanye West, Serena Williams and Will.I.Am will debut on BET's 106 & Park & AOL Music 10/23.

Common Wins 2 BET Hip-Hop Awards | News

CBM — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 03:33:00 GMT

Common wins Lyricist of the Year and CD of the Year – Finding Forever (Tied w/ T.I.) in 2007 BET Hip-Hop Awards!

I Want You Video Pic6 | Photo

Geffen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:38:00 GMT

I Want You Video Pic5 | Photo

Geffen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:37:00 GMT

I Want You Video Pic4 | Photo

Geffen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:36:00 GMT

I Want You Video Pic3 | Photo

Geffen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:35:00 GMT

I Want You Video Pic2 | Photo

Geffen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:34:00 GMT

I Want You Video Pics1 | Photo

Geffen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:32:00 GMT

Common Launches Common Ground Foundation to Help Urban Youth | News

CBM — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:46:00 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Grammy winning artist, actor and children's author Lonnie Rashid Lynn, known as "Common", has announced the launch of The Common Ground Foundation, Inc. The foundation will be overseen by Executive Director Jodie Blum, and is dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth through education.

Common, whose socially conscious music serves as inspiration for equality, opportunity and hope among youth in underserved communities, states, "I always believed that if we started with the youth then we would be planting the seeds for our future to blossom."

Additionally, The Common Ground Foundation supports and focuses on AIDS/HIV prevention programs targeted towards youth and young adults, reaching beyond our national borders to serve communities throughout Africa.

About Common:
The Grammy Award winning artist just released his critically acclaimed seventh album FINDING FOREVER, which debut at #1 on Billboard 200 Album Chart. Additionally, he made his acting debut earlier in the year co-starring opposite Jeremy Piven, Ben Affleck, and Ryan Reynolds in "SMOKIN' ACES" for Universal Pictures. In November 2007, he'll co-star opposite Denzel Washington in "AMERICAN GANGSTER", Directed by Ridley Scott. He recently wrapped filming on "WANTED" with co-stars Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie and David Ayer's "THE NIGHT WATCHMAN" starring Keanu Reeves and Forest Whitaker.

Additionally, Common has written children's books. The first one, entitled The MIRROR and ME, teaches lessons of life, the human spirit, and human nature. His follow-up book, I Like You But I Love Me, was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award, and his third book, M.E. (Mixed Emotions), will be out later this year.

About Jodie Blum:
Executive Director Jodie Blum will direct the Foundation's national and global programs. Blum joins the team with over 12 years of experience and leadership in the event production industry, specializing in non-profit consulting and fundraising. Her clients included world leaders, celebrities and professional athletes that supported programs focusing on disadvantaged youth, education, social justice, health issues and environmental conservation. She operates the Common Ground Foundation in San Francisco, CA.

For further information on The Common Ground Foundation please visit
http://www.commongroundfoundation.org.

Common Nominated for a Woodie Award | News

Geffen — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 00:28:00 GMT

The only awards honoring the music college students loved most this year, the 2007 Woodies hits the Roseland Ballroom in New York City on November 8th. And every artist dying to get in...is gonna have to go through you first. So here it is. Who gives a sh*t about gold. Who gives a sh*t about platinum. Here's your chance to make sure they go wood. Let the voting begin...

» www.mtvu.com

Common Nominated For 5 BET Hip-Hop Awards | News

Geffen — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 03:40:00 GMT

Common is nominated in the 5 following categories!!!!!!

1) Best Hip-Hop Video - “The People"
2) Best Live Performance
3) Lyricist of the Year
4) MVP of the Year
5) CD of the Year – Finding Forever

Additionally "Smokin' Aces" was nominated for Best Hip-Hop Movie!

Finding Forever Instrumental Album Available Now AT COMMON-MUSIC.COM | News

Geffen — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 03:10:00 GMT

Check out the Finding Forever Instrumentals Album now available right HERE on the site! Thats right! You can now buy music directly on COMMON-MUSIC.COM so make sure to go and check out what other exclusives we have in our new online store!

CLICK HERE TO BUY

» common_mp3store.b3umusicstore.com

Drivin' Me Wild (Feat. Lily Allen) | Video

Geffen — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 20:29:00 GMT

Lily Allen lends her voice to Common’s new hit single/video "Drivin' Me Wild" from his new album, Finding Forever, available NOW

Drivin' Me Wild Video Premiere August 27th on MTV | News

Geffen — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:29:00 GMT

Make sure to catch the MTV World Video Premiere of "Drivin' Me Wild" Ft. Lily Allen on August 27th.

Go to the photo gallery to see exclusive photos from the video shoot!

Drivin' Me Wild Video Shoot Pic 5 | Photo

Geffen — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:57:00 GMT

Common: The Black James Bond

Drivin' Me Wild Video Shoot Pic 6 | Photo

Geffen — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:55:00 GMT

Drivin' Me Wild Video Shoot Pic 5 | Photo

Geffen — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:54:00 GMT

Common

Drivin' Me Wild Video Shoot Pic 4 | Photo

Geffen — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:52:00 GMT

COmmon & Lauren London

Drivin' Me Wild Video Shoot Pic 3 | Photo

Geffen — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:50:00 GMT

Lily Allen