Chicago Rapper Common has expanded his horizons beyond Hip-Hop and has launched a new foundation, delved into AIDS activism and authored a children’s book.
According to Common, being involved with the “Knowing is Beautiful” AIDS campaign being launched in conjunction with corporate giant Viacom, is very personal.
“I had a family member that passed from AIDS, so I know the effects of aids in reality,” Common told AllHipHop.com. “I feel that it’s my duty to speak out on conscious matters that are affecting our community a lot, because I know that I do have a voice. It’s a platform for millions to hear me speak. Why not speak? It might save a life.”
Common is also focusing on children, with hopes of reaching them during their most impressionable years.
“With my foundation Common Ground Foundation, we talk to kids about taking care of ourselves and loving. I believe the first thing is to get tested and when you get results, act accordingly. If you do have it, find out what are ways to live a healthy life with this. And if you don’t have it, find ways to protect yourself because it can save your life. In our community we don’t react until we see someone with it. It’s really like playing sexual roulette.”
And as part of an attempt to reach the youngsters, Common also authored an untitled book geared at children 7 years-old and up.
He joins the slim ranks of rappers and DJ’s who have released relatively popular books for young children.
Michael Perry released “Turntable Timmy” that featured scratching by Qbert, Doug E. Fresh penned “Think Again,” while LL Cool J authored “And the Winner Is”¦”
Although busy with the children, Common said his upcoming album BE, will feature a more aggressive side.
“I don’t think I could ever go back to who I was in 1994 or 1996 but as you evolve you sometimes go back home and people say that I’m going back home cause I’m doing raw Hip-Hop and that’s where I began,” Common continued. “I feel like I don’t have anything to cover me up so people are feeling that. That’s the old Common. As an artist you go through that in front of everybody. I’m trying to iron my bad clothes in front of everybody.”
Credit: Allhiphop.com
