If you ask the average hip hop fan, or even the average American for that matter, who Thomas Paine is, the likelihood of you getting the correct answer is slim to none. But ironically hip hop and Thomas Paine have more in common than you think. For those of you that slept through US History, Thomas Paine is the author of a revolutionary pamphlet entitled Common Sense. This book was the spark that encouraged the colonists to revolt against Great Britian and inevitably gain independence. While listening to Common's "The People" I couldn't help but notice the similarities between Thomas Paine's words and the voice that Common has spoken with since '94.
Throughout his career Common has fashioned himself as an advocate for the people; a stance that his critics have called tired and redundant. But regardless of what "they say" (check track 10 from Be), Common has blessed the world with music that is both insightful and revolutionary. Look at his track record. Common spoke about change as early as '94 when he penned the timeless classic "I Used To Love H.E.R.", that humanized hip hop. On One Day It Will All Make Sense, a duet with Lauryn Hill title "Retrospect For Life" (one of my favorite Common songs), had Common speaking passionately against abortion. It is with this same passion that Thomas Paine spoke with when urging the colonists to use "common sense". Revolution was necessary then and there is no better time than now for revolution in hip hop. Common is the voice of reason and common sense, so let's just hope everyone begins to listen.
"I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense . . ." - Thomas Paine
"If revolution had a movie, I'd be theme music." - Common
Finding Forever in stores tomorrow
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