Common, the acclaimed actor, rapper, and activist, recently offered an intimate glimpse into the soundtrack of his life, revealing a profound and omnipresent connection to music that transcends mere entertainment. In the inaugural episode of The Playlist, a new series by The Hollywood Reporter, the Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist articulated how music serves as a constant companion, a mood regulator, and a powerful catalyst for his creative and personal journey. His curated five-track playlist, aptly titled "The Light Will Last Forever," not only showcases his eclectic tastes but also underscores music’s role in grounding him, inspiring confidence, and illuminating his daily existence.
The Ubiquitous Soundtrack of Life: More Than Just a Background Noise
For Common, whose birth name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn, music is not an occasional indulgence but an integral fabric of his waking hours. "Morning, daytime and night, I’m listening to music," he shared with The Hollywood Reporter. This continuous immersion highlights a deep-seated belief in music’s capacity to shape perception and emotion. The Grammy Award-winning musician meticulously selects different genres and artists to align with his varying moods and professional demands. When preparing for high-stakes meetings, for instance, he intentionally seeks out tracks that instill a sense of confidence and mental fortitude, acknowledging music’s psychological power to alter one’s state of mind.
However, the predominant function of music in Common’s life is to imbue his days with positivity and hope. He elaborates on this ethos, stating, "A lot of the music [I listen to], especially starting at the beginning of my day, is music that will lift me up and make me feel like everything is going to be all right, the immortal words of Bob Marley." This sentiment reflects a widely recognized phenomenon: music’s scientifically proven ability to influence mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function. Studies in neuroaesthetics have consistently demonstrated how music can activate reward pathways in the brain, release dopamine, and regulate neurotransmitters associated with well-being, providing a scientific basis for Common’s intuitive reliance on uplifting melodies. His preference for "the type of music that just gives me that brightness" speaks to a deliberate practice of emotional self-regulation through auditory input, transforming his environment into a sanctuary of positive vibrations.
"The Light Will Last Forever": A Curated Journey of Inspiration
The five-track playlist Common meticulously crafted for THR, christened "The Light Will Last Forever," is a testament to his expansive musical palate and his philosophy on life. It serves as an auditory memoir, reflecting his journey, his values, and his aspirations. His declaration, "I thank God so much for music because it has given me a way to understand and express myself more and connect with human beings," underscores music’s profound role beyond personal enjoyment—as a conduit for introspection, communication, and universal connection. As a musician, he finds unparalleled freedom and exploratory avenues in his craft. "As a musician, I’m able to explore. I’m able to be free," he affirms, indicating that music is not merely a profession but a vital medium for self-discovery and unbridled artistic expression. This freedom, he notes, is paralleled only by his passion for acting, another domain where he has achieved considerable critical and commercial success.
Bridging Worlds: Music and the Evolution of a Multi-Hyphenate Career
Common’s journey from a revered hip-hop artist to an accomplished actor was not without its hurdles. Paradoxically, his musical renown initially posed a challenge in the film industry. He candidly recalled, "There was a point where was difficult for me to get into the rooms and work with the actual directors and actors that I wanted to work with because they classify me just as a musician." This anecdote highlights a common predicament for artists attempting to transition across creative disciplines, often encountering pigeonholing based on their primary recognized talent. However, Common’s perseverance and undeniable talent ultimately broke these barriers. His acting career blossomed, earning him an Academy Award for Best Original Song alongside John Legend for "Glory" from the film Selma (2014), a Golden Globe Award for the same, and numerous other accolades for his performances in films like American Gangster, Wanted, Just Wright, and Ava DuVernay’s Selma. These achievements cemented his status as a versatile artist, demonstrating that his musical foundation was not a limitation but a launchpad for broader artistic exploration. He expresses immense gratitude for this evolution: "I’m grateful for the fact that music gave me that pathway to discover new artistic things that are gifts and blessings." This perspective recontextualizes his initial struggle, viewing it as an essential step in a larger trajectory of artistic growth and diversification, a model increasingly embraced by contemporary artists navigating an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
Deconstructing "The Light Will Last Forever": A Track-by-Track Dive
Common’s playlist is an eclectic mix, each track resonating with a specific memory, mood, or motivational purpose.
