Common - Be

Though heralded as an instant hip-hop classic by some, Common's Be doesn't quite live up to the hype, though it is still has several strengths going for it. Compared to the esoteric themes and production of his last album, Electric Circus, Be is far more grounded in street-level beats and rhymes, especially on songs like "The Corner" and "Real People"--Common's odes to personality and places 'round the way. At only 11 songs, this is a very compact album, both a blessing and curse by keeping the pacing brisk but it also amplifies weaknesses like the syrupy crossover attempt, "Go," or overly sentimental "Love Is." Production by Kanye West and Jay Dee is uniformly strong and it lends a consistency that is essential for such a relatively short album. It is worth noting that Common and Kanye's chemistry is especially well matched. -- Oliver Wang Amazon.com

Did You Really Expect Anything Less??

Common has one of the most consistent discogs of any hip hop artist out there. The only perceived blemish is the experimental Electric Circus (which was all that bad in my opinion). Be comes right on the heels of Electric Circus which led to much speculation about whether or not he still has "it". He answers his critics in amazing fashion.

This album is produced chiefly by Kanye (9 of 11 tracks and 2 from J Dilla) and the pairing seems Be a match made in heaven. Kanye's samples give Be a soulful twinge that matches perfectly with his deep lyrics and soulful voice. This is most evident on the powerful song "The Corner". This song has Common playing the role of a "CNN reporter in the hood". The album is filled with gems like this. Take the song "They Say", for example, on which Common describes himself as "the black pill in the Matrix." The only real blemish on this album is the misplaced song "Go!" "Go!" is not a bad song in my opinion, it just doesn't fit the overall flow. The creative song "Testify" also feels out of place here but the song is done in such a creative manner that it gets a pass from this listener.

Overall this album is Common at his best. He manages to craft a perfect album. This album should Be apart of every hip hop fan's collection. Go cop it if you haven't and if you have...give it a few spins for me.

Just my thoughts...
August 14, 2008

Sweet album

This album is possibly Common's best work. Testify, Be, The Food, Go, they are all great songs. Common has great albums, but this one is my favorite. May 8, 2008

Becoming

The lyrical sense of Common on "Be (Intro)" embraces time and hope of a future and freedom over an orchastrated arrangement of instruments. From the concrete jungle of the streets, "The Corner" featuring The Last Poets, give statistics of violence and the lifestyle of the ghettos. Including witty contents such as "...now I roll in an Olds with windows that don't roll / down the road where cars get broken in and stole..." give vivid images of the surroundings. "Go!" is one of the highlights of Be with the subject of exploring sexuality and experiences over high pitched keys. The two verse "Faithful" where depth unheard of in the genre with verse one Common questions spirituality and beliefs of God being a woman. The second verse is about monogamy challenges of men and the struggles overcoming temptations. The scene set in a court where a woman "Testify" has the verdict making front pages throughout the trial. "Love Is..." expresses the power of the word giving and feeling it to change lives missing in this genre as a message. Both "Chi-City" along with "The Food (Live)" highlights lyrical delivery as Common has long been noted for. The multi-layered horn section of "Real People" gives a jazzy feel to complete the feel of the album and its direction. Attacking gossip on "They Say" featuring Kanye West & John Legend directs anger of media and what listeners should believe. Closing with "It's Your World (Part 1 & 2)" featuring The Kids reaching goals and living out dreams. As nine of the eleven tracks were produced by Kanye West with strong singles for a solid album as a whole. Common showed on Be the growth and his maturity expressed in a genre that is oppressed and plagued with self-indulgence. Thank you. February 4, 2008

Common's Best Effort

Common broke through a lot of barriers on this release and I believe it is the best of his catalog. The beats are jazzy, his vocals are not masked or forced, and it just seems that he is having a good time in the studio through out this album. A highly recommended piece of hip hop for all fans of Common and his potential. A step forward in the right direction, and different than his current radio friendly singles. December 17, 2007

The Corner is an electric start! 4.1 stars.

Skipping and not counting the intro...

The Corner >< Fire...Beat is the standout. 4.5/5
Go! >< Production is on point with The Corner. I like the lyrics better though. 4.75/5
Faithful >< One of the hottest soul samples used. 4/5
Testify >< Awesome song, 3rd single. 4.5/5
Love Is... >< 3.75/5
Chi-City >< 3.5/5
The Food >< Pretty sick. Nice piano. 4/5
Real People >< 4/5
They Say >< Solid sample once again! Features one of my fav pianists, John Legend. 4/5
It's Your World >< Decent closer. But too damn long. 4/5


This CD contains some of the most-ill soul samples ever! I heard this disc was hot but D-A-M-N...

Anyway, this is leaps and bounds ahead of Finding Forever. I wasn't feeling that one much at all!

4.090909090909091 = 4.1

4.1 stars.

November 13, 2007

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