Common is back with a new song and video for "Black America Again," and the performance is one fans won't forget as the legendary Chicago rapper addresses police brutality and the social unrest felt today. The video opens up with raw footage of the fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling, which sets the tone for Common to speak on the treatment of black Americans. "Trayvon will never get to be an older man/Black children, their childhood stole from them," he raps over a jazz-infused beat produced by Karriem Riggins and Robert Glasper.
"Black America Again" also features Stevie Wonder on the keys, Esperanza Spalding on bass, scratches by J Rock, ad-libs from Chuck D and MC Lyte, and strings by Patrick Warren. Just looking at that list of contributors displays how much thought Common put into this new release, and they all deliver.
Along with the "Black America Again" video premiere, Complex News got to chop it up with Common about his upcoming album, which is set to feature John Legend, Anderson .Paak, The Internet, Jay Electronica, and more. Common also shared his feelings on Chicago's pool of talented MCs including Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa. Check out that video below.
Related Stories
Watch Common Go In on Another Freestyle During 'Sway in the Morning'
Common spit bars during a "Sway in the Morning" freestyle.
Premiere: Ice Cube and Common Connect for "Real People" and Open Up About Squashing Their Beef
Ice Cube and Common both star in 'Barbershop: The Next Cut,' which comes out April 15.
