Common Album: “One Day It'll All Make Se”

I heard somebody say that 1997 was not a good year in hip hop. I disagreed with the sentiment then, and I definitely have to disagree with it now. Before I even get started talking about this album, just let me tell you what the bottom line is: go buy this right now.

I'll wait. You can read this when you get back.

Now... where were we?

Ah, yes. One Day It'll All Make Sense. Now, let's see, what can I say by way of introduction? One Day It'll All Make Sense is by The Artist Formally Known As Common Sense (apparently, it's just Common now). He first made a big splash with "I Used to Love H.E.R." a single about how hiphop had evolved from fun-lovin' party music topolitically aware messages from the heart, head and street, but had begun to slide into gangsta-inspired nihilism.

That single managed second place in the Phattest Single, Phattest Lyric, and Phattest Crossover Single categories of the 1994 New Jack Hip Hop Awards. As a rapper, Common was also nominated several times. Still, neither he nor his album, Resurrection, managed to take any awards home (although, the album did come in second for Most Slept On).

I think this year will be different. Let me tell you why.

Apparently, all the writing and guest spots he's done since (most notably with De La Soul on Stakes Is High) has not only helped him to hone his skillz, but something over the past few years has taught him the benefits of honest reflection. With One Day It'll All Make Sense, he has moved beyond being an MC who can make a damn good single every once in a while to a full-fledged hip hop leader. This album is not only consistent, it is absolutely amazing. The production is on point. The lyrics are creative. The flow is all that and a homemade Southern meal at Grandma's house.

If you've grown tired of the commerically-minded same-ole same-ole, then this is the album for you. Even if you're perfectly happy with the state of hip hop, you will want to pick this up.

Trust me on this. When the youngsters of 2004 are yabbering about MC Popular's latest remix sampling Bell Biv Devoe's biggest hit, you will stop them and say, "Man, you don't know Jack. You want to hear real hip hop? Then check out Common's One Day It'll All Make Sense."

Yep. This is a classic in the making. In a few years, the true headz who know better will be putting this on the same list with It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back, Paid in Full, Criminal Minded, Strictly Business, and all the rest.

Although the "Stolen Moments" series, "Retrospect for Life", "G.O.D.," "My City," "Real Nigga Quotes," "Gettin' Down At The Ampitheater," and "1 '2 Many..." are standouts, each and every track is mad nice. This is an album to listen to, not just a collection of a few good tracks and some filler. The concepts are good, the lyrics are good, the band is good and the DJ is downright sinster.

In other words, it just don't get no betta. This is the best album of the year by a good bit. There's not a wasted note or word anywhere. In terms of honest spirtuality, and distinct approach this is the Peace Beyond Passion of Hip Hop and in terms of what you probably care about--Hip Hop Authenticity--this may very well be the It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back of the early nineties.

Yeah, I said it.

Bottom line: you may be made to think, you may be made to dance, you may be entertained, but whatever you'll be, you won't be disappointed.

Damn. I knew there was a reason I still loved Hip Hop.

A lot of emotions come to mind for me when I hear this album. For Common, this was a true signaling point in his lifetime. On "One Day", the brother formerly known as Sense chose to tone things down a bit and adress what's important over mellow, but soulful beats (which would later become the blueprint for the Soulquarians), such as the endearing "G.O.D. (Gaining One's Definition)" feat. Cee-Lo and the warm, remenicient feel of "Reminding Me (Of Sef)", which was dedicated to the good times with his departed friend. But these are greatly outshined by the insightful "Retrospect For Life" feat. Ms. Lauryn Hill, where he speaks on his fears and hopes of becoming a father for the first time. On some parts of the album, however, he tries a bit too hard to get gutter ("Gettin' Down In The Ampitheater" feat. De La Soul), but most of the time he's on point, and gets razor on the cuts "Hungry" and "Making A Name For Ourselves", the latter in which Cannibus gives one of his best verses you'll ever hear. Taking time out to flex a story, the three part "Stolen Moments" tracks tells of Common getting robbed when he gets back from a trip and goes to show you can't trust anybody. The album comes to a finishing close with the one and only Pops ("Pop's Rap pt. II: Fatherhood") giving praise to his son and prayer for his child. Before I heard this album, I didn't really have a clear path in life, but it helped me discover what's really important and not to sleep on responsibility. Cop this most definitely. END.

