By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Amongst other rappers, Common has been able to stand out due to his socially-conscious lyrics. Common has been successful due to his hit records, such as “The Light,” “Come Close,” “The Corner,” and “Go.” When the former G.O.O.D. Music rapper announced The Dreamer, The Believer, set to drop tomorrow, Maya Angelou expected more of the same from Common. However, the famed poet/activist revealed to the New York Post that she was very surprised with the tone of the album.
During the summer, Common made headlines when he revealed Maya Angelou would be featured on his upcoming album. In the eyes of many, hip hop is considered a genre of music which promotes ignorance and violence. Rappers like Common have helped to shed a different light on the overall hip hop scene. This is among the reasons Maya Angelou agreed to work with Common. Maya Angelou recited a poem over one of the album’s tracks.
While speaking with the New York Post, Maya Angelou revealed she had no idea her poem would be used on a track which featured the “N-word” used several times. Saying she did not understand why Common did this, the poet said she was very surprised and disappointed. Maya Angelou said she had never heard Common use the word and decided to work with him based on his style of music. In response to Maya Angelou, Common said he told her what The Dreamer, The Believer was about and what he wanted to get across to the people.
Common said the goal of the song was for young people to hear Maya Angelou’s words and be inspired to achieve their dreams.
