Common recruits Vince Staples and Jay Electronica for the “Kingdom” remix from his album, Nobody’s Smiling. The Chi-town rapper first released the song this past Sunday at Chicago’s AAAH! Festival. The powerful remix, produced by No I.D, features superb verses from all three rappers but it’s Jay Electronica’s verse that sticks out the most. Listen to the song below and let us know what you think.

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Words by Robin Johnson & Ben Sherak

It’s a wrap for the first seven months of 2014 and that means it’s time to acknowledge the songs that were most impactful, catchy, interesting, fun, original, and well-crafted. We’ve rounded up the cream of the crop for one list: The 15 Best Songs of 2014 (So Far).

15. Future – “Move That Dope” Featuring Pusha T & Pharrell (Honest)

Of all the entries on this list, “Move That Dope” is most indicative of hip-hop radio’s status quio, but if that includes vivid writers like Pusha, innovative weirdos like Future, and all-around talents like Pharrell, the radio just might be a great place to love hip-hop. Future, breaking drunk-robot form, uses a human voice to deliver inhuman, confounding flows that challenge the listener in teh ebst of ways. Pusha continues to expertly poeticize his Kanye-sized attitude (“Wearin’ designer shit that I misspell”) and Pharrell smoothly slides out of the producer’s chair long enough to deliver a wrap-around-the-beat double-time finishing move.

14. Chance The Rapper – “Home Studio” (No Album)

“Home Studio” is the only bonafide rap record that Chance released this year, but it’s packed with enough giddy wit to last an album. Chance packed this jolt of celebration with line after line of swift lyricism: “You gon’ set a bad example for the average bear / You a Yogi, you should idle while in child position,” “Just don’t count your sheep before they hatch, your chicken ‘fore your eggs, or eat your dinner ‘fore you say your prayer,” “Beat the tortoise by a hair (hare) in a old ’44 Taurus on a spare with a wax finish,” This song is just bursting at the seams with wit.

13. Alex Wiley – “Vibrations” (Village Party)

Village Party, strange young Chicagoan Alex Wiley‘s second release in two years, was a record of astounding melody, innovation, and ADD. It was catchy and piercing at almost every turn, and neither adjective could be more fitting for the tape’s biggest standout, “Vibrations.” Wiley summarizes his attitude and mission statement nicely here–”I just do my own thing, OK, and hope it all works out,” before burning the house down with one of his typically head-spinning double times and tearing into a hook that’s at once passionate and party-ready. This track even does auto-tune well.

12.  Drake – “Trophies” (Young Money: Rise Of An Empire)

If Drake wasn’t acting out skits on SNL, he was either hosting the ESPY’s, gearing up for a tour with Lil Wayne or dropping some very dope guest verses. This single from the Young Money compilation album was so clearly its highlight that it’s hard to imagine it as being on that album. There are few better examples of Drake’s all-around dominance than this record.

11.  Isaiah Rashad – “Heavenly Father” Featuring SZA (Cilvia Demo)

Just signed last year, Isaiah Rashad has already proven to be on the level of TDE’s previous rap artists. “Heavenly Father” is sheer poetry at heart and his EP, Cilvia Demo, proved that despite being only 23, his soul is well beyond his years. Isaiah Rashad deserved his spot on the 2014 XXL Freshman List as well as to be voted on this list, twice.

10. Mac Miller – “Erica’s House” Featuring Treejay (No Album)

The funniest song of the year’s thusfar also one of the best. Mac Miller, cozying to his role as the rap game’s increasingly trippy former-bro cousin, raps like he’s bored with the acid he just took. He’s self aware, he’s absurdist, he’s hilarious: “Let’s go to Syria and have a war / Stop fuckin’ calling me Macklemore / That’s not my name, well kinda…it’s kind of my name” he drools on the intro. “I love like a folk singer and fuck like a crack addict,” he croaks in the first verse. “Still having sex with blind people / They say my pussy smell like pine needles / Bust a nut in the poultry section at John Eagle / Look a chicken in the face like, bitch, I’ma eat you,” he proclaims proudly in the third. Mac Miller has become some strange Odd Future-Madvillain hybrid, with a sprinkle of a calmer Eminem, and we’re all the better for it.

