The reason why Common believes Nas is an all-time great
Common is a true lyricist and has been one of the most prolific conscious rappers since the 1990s. Having worked with everyone from J Dilla to Kanye West, the Chicago native knows good music when he hears it and the Like Water For Chocolate creator has an affinity for one rapper in particular.
The underground star has spoken about many MCs in the past. However, in his opinion, Nas is on another level creatively and lyrically to his peers, and, according to Common, Illmatic helped him in his own artistry.
During a recent interview, the Be rhymer spoke fondly of Nas and his acclaimed debut album. He even admitted there is one particular track from the project that enthrals him — the single ‘One Love’.
In fact, Common revealed that he believes it is the most excellent hip-hop song of all time. The emcee praised the song’s realism, the way it captures a specific feeling, and the fascinating journey it takes listeners on.
Praising Nas for his insight, Common stated, “He experienced it, and the way he told it was just beautiful. In ‘One Love,’ he talks to his boy in prison. That’s one of the greatest songs ever written.” The song made the Chicago rapper fall in love with Nas’ music and drove him to write more lyrically impactful and emotive songs.
Common did just this, and elsewhere in his interview with Men’s Health, he unveiled how one of his songs impacted a fan. Recalling a show he once performed, the emcee recounted, I remember being at a performance and then walking outside of the show, and this dude came up to me, and he said, ‘Common, I really love your music!'”
He continued, “And he said, ‘I want to tell you that your song ‘Retrospect for Life’ made me decide to have my kid!'” Common then detailed the inspiration behind the track, explaining, “I wrote that song because I had been through that experience.”
Recalling the powerful and emotional situation that inspired ‘Retrospect For Life’, Common sensitively disclosed, “There was a moment when I was on the way to the abortion clinic, and the mother of my child decided, ‘We can’t do this again,’ because this was after already having one abortion. Let’s figure out whatever we have to do. That situation showed when you receive experiences from a place of truth; it just resonates in a different way.”
The ‘Announcement’ performer explained that his experience was connected to his love of Nas’ Illmatic. Common and Nas have quite a lot in common. From both debuting during the ’90s to each becoming Grammy Award winners and renowned lyricists, it is no surprise that there is mutual admiration. The pair have also collaborated on numerous occasions.