Common Quotes

Powerful Common for Daily Growth

About Common

Leroy Randall Trotter, popularly known as Common (born January 13, 1972), is an American hip-hop artist, actor, poet, and activist renowned for his poignant lyrics, social consciousness, and versatile talents. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Common grew up in a musical family, with his grandmother playing piano and his mother being a devout churchgoer who nurtured his love for music. At the age of 19, he joined the hip-hop collective called C.D.R., which eventually led to his solo career. In 1992, Common signed with Relativity Records and released his debut album, "Can I Borrow a Dollar?" The album showcased his distinctive style of conscious rap, blending street wisdom with introspective lyrics. Common's breakthrough came with the release of "Resurrection" in 1994, which earned critical acclaim and commercial success. However, it was his third album, "Like Water for Chocolate" (1997), that cemented his status as one of hip-hop's most thoughtful and innovative artists. The album featured collaborations with Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Will Smith, and garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. Throughout his career, Common has continued to push boundaries, exploring various musical styles while maintaining his commitment to social justice and self-expression. His other notable works include "Be" (2005), which won the Grammy for Best Rap Album, and "Nobody's Smiling" (2014), a concept album inspired by the violence in his hometown of Chicago. Beyond music, Common has also established himself as an accomplished actor, appearing in films such as "Selma," "Wizard of Lies," and "Barbershop." He is also a dedicated activist, using his platform to advocate for social change and empower marginalized communities. Common's impact on hip-hop and popular culture lies not only in his unique musical style but also in his ability to inspire introspection, empathy, and action. His music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, standing as a testament to the power of art to heal, educate, and uplift.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain."

The quote suggests that instead of waiting for challenges or difficult times (the storm) to end, we should learn to navigate and find joy amidst them (dancing in the rain). It encourages resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude in the face of life's adversities. In essence, it tells us that life is about how we respond to our circumstances rather than waiting for external factors to change.


"If you can count your money, you don't really have a billion dollars."

This quote emphasizes that true wealth is not just about having a large amount of money, but also about financial freedom and security. If one has so much money that they can easily count it, they do not truly possess a billion dollars because the vastness of such an amount would normally necessitate more complex systems for managing and safeguarding their wealth. In other words, the quote suggests that to be considered wealthy, one must have financial resources beyond immediate grasp or understanding, which implies both substantial wealth and financial acumen.


"You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and determine your own evolution, seek your own wisdom, and build your own future with optimism and resolve."

The quote emphasizes personal responsibility and empowerment in shaping one's life and future. It suggests that individuals have the freedom to control their choices, pursue knowledge, and create their own path towards self-improvement and success. Despite challenges, maintaining optimism and resolve is key for achieving desired goals and realizing a brighter future.


"Real men treat women with respect."

This quote by Common highlights a fundamental aspect of mutual respect and decency in relationships, particularly between men and women. It underscores the importance of valuing women as equals and treating them with dignity, kindness, and consideration - not just because it's expected, but because they are deserving of it due to their intrinsic worth. This mindset promotes a healthier, more harmonious society where all individuals can thrive together in mutual respect.


"I hope that everyone could get rich and famous and have everything they ever dreamed of so they will realize it's not the answer."

The quote suggests a critique on the materialistic pursuit of wealth and fame, implying that these accomplishments may not bring lasting happiness or fulfillment as people often believe. Instead, Common hopes for everyone to experience the emptiness or dissatisfaction that comes after achieving such goals, which might lead them to question the true meaning and purpose in life beyond material success.


I believe that music is about making quality things, making quality art, and no matter who you decide to work with, you and that person have to come up with something special, come up with something that is excellent material, so whoever hears it and reviews it will like it.

- Common

Believe, Decide, About, Reviews

People always want to feel better and be inspired. Sometimes we need it. I think the conscious rapper will always be able to live and exist.

- Common

Think, Always, I Think, Rapper

I think you really have to remember what you loved about making music in the first place. Ultimately, people can be like, 'We've seen this dude in many movies,' but if they hear a song and they're feeling it, they can look past all the personal things and not hold it against you that you're also an actor.

- Common

Against, I Think, About, Dude

Man, if I get a chance to speak on the microphone, I've got to say something somewhere in there. You know, I'm going to laugh and have fun, too, but something has to be said that has some substance, because this is a platform, and the power that we have with words and with this microphone is phenomenal.

- Common

Some, Somewhere, Got, Phenomenal

Playing basketball is definitely one of my favorite things to do.

- Common

Basketball, Definitely, Favorite Things

I was in the heart and soul of Baltimore. I definitely felt a connection to the people. They're really hard-working people that want to have a better life. And I saw the struggle that exists there.