9. Imagine Dragons – “Radioactive” (Remix) Featuring Kendrick Lamar (No Album)

The fact that Kendrick appears on this list two (and a half) times without having released a solo song this year is a testament to his sway, not only over trends and fans, but over the quality of any record he touches. A greater testament to that: the fact that Imagine Dragons‘ “Radioactive” is a more or less a moderate/solid Coldplay song, that, molded by King Midas Kendrick’s hands, is suddenly the 9th best hip-hop song of the year. Introduced during the chill-inducing Grammy performance, K.Dot’s frantic, poetic closing statement on the Dragons’ hit is a moment that stays with you long after the record is off. The verse is sort of a “Control” aimed at his demons and the surrounding universe, and the results are something that bleeds far deeper and more powerfully than a mere boast.

8.  Common – “Kingdom” Featuring Vince Staples (Nobody’s Smiling)

Ten studio albums in and Common still has it. Linking back up with his main producer, No I.D.,  “Kingdom” carries a triumphant melody and a much needed message towards Chicago’s gun violence.

7. Big K.R.I.T. – “Mt. Olympus” (Cadillactica)

When K.R.I.T. released “Mt. Olympus,” he kicked down the door and came straight for the jugular. The Mississippi country boy just wants to be heard and K.R.I.T. takes the opportunity to snap on this one. His upcoming album, Cadillactica is set to be released later this year and when it does, hopefully the world will be listening.

6. Schoolboy Q – “Prescription/ Oxymoron” (Oxymoron)

Not only was Oxymoron amongst the most celebrated albums of the year, but Q also brought gangsta rap back to the forefront. He showed us just how disturbing it is be an Oxycodon addict and then, to turn the narrative on its head, showed us what it’s like to sell it right after. Chilling details coupled with production handled by TDE’s in-house producers Digi+Phonics makes this one of the best tracks of the year so far.

5. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – “Real” (Piñata)

Madlib‘s never sounded angrier. Not that he actually raps here–it’s entirely Freddie‘s show, and more on that later–instead, the rollicking first beat for “Real” is the most animalistic, beast-on-a-hunt feeling beat that the perma-stoned West Coaster has ever produced. Even the second instrumental on the two part assault, while sounding like vintage Beat Konducta, still packs a serious whollop, with a kick drum like a cannonball. Meanwhile, Gangsta Gibbs lets off one of the most passionate and thorough disses in recent memory (in history?). Most people quote the vivid tales that Freddie lays out as plain evidence against Jeezy (“You ain’t take security, so we ain’t take a seat,”) but what really makes this record special (aside from Freddie and ‘Lib’s pure ferociousness) is how Fred shows us that the beef is tied to true emotion, that it was born of a friendship–“I looked up to you, put that on my mama.” That cuts deep.

4. The Roots – “When The People Cheer” Featuring Greg Porn and Modesty Lycan (…And Then You Shoot Your Cousin)

The Roots really can do no wrong. They are veterans in the game and their music always comes with stellar production and a meaningful message. Taking a conceptual approach to every song on the album, “When The People Cheer” sets the tone of the album hitting on anti-rap themes and community stereotypes of seeking guidance in the wrong places. Between Greg Porn and Black Thought’s verses, it’s nearly too much poetry for one song, which is why it landed in the top 5.

 3. Rick Ross – “Sanctified” Featuring Big Sean and Kanye West (Mastermind)

Ross, Big Sean and Ye’ swap hooks and verses in between sips of sanctified refreshments, all the while sporting DONDA apparel for this one. This is Ross’s song, but Ye takes the most time at the podium to address the critics and to justify his rants.  Ye hasn’t dropped the follow up to his Yeezus album yet, but he did manage to take over someone else’s song and steal the number 3 spot on this list.

2. SZA – “Babylon” Featuring Kendrick Lamar (Z)

SZA is holding her own as TDE’s first female signee while representing the label’s more eclectic side. Her EP, Z, as stated by Kendrick Lamar, is laced with hidden messages and “Babylon” is one of the deeper songs that has a dual meaning. SZA sings about a complex love/hate relationship in a spiritual context. Kendrick Lamar’s clever wordplay adds more meaning to thought, sending the emotional roller-coaster ride out of control. TDE has clearly taken over this list, and for good reason.

