Where he was once an elusive ghost, slinking through rap's underground, Common is now an internationally celebrated entertainer. The rom-coms, the period pieces, the Gap ads--and, well, the Oscar. But the Be rapper is thoroughly and unapologetically Chicago, and, as he told Chicago magazine, for the second year in a row, he'll be hosting a festival that celebrates rap's vibrancy and vitality in his hometown. Last year's AAHH! Fest was hosted by Dave Chappelle and featured sets from Chi-town's own Lil Herb and Lupe Fiasco, as well as out-of-towners MC Lyte and De La Soul. Common played a set himself, then ceded the stage to special guest Kanye West, who tore through a 16-song set. Last year's AAHH! was accompanied by a "community showcase" run by Rhymefest. Though no specifics for the 2015 edition have been revealed, Com said to the publication that 2014's was "one of the best events [he's] been to in Chicago," adding, "I loved it, we loved it, even the performers loved it."

Last year, Common unveiled his 10th solo album, Nobody's Smiling. The record was produced entirely by his longtime friend and collaborator No I.D. and leaned heavily on Com's Chicago upbringing, even featuring Chicago newcomers like Lil Herb and Dreezy. For more on Common's life and career at the present day, check out XXL's profile on him from last summer.

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