I think it’s fair to say that it’s been a minute since Common has done a show in the UK, the Chi Town rapper who came into the music game in the boom bap early 90’s as Common Sense. A now seasoned MC who has managed to manoeuvre a career of more than two decades in the ever changing cultural landscape that is Hip Hop. The scenario on Saturday night was a very mild winter’s evening in the heart of Camden Town with a throng of eager music patrons congregating at the Roundhouse (Chalk Farm). The strategy being for me to fit in the Common concert before returning to my usual Saturday night DJ residency in Camden Town, I had seen the supporting artist George The Poet at The Island Records Showcase only a few weeks before.
I arrive at the Roundhouse just past 8.30pm to witness the usual throng of cd sellers and promoters with flyers; I continued to bowl to the VIP ticket collection only to be met by ever so friendly Roundhouse staff who remembered me form DJing there the previous week (Black History Month). With tickets in hand I head upstairs to be seated right at the front of the balcony seating area; I’m then entertained for the next 30 minutes by the skilful dj selection of DJ Mr Thing (Scratch Perverts), embracing classic UK and US boom bap anthems.
The lights go down which leads to a tremendous roar from the full to capacity audience; Common’s very competent tour DJ’s.. DJ Dummy & DJ Aktive warm up with a couple of records then wearing what seems to be like a black and white Christmas jumper, black jeans, and of course rocking that now customary bald head slick Common arrives on stage.
It’s easy to forget the vast array of Hip Hop and cross over hits this Chi Town mc possesses in his repertoire, from Get Em High, Go, Love Of My Life, The Light, Testify, Be etc. He made one lucky girl’s evening by inviting her on stage to serenade her, which was met by many ‘aaahs’ from gushing females. After another classic and dope freestyle he let his Djs shine and flex their skills, at one point Common changed the whole mood and took time to wax lyrically about his long time Detroit producer friend, namely James Dewitt Yancey aka J Dilla. (Perhaps my favourite boom bap producer whom I had the privilege to know and work with over many years).
The performance of Rewind That and the Dilla tribute section was monumental and struck an emotional chord with the audience, all in all the show rocked and stood the testament for ‘Good Music’, with many a fan wanting more.
Common Freestyle (Roundhouse London / Nobody’s Smiling Tour 2014)
Socials :- @common @thadboogie @IMDJDummy @DJAktive