1. "Eternal Light" by Free Nationals and Chronixx:
This track, a relatively recent discovery for Common, immediately captivated him with its vibrant energy and reggae-infused rhythm. Free Nationals, the band behind Anderson .Paak, joined forces with Chronixx, a leading voice in contemporary reggae, to create a sound that Common describes as having profound soul. He highlights Chronixx’s "amazing voice" and the song’s inherent "feel" as crucial elements that resonate deeply. "Music that I love, it has to have a feel to it. It has to make me feel something," he emphasizes. "Eternal Light" consistently provides a sense of upliftment and well-being, serving as a powerful reminder of purpose and the internal wellspring of contribution. For Common, it’s a go-to anthem before pivotal moments, whether stepping onto a stage to perform or engaging in significant meetings, providing that essential "umph" to inspire and empower.
2. "Umi Says" by Mos Def:
A cornerstone of Common’s playlist and a beacon of "light," "Umi Says" by the incomparable Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) holds deep personal and professional significance. The lyrical refrain, "My Umi says shine your light on the world," directly ties into the playlist’s overarching theme. Common regards Yasiin Bey as a comrade, a friend, and a fellow musician with whom he ascended in the music scene. He recalls the transformative impact of first hearing the song, noting its unprecedented style and Mos Def’s unique vocal delivery, which challenged conventional perceptions of him primarily as a rapper. The song’s composition, with Mos Def reportedly contributing on drums, imbues it with an organic, heartfelt quality. Common recently witnessed Bey perform the track live, an experience that reinforced its power, especially with the presence of Will.i.am, a co-creator, in the audience. The song transports him to a state of gratitude and possibility, particularly through its resonant chant, "I want my people to be free, to be free, to be free. I want my people to be free," which elevates the track to a powerful declaration of liberation and aspiration.
3. "Golden Time of Day" by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly:
This selection is a nostalgic journey back to Common’s formative years on the South Side of Chicago. Frankie Beverly and Maze are more than just a band; they are an indelible part of the cultural tapestry of Black communities, especially during celebratory gatherings. Common vividly recalls their music being the soundtrack to "block parties, barbecues, parties at the park," symbolizing joy and collective identity. "Golden Time of Day" captures the ethereal beauty of a sunset, a moment universally admired. Beverly’s lyrics and the band’s soulful instrumentation perfectly encapsulate this visual splendor, transforming it into an auditory experience. Common, a Pisces with a deep affinity for water, finds this song to be the ideal accompaniment for leisurely boat trips with friends, having recently played it during his birthday celebration. Its versatility makes it suitable for diverse settings, from driving to cooking, consistently evoking a sense of well-being and transporting the listener to that idyllic "golden time," regardless of their immediate surroundings.
4. "Shook Ones, Pt. II" by Mobb Deep:
In a deliberate thematic pivot, Common introduces "Shook Ones, Pt. II" by Mobb Deep, acknowledging its departure from the playlist’s "light" motif. This track, an undisputed hip-hop classic, serves a different, yet equally vital, purpose: grounding and empowering him with a "kick ass" mentality. Emerging from the streets of Chicago, Common understands the need for resilience and an unyielding spirit. This song embodies that mentality, providing the mental armor to confront challenges and maintain authenticity, particularly when navigating the high-stakes environment of Hollywood. It serves as a potent reminder of self-identity, preventing him from conforming to external expectations. Common pays homage to the late Prodigy and celebrates Havoc for producing what he considers "one of the greatest hip hop songs ever." Released in 1995, during a golden era of hip-hop, the track’s raw lyricism and iconic beat, frequently cited by legendary producers as a benchmark, solidified its place in music history, showcasing Mobb Deep’s unparalleled influence on the East Coast rap scene.
5. "My Favorite Things" by John Coltrane:
Common’s appreciation for jazz shines through with John Coltrane’s iconic rendition of "My Favorite Things." Coltrane, a titan of 20th-century music, represents the pinnacle of artistic innovation and spiritual depth in jazz. Common turns to Coltrane’s music, particularly this piece, to alleviate stress, clear his mind, and allow his imagination to soar freely. It’s a sonic balm that fosters a sense of optimism, reminding him that "the world could be better" despite its complexities. While "A Love Supreme" is a more frequently cited masterpiece, "My Favorite Things" uniquely evokes "nothing but joy and light and inspiration" for Common. He humorously admits to not having extensively listened to the original Broadway version until seeing The Sound of Music, finding Coltrane’s jazz interpretation to be a profound re-imagining. This track, with its modal improvisations and Coltrane’s soaring saxophone, perfectly encapsulates the essence of jazz: transformative, expressive, and boundless.
