By Siji Oyewusi
Common is the cover guy for the latest edition of Rolling Out Magazine.
The rapper/actor talked about the evolution of hip-hop and also his role in the movie, Selma. He also shared his thoughts on how he feels being a black man in America.
On hip hop’s evolution, he says: ‘Hip-hop evolves and constantly grows. And, it’s gonna change. It’s moving where the youth are moving. The youth lead hip-hop in many ways, but then again — you still have artists like myself that have been around in hip-hop a long time, putting out fresh music and new sounds.’
On accepting a role in Selma and working with Ava DuVernay, the rapper says: ‘I’m more than honored to be a part of this. This is one of my most fulfilling moments in my life as an artist, actor and as a human being. Dr. King and the struggle is something that I’m very much connected to. And … when we do art like this, it’s an extension of what they did. We’re keeping that dream going.I come from the South Side of Chicago. It has a rich history of Black culture. Chicago was discovered by a Black man. The more I learn my history, the more I have love for myself, love for my community and I love others. It’s not like you can’t love your people, your community and love others, too.’