1. Young Jeezy – “Seen It All” Featuring Jay Z (Seen It All: The Autobiography)

Young Jeezy prides himself on authenticity. In fact, he’s one of the realest rappers out here (unless you’re asking Freddie Gibbs). Before rapping, drug dealing was Jeezy’s means of survival and the testimonial track “Seen It All” gives us his truthful encounter of selling white. Hov takes us back to his Reasonable Doubt days as he recounts his vision of pushing keys through Marcy Projects. Originally made for Jay Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail, the single will be featured on Young Jeezy’s upcoming studio album Seen It All: The Autobiography. It’s no doubt why “Seen It All” is number one–it’s the G-code standard for sifting out rap counterfeits.

Runners Up:

Alex Wiley – “Forever” Featuring Mick Jenkins
Ratking – “Canal”
YG – “Really Been” Featuring Kendrick Lamar
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – “Uno”
Drake – “Days In The East”

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Common visited Power 105.1 and chatted with the Breakfast Club this morning. He touched on the never-ending violence in Chicago, the city’s latest rap talent, his new album,  No I.D. and more. Watch it below and stream Nobody’s Smiling, as well, via Spotify. The album is available now.

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Socially conscious rap is scarce. That is, until an introspective lyricist shows up to remind us that it still exists. When they do, they come with hopes of schooling listeners on the world’s forgotten problems that have been placed on the back burner in favor of redundant lyrics and label gimmicks. As a reminder, though, Common is back. He has always served as a lyricist that can elevate and enlighten the culture and whatever producer he teams up with at the time, seeks to bring superior production to accompany him. When Common releases content, expect to be made consciously aware of an array of topics in the almost forgotten realm of socially conscious rap.

On July 22, Common will release his 10^th studio album Nobody’s Smiling. After a two year hiatus, he is once again teaming up with longtime producer No I.D, who produced the album to its entirety. The news of the album came along with his new deal with Def Jam and No I.D.’s label, Atrium Recordings. Three official singles were released within months of the knowing the title and already Common has noted that he has more to say and more perspective to give, especially when it comes to the extreme violence plaguing his hometown Chicago.

In 1992, Common released his debut album, Can I Borrow A Dollar? His day one fans know that his artistry he has evolved since then. Com’s lyrical content went from being negative to positive,the kid moved by the art of peer pressure to being a better role model, his flow from squeaky scatting to fluid spoken word and the production, handled by No I.D. for five out of his 10 albums, has grown with the times. Switching from making songs like “ Heidi Hoe, “ from Can I Borrow A Dollar? to “I Used to Love H.E.R.” from his 2^nd album, Resurrection, Common has sited that personal growth sparked the change. His lyrical content has ranged from poverty, abortion, religion and spirituality. Releasing albums at a rate of a bout 2 years apart and the fact that he’s teaming up with No I.D. once again has fans wondering what Nobody’s Smiling will entail. What will Common say next and how will the production sound? Before we get into that, though, brush up on Common’s previous work:

Underground fans note 1994’s Resurrection as his best album, but fans that may not have heard of Common until after the name change (from Common Sense to simply Common) and the release of 2000’s Like Water for Chocolate or the Kanye West assisted, Be as his best. Having teamed up with other great producers such as The Roots, J.Dilla and Kanye West, some might argue that those specific producers placed Common on another level when it came to public interest.

Since No I.D. has assisted with half of Common’s records, the last being his 2011 Dreamer/Believer, the official tracks released from Nobody’s Smiling seem stellar in lyricism and production. “Kingdom” was accompanied by a 7-minute Hype William’s produced video that takes us through the perspective of someone trying to survive in the crime ridden Chicago community. “Speak My Piece” uses a classic Biggie sample and Common shows off his lyrical ability on “Diamonds” with  Big Sean. Recently revealing the tracklist for Nobody’s Smiling, artists such as Lil Herb, Cocaine 80’s and Jhene Aiko all make appearances. Get a taste of the album’s singles below:

Anticipation Over Appreciation: The 2014 Hip Hop Fan:

Common may be back to fill our minds and ears with introspective information, but there may be some unfamiliar with Com’s previous works. As our attention spans decrease, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of anticipating rather than appreciating the artist’s work. So, just to help catch the 2014 rap fan up, we’ve provided a Top 5 list of Common’s best albums and a Top 10 list of Common’s best songs and lyrics.

