Common Performs Live Set at 50th & Baltimore, Philadelphia

Common.

Lonnie Rashad Lynn’s flow is uncommonly superb, and West Philadelphia got a chance to see that yet again Saturday evening. The legendary Chicago-bred emcee headlined the 22nd annual Neighborhood to Neighborhood STREET FESTIVAL (N2N), sponsored by Pennsylvania State Senator Anthony H. Williams. The N2N Festival is an annual gathering that seeks to promote unity across the City of Philadelphia by organizing a family-friendly festival that offers a bevy of activities for festival attendants, including but not limited to: free health clinics, food and merchandise vendors, community resource tents, and notable live performances, like the scene-stealing set from West Philly’s own Chill Moody during this year’s festivities. Shortly after Chill Moody left the stage, Common made his grand entrance.

In a memorable headlining performance, Common began with a thunderous rendition of The Corner, to a raucous response from the audience. He would later perform some of the hallmarks of his storied catalog, including gems like The People, I Used To Love Her, Testify, Go, Black America Again (presumably from his upcoming release), and Love of My Life. Common also blessed the eager crowd-goers with a near three-minute freestyle, and serenaded one fortunate young woman named Jamie with a heartfelt performance of Come Close. He ended the evening’s concert by dedicating his final song—The Light—to the women present. All in all, Common delivered the type of performance that has made him one of hip-hop’s great all-time artists.