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LOS ANGELES, CA- The main attraction of the Stones Throw Superfest had finally arrived when Common took the stage. When a talent as culturally and musically relevant as Common performs a free show, it is a guaranteed lock that the masses will flock to witness the event. Clearly, this was the case as Sycamore Grove Park was overflowing with excited patrons.
It’s was quite remarkable that Peanut Butter Wolf was able to score a talent like Common for his label’s Superfest, especially since Common had JUST released his most recent album, “Black America Again”, the day before AND since the presidential election was only a few days away. But therein lies the impact of Stones Throw Records. Throughout it’s existence, Stones Throw Records has been able to associate with and spotlight some extraordinary talent. Perhaps the most extraordinary is J Dilla … and J Dilla’s connection with Common runs deep with the list of collaborations between the two including “So Far To Go”, “Come Close (Remix)”, “E=Mc2”, “Dooin It”, “Thelonious”, “Reminisce”, “The Light” … the list goes on and on and on. Clearly, Common’s love for J Dilla served as some impetus for his appearing as the festival’s headliner, and my, oh, my … what a performance.
When Common came on stage, the whole park was pumped … chanting, screaming, rapping his songs … the whole nine yards. I almost felt sorry for the people that lived near festival’s location because it was THAT live and loud!
He performed some classic hits like “Get Em High” and “I Used To Love H.E.R.” and performed two songs from his new album “Black America Again” and “Pyramids”. But his set wouldn’t have been complete without a couple J Dilla produced tracks, and Common, to the delight of the crowd, performed “Thelonius”, “Nag Champa (Aphrodisiac for the World) and, fittingly, encored with “The Light”.
What is so amazing about Common is his fearlessness and his courage to not change who he is as an artist no matter the cultural/societal/political climate of times. He’s also not afraid to speak on what’s really going on in the world; which is why so many people love him. His messages resonate with people of all ethnicities, and I was moved to see African Americans, Asians, Latinos … everyone was singing his music. During his performance Common made sure that everybody knew that though his new album was thematically written with the black community in mind, it really was an album dedicated to the Asians, Native Americans, and any other group that has ever been subject to negative societal perceptions and oppression. He wanted us to know that “Black America Again” was for everybody.
Kudos to Common for coming out and giving us such a great show. I know that every person that came left satisfied and fell even more in love with his artistry and his whole being. It was a nostalgic moment in time and the perfect way to end the day’s festivities.
Follow Common on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE STONES THROW SUPERFEST COVERAGE!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE STONES THROW SUPERFEST COVERAGE!
LIVE CLIPS
.@common at @stonesthrow #Superfest 11/5/16 @RBSoundSelect @BlurredCulture pic.twitter.com/9UvwlszuWI
— Derrick K. Lee (@methodman13) November 6, 2016
.@common at @stonesthrow #Superfest 11/5/16 @RBSoundSelect @BlurredCulture pic.twitter.com/YKHC7GxesB
— Derrick K. Lee (@methodman13) November 6, 2016
.@common at @stonesthrow #Superfest 11/5/16 @RBSoundSelect @BlurredCulture pic.twitter.com/0dMAroJt47
— Derrick K. Lee (@methodman13) November 6, 2016
.@common at @stonesthrow #Superfest 11/5/16 @RBSoundSelect @BlurredCulture pic.twitter.com/BurgmAx7nl
— Derrick K. Lee (@methodman13) November 6, 2016
