Common was a highly influential figure in rap's underground during the '90s, keeping the sophisticated lyrical technique and flowing syncopations of jazz-rap alive in an era when commercial gangsta rap was threatening to obliterate everything in its path. His literate, intelligent, nimbly performed rhymes and political consciousness certainly didn't fit the fashions of the moment, but he was able to win a devoted cult audience.

Common was born Lonnie Rashied Lynn on the South Side of Chicago, an area not exactly noted for its fertile hip-hop scene. Nonetheless, he honed his skills to the point where performing as Common Sense he was able to catch his first break, winning The Source magazine's Unsigned Hype contest.

Common issued the first album under his new name in 1997. One Day It'll All Make Sense capitalized on the fledgling resurgence of intelligent hip-hop with several prominent guests, including Lauryn Hill, Q-Tip, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Cee-Lo, and the Roots' Black Thought.

Finaly Common landed a major-label deal with MCA, and brought on Roots drummer ?uestlove as producer for his next project. Like Water for Chocolate was released in early 2000 and turned into something of a breakthrough success, attracting more attention than any Common album to date (partly because of MCA's greater promotional resources). Guests this time around included Macy Gray, MC Lyte, Cee-Lo, Mos Def, D'Angelo, jazz trumpeter R oy Hargrove, and Afro-beat star Femi Kuti (on a tribute to his legendary father Fela).

Now Common is ready to release his new album “Be” featuring guest appearances from Kanye West, John Mayer, John Legend, The Last Poets and Bilal. The album was produces by J Dilla.

Find out what Common had to say about the upcoming album.

Sixshot.com: What up Common? What’s the album called?
Common: The album is called Be.

Sixshot.com: When is it dropping?
Common: May 24

Sixshot.com: What’s the concept behind the album?
Common: I named it Be to be who you are man and be able to be in the moment and not try to hard.  Be is another way of saying just do without trying hard, like I said natural and be true to the core of who you are and this album I wanted to just be and not just go and exist as just an artist not worried about the past.

Sixshot.com: Does this album stand out from any other ones you have done?
Common: I feel like each album I give people a little different and this album I definitely give the people something different as far as something fresh. This is the first album I am getting a classic rating you know so that makes it stand out.

Sixshot.com: Did Kanye do the whole album or are you collaborating with any other producers?
Common: Kanye did 9 songs and J Dilla did 2.

Sixshot.com: Did you and Kanye make the album together?
Common: We made this music together we were both hungry and excited and we did what we were proud of.  He is a honest dude on how he feels like, he may say I can freak this verse up or I was honest like we need a better beat for this but it all came together like fam.  It has a timeless feel to it you should be able to play this years from now.

Sixshot.com: How did you and Kanye hook up?
Common: I knew Kanye since 96 and he was working a lot with a producer at a time called no ID.  I got to know Kanye he was this young hungry like confident cat that would come around and he would always want to battle with me on the mic.  I have known him for a minute but we never got up on any music but we got together at the right time because his music was a vintage music for me to lay my rhymes down and we made good songs.

Sixshot.com: Who else is on his label besides you?
Common:  It’s himself, GLC, Consequence, and this group name Sarrah.

Sixshot.com: Do you feel it will be easier to market this album then your other ones?
Common: I think the biggest part is going to be word of mouth because at this point you could have as much promo as you want.  You can have the number one single on the charts and people still might not go and buy your album.  So I believe it is going to be the quality of the album that sells the album. Obviously I am working with a good team over here at Good Music Geffen but word of mouth is really what makes people go out and by it.

Sixshot.com: Is there a single that you’re feeling the most on the album
Common: Yes, Go.

Sixshot.com: What is the concept behind it?
Common: The concept is about going to your fantasy what ever your fantasy may be.  I mean I talk about going to some sexual fantasies and this girl wants to go to her fantasies too and I go with her.

Sixshot.com: Thanks for your time and a lot of success with your new album.
Common: Thank you.

*Disclaimer: This Common interview and text was conducted by SixShot.com.  No part of this interview may be duplicated without written permission from SixShot.com.  The interview content or text layout may not be altered in any shape or form.