Common Rapper, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., is an American rapper, actor, and songwriter. His journey from the streets of Chicago to international stardom is a testament to his talent, resilience, and commitment to his craft.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve into Common’s life, career, controversies, and fascinating facts.
Early Life and Upbringing
Common was born on March 13, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in the South Side neighborhood, he witnessed the struggles of inner-city life firsthand. His parents, educators Mahalia Ann Hines and Lonnie Lynn Sr., instilled in him a love for literature, music, and social justice.
Common attended Florida A&M University, where he honed his lyrical skills and began performing at local venues.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lonnie Rashid Lynn |
| Nickname | Common |
| Alternative Names (also known as) | Common Sense, L. Liston, Willie Stargell |
| Date of Birth | March 13, 1972 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 52 |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Hometown | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Current Address | N/A |
| Education Qualification | Florida A&M University (BS) |
| Hobbies and Interests | DMX and Kool |
| Languages Known | Afrikaans |
| Social Media Profiles | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Wikipedia Profile | Common (rapper) – Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile | IMDb Profile |
| Website | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Stats | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Body Measurements (Chest – Waist – Hips) | 36-28-36 inches |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Chest | 36 inches |
| Waist | 28 inches |
| Biceps | 36 inches |
| Eye Colour | Dark brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Short |
| Distinctive Features | Beard, bald head |
| Tattoos | Various tattoos on arms and chest |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Common’s personal life has been relatively private, but he has been linked to several high-profile relationships. Notably, he dated singer Erykah Badu and actress Taraji P. Henson. His commitment to social causes, including education and criminal justice reform, reflects the values instilled by his parents.
| Relationship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Single |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Father | Lonnie Lynn (father) |
| Mother | Mahalia Ann Hines (mother) |
| Children | N/A |
| Siblings | Broter and Sister |
| Affairs – Girlfriend(s) | Erykah Badu, Taraji P. Henson, Serena Williams, Angela Rye, Tiffany Haddish, Jennifer Hudson |
| Significant Relationships | Common and Tiffany Haddish |
Rise to Stardom
Common’s debut album, “Can I Borrow a Dollar?” (1992), showcased his poetic lyrics and unique flow. However, it was his third album, “Like Water for Chocolate” (2000), that catapulted him to fame. Hits like “The Light” and “The 6th Sense” resonated with audiences, blending conscious rap with soulful beats.
In addition to music, Common made a mark in Hollywood. His acting career includes roles in films like “Selma,” “American Gangster,” and “John Wick.” His versatility as an artist extends beyond the mic.
Common Rapper – Debut Album – Can I Borrow a Dollar (1992)
Common Rapper – Successful Album / Blockbuster Album – Love of My Life (2002)
Career, Awards, and Achievements
- Grammy Awards: Common has won multiple Grammys, including Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.
- Academy Awards: His song “Glory” (from the film “Selma”) earned him an Oscar for Best Original Song.
- Golden Globe: He received a Golden Globe for his role in the TV series “The Chi.”
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Rapper, songwriter, actor |
| Debut Album | Can I Borrow a Dollar (1992) |
| Notable Songs | Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)” (with Erykah Badu) – “Southside” (featuring Kanye West) |
| Recent Albums | Black America Again” (2016) – “Let Love” (2019) |
| Upcoming Albums | The Auditorium, Vol. 1 |
| Popular Movies | Selma” (2014) – “John Wick: Chapter 2” (2017) |
| Awards and Achievements | Three Grammy Awards – Academy Award – Primetime Emmy Award – Golden Globe Award |
| Endorsements/Collaborations | N/A |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | the Common Ground Foundation |
| Professional Associations | Member of Soulquarians |
| Training and Education | Florida A&M University (BS) |
| Production Company | Think Common Entertainment |
| Blockbuster Success | Be (2005) – Finding Forever (2007) |
| Critical Acclaim Album | Black America Again (2016) |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $45 million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $1 Million |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | $100,000 per |
| Sponsorship Deals | Not specified |
| Business Ventures | Freedom Road Productions |
| Investments | investing in the transformation of an underdeveloped property located in the city’s South Side area |
| Real Estate Holdings | Common has also made notable investments in real estate. |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | houses, jewelry and beyond |
| Cars Collection | Rolls-Royce |
Favorite Things, Likes, and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Denzel Washington |
| Favorite Actress | Angela Bassett |
| Favorite Film | The Godfather |
| Favorite Music Bands | A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots |
| Favorite Sport | Basketball |
| Favorite Books | The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho |
| Favorite Colour | Blue |
| Favorite Food | Soul food (e.g., fried chicken) |
| Things s/he likes | Social justice activism, poetry |
| Things s/he dislikes | Materialism, violence in music |
Top 5 Best Songs – Common Rapper
| Song Name | Year of Release | Album/Movie Name |
|---|---|---|
| The Light | 2000 | Like Water for Chocolate |
| Go | 2005 | Be |
| Glory | 2014 | (From “Selma” soundtrack) |
| Love of My Life | 2002 | Electric Circus |
| Testify | 2005 | Be |
Controversies – Common Rapper
- Beef with Ice Cube: Common and Ice Cube exchanged diss tracks in the late ’90s, but they later reconciled.
- Dating Drama: His relationships with Erykah Badu and Serena Williams sparked media attention.
- Gun Control Advocacy: Common’s outspoken stance on gun control led to heated debates.
- White House Backlash: Some criticized his invitation to perform at the White House due to his controversial lyrics.
- Beef with Drake: Common and Drake had a brief feud over a romantic rivalry.
Interesting Facts – Common Rapper
- Bookworm: Common is an avid reader and often references literature in his lyrics.
- Vegan Lifestyle: He follows a plant-based diet for health and ethical reasons.
- Film Scores: Common has composed music for films, adding another dimension to his artistry.
- Chicago Roots: He remains connected to his hometown, advocating for positive change.
- Fashion Sense: Common’s style blends streetwear with sophistication.
- Charitable Work: He supports various causes, including education and youth empowerment.
Remember, Common Rapper’s journey isn’t just about fame—it’s about using his platform to inspire change and uplift communities. Whether through music or activism, he continues to make an impact.
