Common

Biography

Lonnie Rashid Lynn, widely recognized by his stage name Common (previously known as Common Sense), was born on March 13, 1972. He has made a significant mark as an American rapper and actor, garnering an impressive array of accolades including three Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award.

Common's musical journey began in 1992 with his debut album, *Can I Borrow a Dollar?*, but it was his 1994 release, *Resurrection*, that truly established his reputation in the hip-hop community. He maintained a dedicated underground fan base until the late 1990s when he rose to prominence through his collaborations with the influential Soulquarians collective. His first major-label project, *Like Water for Chocolate* (2000), achieved significant commercial success. In 2003, he won a Grammy for Best R&B Song for "Love of My Life," a collaboration with Erykah Badu. His 2005 album, *Be*, also received critical acclaim and earned a Grammy nomination.

In 2015, Common celebrated a career milestone by winning both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Glory," which he co-wrote and performed with John Legend for the film *Selma*, where he also portrayed Civil Rights leader James Bevel. Additionally, his acting credits include notable films like *American Gangster* and *John Wick: Chapter 2*, as well as a leading role in the AMC series *Hell on Wheels*. In 2011, he founded Think Common Entertainment, further expanding his artistic influence.