FAMU alumnus and Grammy Award-winning rapper Common will return to his alma mater on September 28, 2011 to kick off the 2011-2012 Lyceum Series.
Known as the King of Conscious Hip Hop, Common will serve as a guest lecturer for the affair discussing his book titled One Day It’ll All Make Sense, which explores his upbringing and family relationships.
Common is considered one of music’s most poetic and respected lyricists. His introspective lyrics have pushed boundaries with their biting social commentary.
In 2007, he launched the Common Ground Foundation, which is dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth in the United States. Common also offers a younger generation a better understanding of self-respect and love, utilizing the cultural relevance of hip hop in the children’s books he has written. The first children’s book, titled The MIRROR and ME, teaches lessons of life, the human spirit and human nature. His follow-up book, I Like You But I Love Me, was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award, and his third book, M.E. (Mixed Emotions), was released in 2008.
In January 2007, the rapper crossed over into movies and made his acting debut in the movie Smokin’ Aces. Subsequently, he starred opposite Queen Latifah in Just Wright, and co-starred in movies, American Gangster, Street Kings, Wanted and others.
Whether inspiring audiences through his music, his books, or his foundation, Common continues to break new ground, and remains one of hip hop’s most innovative and positive voices.