|
|
Not-So Common
Ralph Paulk
|
The atmosphere flourished with students desperately waiting for the introduction of the socially conscious rapper Common at the MSU Auditorium last Thursday. As his arrival exceeded the scheduled starting of the show at 8 p.m., students became more and more anxious. However, at about 8:45 p.m. the students erupted as Common took stage to perform his opening song “Forever Begins.”
With a popular DJ from Brooklyn and a talented pianist, Common had plenty of backup to help pump his lyrics through the veins of all who witnessed.
“It was hot, live and jumping, which is what I expected,” said Tara Chastine, a sophomore studying food science.
Who would have imagined that such a laid-back rapper as Common could hype up a crowd to the degree in which he did? In using his poetic flow and heartfelt lyrics he not only lifted the audience out of their seats but also their state of mind.
“You wouldn’t be able to tell if it was a Common concert or a rock concert from how people were jumping up and down,” said Jarreau Jackson, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering. “Common is one of those rappers that you have to groove to.”
The cost of the concert was $15, something that many students were excited about, because they could actually incorporate the price into their budgets.
“I paid a fraction of what I paid for the Lil Wayne concert at the Breslin Center, and the Common concert was better,” said Jackson. “I think Common has a larger range of audience than most rappers. You could expect to see your hall director or a professor at a Common concert. It’s a little more mature.”
Common’s interaction with the audience was more than adequate as he demonstrated on numerous occasions. During the concert he invited a girl on stage as he performed “Come Close,” one of his older love songs. Common also took the initiative of walking into the crowd while performing with no regard to the possibility of getting injured.
“My favorite aspect was probably the fact that he came through and knew exactly where he was, and he actually cared about the fact that he was at a college campus. He made it more personal for the students,” said Jackson.
Common even threw in a freestyle for the audience and rapped strictly off improvisation. Then he topped it all off by leaving the stage for the DJ to perform an exciting solo and then returned with a Michigan State sweatshirt on.
“The DJ was my one of favorite aspects of the concert. He really gave the atmosphere an old school vibe,” said Chastine.
Song after song Common stayed consistent with his enthusiasm throughout his performance, never taking a track off. A good majority of the songs that he performed were from his latest album, “Finding Forever,” including the singles “Drivin’ Me Wild”, “I Want You” and “The People.”
As the performance came to a close Common gave an extensive farewell and walked off the stage as the students were left lingering on their feet chanting, “Common, Common, Common,” begging for him to make one final appearance. This came to no avail, and as his departure became a reality the students hesitantly exited the Auditorium.
Questions? Comments? Contact Ralph Paulk at paulkral@msu.edu
|
|
