Common - Album Preview

Common - Be
Geffen Music

Tracklisting

1. Be
2. The Corner Featuring The Last Poets
3. Go
4. Faithful Featuring John Legend and Bilal
5. Testify
6. Love Is
7. Chi City
8. The Food
9. Real People
10. They Say Featuring Kanye West and John Legend
11. It’s Your World/Pop’s Reprise Featuring Bilal

Production: Kanye West (9 out of 11) & Jay Dee (2 out of 11)

One of the most hotly anticipated albums of 2005 drops May 23rd. Yes people, forget the hysteria over recent releases from The Game and 50 Cent, I’m talking about Common. One of the most blessed MC’s to grace the mic, the release of Be is his sixth album and the follow up to the mixed received Electric Circus.

Already being hailed as his best work, the album has received the top rating in XXL magazine and other full marks are sure to follow.

The first single already picking up radio and video rotation is The Corner, produced by Kanye West who handles 9 out of the 11 tracks. Speaking to Allhiphop.com he said that “Common’s album will go down in history” and that it fully deserves the early reviews “I’m telling you right now it’s five mics, five stars across the board.”

The inclusion of West can help attract the larger audience that his own success has brought and give Common the mainstream success he deserves.

The other two tracks are produced by Jay Dee who did a lot of work on Like Water For Chocolate and it’s a shame that he didn't have more of a share of the production on Be. Some may not be happy with only 11 tracks but too many albums these days let themselves down with too much filler. Here we have only 11 of the best cuts.

The album has already leaked on many sites so those that download it make sure you get the release copy as this album will take Common above the realms of being deemed underground and it will be refreshing to hear material of such substance gaining such success.

I for one can’t wait for the release and I’m sure this will feature heavily in everyone’s end of year top tens. As soon as the album is released I will have a full review for you.