 Top 5 Common Albums 

1. Be (2005)
2. Like Water for Chocolate (2000)
3. One Day It’ll All Make Sense (1997)
4. The Dreamer/The Believer (2011)
5. Finding Forever (2007)

Top 10 Best Common Songs

1. I Used to Love H.E.R. (Resurrection)

On the regular, not a church girl she was secular/ Not about the money, those studs was mic checkin’ her

2. “Retrospect for Life” Featuring Lauryn Hill (One Day It’ll All Make Sense)

To think my homies who did it I used to joke about, from now on/ I’ma use self control instead of birth control/ Cause 315 dollars ain’t worth your soul

3. “G.O.D. (Gaining One’s Definition)” Featuring Cee-Lo ( One Day It’ll All Make Sense)

I fight, with myself in the ring of doubt and fear/ The rain ain’t gone, but I can still see clear

Understanding and wisdom became the rhythm that I played to/ And became a slave to master self/ A rich man is one with knowledge, happiness and his health

4.” Stolen Moments” (Pts 1-3) (One Day It’ll All Make Sense) Part 4 “Payback Is A Grandmother” (Like Water for Chocolate)

But what could get me half way calm was this Donny Hathaway song/The tape that it was on I had wanted while I was gone/ But forgot to pack it, in fact it was in that jacket/This demo, it’s time to track it and lay it down/ Either it’s somebody I know or somebody I stay around

5. “The 6th Sense” (Like Water for Chocolate)

The perseverance of a rebel I drop heavier levels/It’s unseen or heard, a king with words/Can’t knock the hustle, but I’ve seen street dreams deferred/Dark spots in my mind where the scene occured/Some say I’m too deep, I’m in too deep to sleep/Through me, Muhammad will forever speak

6. “The Corner” Featuring The Last Poets and Kanye West (Be)

They shoot the wrong way, cause they ain’t knowin’ they goals/The streets ain’t safe cause they ain’t knowing the code/ By the foes I was told, either focus or fold/ Got cousins with flows, hope they open some doors

7. “Testify” (Be)

The court awaited as the foreman got the verdict from the bailiff/Emotional outbursts tears and smeared makeup/He stated, he was guilty on all charges/She’s shaking looking like she took it the hardest
A spin artist, she brought her face up laughing/That’s when the prosecutor realized what happened/All that speaking her mind, testifying and crying/When this bitch did the crime, the queenpin

8. “The Dreamer” Featuring Maya Angelou (The Dreamer/The Believer)

Going through the airport with more lye than an opera/Knew crooks who move books like Harry Potter/Get cleaners to get it cleaner/A legend like John, Lennon, I’m a dreamer

Mind trips to Medina to visit the redeemer/A hero, I’ll drop out like Hiroshima
Off sangria with two broads at La Esquina/Still opening roads for Omoye and Amina/I’m a Dreamer

Survival of the fit with hope in they eye/Taking notes from the sky to fly above understanding/They notes from from the most high, so I gotta land them

9. “The People” (Finding Forever)

Scuffle for notes, the rougher I wrote, times were harder/Went from rocky starter to a voice of a martyr/Why white folks focus on dogs and yoga/While people on the low end tryin to ball and get over

10. All of Pop’s raps ( “Pop’s Rap” – Resurrection, “Pop’s Rap Pt 2/Fatherhood” -One Day It’ll All Make Sense, “Pop’s Rap III….All My Children” -Like Water for Chocolate , “It’s Your World” Featuring Bilal and Pops – Be, “Finding Forever” – Finding Forever and “Pop’s Belief”–The Dreamer/The Believer)

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Common delivers a powerful message in his latest video for his Vince Staples-assisted track, “Kingdom.” Director extraordinaire Hype Williams visually drives home the issues that plague the Chicago community in this seven-and-a-half minute video. It shows the day in the life of a teen who turned to the streets, and that life ultimately left him without his freedom. The video delivers a compelling story and it’s one with which Chicago is unfortunately all too familiar. The dynamic track is the first single of Common’s upcoming album, Nobody Smiling, which is executive produced by No I.D. The album is set to drop on July 22 via Def Jam.

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