Common On "Nobody's Smiling", Chicago & His 5 Best Albums (Interview)

Twenty years ago, a Chicago born-and-bred emcee revealed his heartbreak for a genre he once adored. Common unleashed his candid ode to hip-hop with his poignant record, “I Used To Love H.E.R.” It was a record that examined his daily relationship with the genre and how he feared she was being steered in the wrong direction. After two decades, Common has watched his culture blossom into an effervescent one, sparked by new talent. He himself has proven to be a catalyst in maintaining the purity of the culture. With albums such as Like Water For Chocolate, Finding Forever, The Dreamer and The Believer, Be and his newest release, Nobody’s Smiling, Common has etched himself as one of music’s most talented writers. His exemplary lyrical ability has garnered him massive respect in the culture he helped build.

After towering to the upper echelon of rap, Common finds himself with a bigger task at hand. His hometown has been plagued by on-going violence and an overwhelming unemployment rate. With little to no answer, Common has placed the burden and responsibility upon himself to help rejuvenate the Windy City. His most recent album, Nobody’s Smiling, is a sharp contrast from his previous endeavors. He and mega producer, No I.D., provide a dark but deep look into the Chi by vividly detailing the city’s plight. In efforts to grow awareness, Common called on new acts including Chicago’s Lil Herb, Big Sean, Vince Staples and Jhené Aiko, to help in his battle to instill peace into his city.

After being released in July, Nobody’s Smiling has already been widely accepted and is being viewed upon as one of his best works to date. The twenty year veteran acknowledged that while his city isn’t in the best shape, its future is looking brighter than ever musically and socially.

Common sat down with us to discuss Nobody’s Smiling, the state of the city of Chicago, which albums helped restored his love for hip-hop and his personal ranking of this best albums.

What has been the overall reception for your new album, Nobody Smiling?

Common: "A lot of people been reaching out to me saying they loved the album – like it’s one of the best I’ve done. You know, today I was actually doing an interview and someone was comparing it to [my album] BE. They thought it was the best album I did since BE. You know...a lot people were like, 'Man, I’m surprised you came with this sound. It’s a fresh new sound. And you’re rapping like you’re a new artist.' I think one of the biggest things this album is accomplishing is that it’s starting to get people who weren’t Common fans – the people that didn’t know Common or Common’s music – to pay attention and actually be into it. They’re actually like, 'Wait. This dude is actually alright.' It’s a good feeling."
Your album was inspired by the violence taking place in Chicago. Do you feel this album could help to change the outlook for Chicago and its future?

"Yeah, man. I mean like, first of all, people respond to success and movement. I feel like this album has great potential to be successful. I think also music can motivate everyday people. One thing I know about this album is that it’s grimey. It’s street. But, it also has a feeling of [being able] to uplift and motivate. I think that in itself caused some change. And we want to do things that are beyond music and the videos, which honestly mean some things. Being a part of the whole component and movement to go and be active in the community. Finding out what’s needed and trying to be conducive in trying to change that and get the things that are needed. Implement it and put it into Chicago."