Many people were disappointed with Common's third effort One Day..., but it is a great album. Yeah, two or three of the tracks have "r&b" influence, but not in a bad way. "Retrospect For Life" is on of the most personal and emotional hip-hop songs I've ever heard. Common displays his amazing word play on tracks like "Invocation" and "Hunger" and flows nicely with Erykah Badu on the Roots produced "All Night Long." The majority of the album is solid and it could have been better if it weren't for those interludes. All in all, I'd give this a 4.5 out of 5 (I rounded it to 5 since Amazon doesn't offer .5's in their ratings.).

I am sure there are many people who believe that Common reached his pinnacle on his classic, "Resurrection". I am sure there are those who believe that NO I.D's production on "Resurrection" was more consistent, forming one complete album. Well, this is just Common's way of expanding. ODIAMS, is Common's MASTERPIECE, not just a classic. I am not going to bother with distinctions, because you'll understand if you're feeling this album...Common, who is naturally a deep lyricist, gets DEEEEEEEEP on here... from the start of "Invocation" with, "Invision in the hereafter, listenin' to Steve Wonder, on a ?uest for love, like the "Proceed" drummer"...to the nostalgic track "Reminding Me (Of Sef), where he reminisces on his b-boy days in Chi-Town, an incredible autiobiographical track. This whole album plays out like one large memoir, a hip hop memoir...Common rips the mic lyrically with clever puns and similies, just as he did on "Res...", and tracks like "Real N*gga Quotes", "Food For Funk", "Hungry", "1,2 Many", and "Making A Name For Ourselves" proves this...and then the conceptual pieces, such as "Retrospect For Life" and "G.O.D"...on the former, Common passionately rhymes about the issues of abortion and potentional fatherhood, hitting right on point, making it one of the best songs EVER...and same goes for the latter, "G.O.D", where he rhymes about the importance of religion and faith, and essentially, Gaining One's Definition...Cee-Lo also contributes, and to a great effect...and then the "Stolen Moments" triology, that could only come from an ecmee/artist as different as Common (Sense)...these tracks are evidence of Comm's talent as a story teller (the heart of hip hop lyricism), which would make the likes of Slick Ricky D proud...in each Common breaks down the situation (a break n' enter into his home) and the suspicions and consequences, effectively...not many emcees can do that...2 out of the 3 have hook contributions from Black Thought and Q-Tip...and the production on this album! i have to admitt that "Resurrection", musically, was a masterpiece too...and NO I.D, based on Comm's 2nd and 3rd album here, make him one of my favorite producers...BUT, i think that he gets deeper and more creative on this release...and with contributions from Ynot, Dug Inf, and ?uest Love, it is incredibley diverse...i still get hyped everytime i hear the opening bars of "Invocation", INCREDIBLE work on NO I.D's part...not many albums in general get this creative or deep...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED...purchase either "Resurrection" or this, cuz both display one of the best (if not the best) emcees in the world, and in my opinion, the greatest Hip Hop albums every released....peace

Common is the best emcee ever. That's quite an audacious statement, I know. Yet, speaking as a hip-hop purist, I've never heard another artist bring so many issues to the table with such eloquence as does Common [Sense]. Life, death, education, abortion, religion, urban blight - all covered in this outstanding thrid album. Coupled with Com's lyricism (not to mention NO I.D.'s production, Sinister's scratches, and the presence and artistic diversity of guest contributers De La Soul, Lauryn Hill, Cee-Lo, Erykah Badu, Black Thought, Q-Tip, Canibus, Chantay Savage, and "Pops" Lynn) this album has affected me more than any other...ever. Folks, I cried through "Retrospect for Life" and "G.O.D. (Gaining One's Definition)"! Why Common [Sense] isn't more respected in the hip-hop community, I don't know, but I pray that "one day it will all make sense."