Common's G.O.O.D. times
hip hop's new daily operation | 5.24.20
TheMotto No. 21 salutes Common on the 15th anniversary of his sixth studio album, Be (G.O.O.D. Music/Geffen). I always admired how Rashid Lynn joined Kanye West’s rising movement. It was fresh off the career setback of 2002’s Electric Circus (MCA) and the accomplished artist from Chicago fully committed to allowing a younger hometown protégé to guide him musically. The results are undeniable. In 2005, XXL music editor Bonsu Thompson insisted Be get a perfect XXL rating — we didn’t give out many of those back then. I thought it was for sure a 4-star album. But Bon was living every song, and I trusted Bon’s ear. Be, executive-produced by West, is the first hip hop album on G.O.O.D, and in 2020 is a truly certified classic. For the true heads — and as Chicago rap historian Andrew Barber points out — there’s a studio version of Be’s “The Food” that knocks too. Plus, here’s more to know.
pull up, selector:
Verzuz went to the dancehall and it was a huge success. The wifi was crisp, the catalogues are classic, but the best part? Both legends, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, were side-by-side, flexing their skills.
The Front Stoop got the footage, Billboard got the scorecard, and of course, TIDAL got the playlist — thank you, Reshma B!
⬇️ Jhené Aiko delivers another stimulating visual — highlighted by a rare appearance of TDE’s Ab-Soul 🔽
💦 👕 ⤵️ Gunna shares some of his select wears, and collected artworks
Joe Budden on Joe Rogan’s big podcast move ⏬
allow me to introduce myself:
At least to me! I’ve been low-key sleeping on Myke Towers from Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. Though I’m part Ecuadorian, my spanish is no bueno but this is a go! Towers is also a new father, and says he named his son after the big homie.
what more can I say:
in one last clip from my recent #TIDALCheckIn, Russ lays out his independent artist philosophy (HHNM) 🔽 and if you’re ‘bout it, here’s a pretty decent guide to what need for you own in-home set-up.
And I want to thank everyone for the love and support of TheMotto. It’s especially encouraging to see the strong reactions to the Biggie edition, and to yesterday’s look back at Eminem. Going back in time and sharing my personal reflections is a struggle for me. TheMotto allows me to muster up my courage. It’s time for me to tell my stories. With my wife in my corner, I think we’ll get there.
On the count of 3.
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