ATLANTA, Georgia – Rims and bling? They’re “super-played out,” Common said, explaining that hip-hop is finding another direction and President Obama is helping point the way.
Common spoke of the “Obama effect” before a recent performance in Atlanta during the Hennessy Artistry Series.
The Chicago, Illinois-born rapper/actor, who has appeared in the movies “Wanted” and “American Gangster,” spoke on a variety of topics, including the virtues of playing with live bands such as The Roots, who are co-hosting the series with him.
However, he skirted questions about recent outbursts by rapper Kanye West and tennis star Serena Williams. West is a friend and fellow Chicago rapper who has produced two of Common’s albums, and Williams is reportedly dating Common.
“People that I care about, that I consider being friends of mine, most of the things I discuss with them I wouldn’t discuss in public because it’s a real relationship,” he said. “It’s not a relationship for the public, you know?”
He did, however, spend a few minutes providing a progress report on Obama’s influence on hip-hop. Nine months ago, Common told CNN he believed Obama’s presidency would change the attitudes of many hip-hop artists.
“I think hip-hop artists will have no choice but to talk about different things and more positive things, and try to bring a brighter side to that because, even before Barack, I think people had been tired of hearing the same thing,” he said in December.
On Saturday, Common said he is already seeing signs that Obama is making a mark on a musical genre often vilified because of its focus on drugs, violence and the degradation of women.
Source: CNN.com
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