Common – Universal Mind Control Review
Not too many artists can say they’ve put out eight albums, won two Grammy awards and co-starred alongside Denzel Washington. The conscious Chicago MC who once called himself Common Sense has grown into Common the entertainer – rapping, acting and doing GAP commercials.
Maintaining a career in the hip-hop industry since 1992 and trying to remain relevant through changing times is not an easy task for one man. He has released a slew of arguably classic hip-hop albums (let’s get over “Electric Circus”), giving off positive vibes while the rest of the industry was popping champagne and supermanning hoes.
Common’s newest album, Universal Mind Control, has him taking a new direction in his music. Production mainly from the Neptunes and Mr. DJ (famous for his work with OutKast), gives the album a futuristic, up-tempo sound rather than the soulful samples of Kanye West which we’ve been so used to hearing on previous Common records.
The production value of U.M.C is one of the best I’ve heard all year. The Neptunes always bring it. The Afrika Bambaataa inspired first single, which is also titled “Universal Mind Control” will definitely be a banger on the dancefloor. The Mr. DJ produced, “Make My Day” featuring Cee-Lo is also worthy of being the next single with its mix of old school soul and electro inspired sounds.
There is a brief glimpse of pre-Hollywood Common on the song “Changes”. But it was rather unconvincing and forced – just for the sake of letting listeners know that he’s still the conscious MC we’ve all grown to love. I don’t buy it. I will refrain from calling Common a sellout but I will say his style and demeanor does not mix well with the misogynistic and club-friendly tunes he is trying to put out. Just listen to “Sex For Sugar”. Or not.
This album is far from a Common’s best work. He is a lyricist and should definitely stick to his niche. But I love the Neptunes – they are so versatile. They could produce a record for Garth Brooks and I would still bump it in my car. Maybe I’m right or maybe it’s 3 o’clock in the morning and I’m drunk as a skunk. This album was disappointing. I almost felt back-stabbed by one of my favourite artists to ever grace the microphone.
2/5
Inhale by Common
Make My Day ft. Cee-Lo by Common
Tags: album
i totally agree with u, Common should really stick to what gathered him all his loyal fans. As a hiphop lover i am really disappointed but i am realising that most rappers who talk about conciousness use it as a “fashion statement”.
Maybe after spending his time in Hollywood he has absorbed hollywood culture.