Bonus Track: "Vision (feat. PJ & Bilal)" by Common and 9th Wonder – A Tribute to Stuart Scott
Beyond his curated playlist, Common revealed a deeply personal and significant project: "Vision," a song created with producer 9th Wonder, featuring PJ and Bilal, for the ESPN 30 For 30 documentary about the life of Stuart Scott. Scott, a legendary ESPN broadcaster and sports journalist, was a groundbreaking figure whose influence transcended sports, leaving an indelible mark on culture and media. Common’s admiration for Scott is profound; he believes a scripted film about Scott’s life is still warranted, given his innovative and pioneering spirit.
Stuart Scott was instrumental in injecting authentic Black culture into mainstream sports broadcasting at a time when such integration was less common. He masterfully blended professionalism with cultural references, quoting Jay-Z, Nas, Jill Scott, Run DMC, and Doug E. Fresh, effectively bridging cultural divides. Common saw Scott as a "bridge," acknowledging Black culture and its contributions while ensuring accessibility for all audiences. "He was letting the Black culture know like, ‘Hey, I’m here for you too, and we are represented. You will be seen because I’m going to express who we are, and I am a bridge. I’m not shutting off anybody. This is about everybody enjoying it, but you are acknowledged and you mean something.’" Scott’s unique delivery, characterized by his signature phrases like "Boo-ya!" and "Cool as the other side of the pillow," resonated deeply with millions. Common himself sought out Scott for an on-screen interview in a film he did with Queen Latifah, highlighting Scott’s widespread appeal and credibility.
When Common learned of the 30 For 30 documentary, he felt an immediate and compelling urge to contribute. The alignment with 9th Wonder, a celebrated producer from North Carolina (where Scott grew up), and Common’s own Chicago roots (Scott was born in Chicago), created a powerful synergy. Their shared passion for Scott’s legacy resonated with the ESPN and filmmaking teams, granting them the opportunity to tell Scott’s story through song. "Vision" stands as a heartfelt musical tribute to Scott’s enduring impact, celebrating his courage, innovation, and his powerful message of cultural affirmation until his passing in 2015 after a long battle with cancer.
The Broader Implications of a Curated Soundtrack
Common’s "The Light Will Last Forever" playlist and his reflections offer more than just a glimpse into his personal preferences; they provide a compelling narrative on the profound role of music in human experience. His insights underscore how music functions as a sophisticated tool for emotional intelligence, a historical archive of personal and collective memories, and a powerful catalyst for professional and artistic development.
In an era where public figures are increasingly transparent about their personal practices, Common’s articulation of music’s utility for mental well-being and performance enhancement serves as a valuable lesson. It highlights the strategic use of art not merely for passive consumption but as an active agent in shaping one’s internal landscape and external output. Moreover, his journey from a revered musician to a celebrated actor, initially met with industry skepticism, exemplifies the evolving nature of celebrity and the growing expectation for artists to be multi-hyphenates. His eventual success in both domains challenges traditional categorizations and champions the boundless potential of creative expression.
By sharing a playlist that spans reggae, hip-hop, soul, and jazz, Common also fosters a broader appreciation for musical diversity, encouraging his audience to explore genres that might be outside their usual listening habits. Each track, from the uplifting "Eternal Light" to the grounding "Shook Ones, Pt. II," and the reflective "My Favorite Things," contributes to a holistic understanding of how different sounds serve different purposes, mirroring the complexities of human emotion. The bonus track, "Vision," stands as a powerful testament to music’s capacity for cultural commentary and remembrance, solidifying the legacy of figures like Stuart Scott and reminding us of their enduring contributions. Ultimately, Common’s curated soundtrack is a celebration of music’s eternal light—a force that continuously inspires, connects, and illuminates the human spirit.
