Common returns with better beats

Back like a chiropractor" is how Common describes himself with the release of his long-awaited sixth album. With the sudden retirement of Jay-Z, the marital hiatus of Nas and the often too weird-to-listen-to experimentation of several well-known lyricists, rap has been relegated to listener-friendly dance tunes and the monopoly of airwaves by 50 Cent and his crew. Not to belittle 50 and his crew, but anyone who has ever taken Economics 201 knows that monopolies are never good for any industry. The "G-unitization" of hip-hop music has slowed innovation and gravely stifled the power of hip-hop as a means of social commentary and discussion. \nThe self-described "Black Pill in the Matrix" teamed up with super-producer Kanye West to give rap fans the truth, or at least his version of it. \nOn the hardest song on the CD, "Chi City," he expresses his frustration of the current rap game with lines such as "So many raps about rims, surprised niggas ain't become tires." \nCommon also displays much of his trademark storytelling ability on undeniable classic With a story worthy of a Hollywood screen, the song's beauty lies not only in its message and delivery, but there are surprises that come as the song goes on. The album also has much diversity in content as he discusses love, a female god, interracial relationships and tales of prostitution.\nThe guest appearances are many, but are relegated to minute parts. John Mayer's guest appearance on the song "Go" is deceiving as he sings one word over and over. But neo-soul singers John Legend and Bilal bring much funk and musical harmony to the tracks that they grace. The album is 11 songs deep with a playing time just under 43 minutes, and is over before you know it. Kanye West's voice also gets a little redundant and his influence over Common's delivery is often evident. The listener-friendly nature of the album makes it evident that Common is ready to start selling albums, but lyrically it is hard for Common to disappoint. Judged against some of his past albums, Be is not his best, but it is consistent, well-produced and Common's worst rhyme would be another rapper's "hot new single." Whether you are a new Common fan or not, Be will not disappoint.