- Common

Soul, Want, Baltimore, Struggle

When I started thinking about it, I was like, 'OK, if throughout time I get labeled as a conscious artist, I'll be very much celebrated, in a way, and honored.'

- Common

Artist, Like, Very, OK

What America was built on was being able to say, 'Hey, we're going to come in and use our resources to build for ourselves and our communities and build around that. We're not going to depend on others.'

- Common

Depend, Going, Built, Hey

It's our responsibility for the village to say, 'Hey we're going to create these programs,' whether it's sports, creative arts, music, we need some things to give young people positive things to do, and that's including jobs.

- Common

Young, Some, Our, Hey

Everything I'm saying shouldn't be taken so serious. I'm playing, but at the same token, I'm acknowledging that I'm not always the perfect man; I'm not always doing the right things. That's who I am. I'm working to be better.

- Common

Doing, Perfect, Same, Acknowledging

Oh man, I love what the South brings as far as the soul, and I really have noticed from even the early days of listening to OutKast and Goodie Mob that Atlanta and the South has a diverse sound to it. You have bounce music. You have soulful musicians. You have artists with vocals who try to do different things.

- Common

Love, Mob, Early Days, Vocals

I want to be the voice of the people; black, white, everyday, oppressed people. A person trying to make it and to do it right.

- Common

Voice, White, Oppressed, Everyday

People that I care about, that I consider being friends of mine, most of the things I discuss with them I wouldn't discuss in public because it's a real relationship. It's not a relationship for the public, you know?

- Common

About, Them, Mine, Discuss

You have to be sincere in your feelings. And fear is one of those, sometimes; doubt is one of those; jealousy, anger - all your emotions are not going to be considered the strong emotions; all of them are not going to be love, happiness, joy.

- Common

Love, Strong, Emotions, Feelings

One thing I always loved about hip-hop music was the raw, boom-bap element - it felt powerful and manly.

- Common

Always, One Thing, About, Hip-Hop

Hip-hop is supposed to help you elevate, or go higher.

- Common

Help, Go, Supposed, Hip-Hop

Doing acting opened up other creative outlets; it made me feel freer as an artist.

- Common

Doing, Artist, Other, Freer

One thing I have throughout my career, it felt like I did my best to align myself with quality artists, quality work, and it is a situation of steel sharpening steel.

- Common

Career, Steel, Like, Align

Movies and media really can influence us. A few years ago, my daughter wanted to be a dancer; since Obama came into office, she now wants to be a lawyer and get into politics and maybe even be president.

- Common

Politics, Maybe, Obama, Lawyer

The impact of a conscious artist is necessary, and it ripples through the world.

- Common

World, Through, Necessary, Ripples

I loved plays, I loved films, but I had no desire to act until I had just put out my album 'Like Water for Chocolate.' Creatively, I felt like I'd hit a ceiling, and I needed something else to express myself, and I just decided to take acting classes.

- Common

Needed, Had, Classes, No Desire

Obviously God knew I wasn't going to make it to the NBA as much as I probably believed. This was divine order.

- Common

Going, Knew, Obviously, Believed

Technically, my first acting job was in one of my videos for a song called 'Retrospect For Life,' which Lauryn Hill directed and featured an actress by the name of N'bushe Wright, who played my girlfriend who was about to be pregnant. I remember being so nervous about it, but now I feel like I can conquer the world with it.

- Common

I Remember, About, Featured, Pregnant

I came from the South Side of Chicago wanting to be a rap artist and make videos.

- Common

Wanting, Rap, Side, Chicago

This is a broad thought, but loving yourself and having the support so that you can love yourself is the most important thing that young people in Chicago can get.

- Common

Love, The Most Important, Chicago

I learned a long time ago to be honest when I'm talking to other artists. Up-and-coming artists used to come and say something, they would have a demo reel, and I would try to tell them the truth. I don't go up and say something unless I really feel it.

- Common

Feel, Tell, Other, Demo

I feel like God gives you what you deserve. Whatever that time is, you get what you deserve.

- Common

Deserve, Like, Get, Gives

After you make good, quality music, then it's your job to go out there and promote it and to market it and to get it out there to the people.

- Common

Go, Your, Then, Promote

It was incredible to have J Dilla in your dining room making beats - it was one of the greatest experiences I've had.

- Common

Incredible, Making, Beats, Dining

That's why I named my album 'Finding Forever,' because that's what I was thinking about: What did I want to contribute to this world that would live beyond my physical existence?

- Common

Want, Album, Named, Finding

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