Last night Common performed at The Park West as part of AT&T’s 28 Days. After his performance, he took some questions from a small group of media. I was able to get a quick question in, and asked Common about one of my favorite up and coming emcees, Add-2, as well as what Common thought about being an influence to a new crop of artists.
“With artists like Add-2, he is somebody who seems like he really cares about the culture and cares about uplifting people, and that’s inspirational to see,” Common said. “I get inspired by people that do that. No matter what age you are, where you’re from, when you’re really trying to do something good, I see that and I’m like, ‘man…’ It’s a good reminder of what I should be doing.”
Common also added that Add-2, and other similar emcees provide hope for Hip Hop’s future. “When I hear Add-2 it gives me hope that Hip Hop’s future will have diversity to it, you’ll have the Add-2’s, you’ll have the Big K.R.I.T.’s, the J. Cole’s and you’ll have the Meek Mill’s, you’ll have everybody that’s good. That’s cool about Hip Hop, and I get inspired by those guys.”
In case you missed earlier, you can also catch a clip of Common’s performance right here.