They say that hindsight is 20/20; for hip-hop, truer words were never said. With subpar music flooding the airwaves, listeners searching for once-present superiority are prematurely christening undeniably great rap albums with the ever-dangerous “classic” tag. Audacious, yes, but misguided, considering said long-players have had shorter shelf lives than Crystal Pepsi.
Perhaps the trend starter, and most guilty, was Common’s Be. A much needed upgrade from 2002’s head-scratchingly progressive Electric Circus, Be revealed his best chemistry partner, Kanye West, since the late J Dilla. A lyrical clinic throughout, the disc’s overly subdued production gains sleepiness upon further spins. Save for “The Corner” and “Chi City,” the album lacks true bite. Oddly enough, Com and ’Ye may feel the same. Finding Forever, the Chicago wordsmith’s seventh disc, bumps like Be 2.0, capturing his ’05 gem’s essence while injecting some necessary audible steroids.
The enhanced performance surfaces instantly with “Start the Show,” a chopped harp/organ blend that compliments Lonnie Lynn’s ego thrashing (“Twelve monkeys onstage, it’s hard to tell who’s the gorilla/You should have stayed as a drug dealer”). Even brawnier, “The Game,” a West-helmed boom-bap revival, bangs with relentless percussion and precise DJ Premier–turned scratches. Reinvigorated by the throwback simplicity, Common catches the holy verbal ghost and spits gospel: “I don’t kiss the ass of the masses, I’m the Black molasses/Thick, and I lasted past these rap bastards.”
Of course, Common without cultural uplift wouldn’t make much sense. Here, however, his expected brilliance is backed by tougher Kanye-tracked soul. Co-produced by West’s cousin, Devo Springsteen, the brooding “Misunderstood” poignantly details the pains of hustlers gone bad. Somberness shifts to hypnosis on the Lily Allen–assisted “Driving Me Wild,” with the college dropout’s sweeping drummer-boy bass conjuring unhealthy self-obsession parables (“They say ’Ye is, but dude was bigheaded/Rockin’ fur in the summer just so somebody would pet it”).
Never less than honest, Common has always brought his love movements to the fore. While still believable, the overall execution of his balladry here unfortunately falls short. Past softies, like 2000’s “The Light,” preserved his prose; sadly, the same can’t be said for “I Want You,” a will.i.am-tracked conga bounce hindered by lazy lyrics (“I take a deep breath when the times is hard/When I reminisce over you, my God”). Equally questionable is the inclusion of the sublime yet previously released “So Far to Go,” off Dilla’s posthumous disc The Shining. New verses aside, its familiarity lingers.
When an album’s missteps still convey its overall passion, though, admiration remains. Does Finding Forever improve on the questionably classic Be? In some ways, yes. Kanye experiments more (hear his mimicking of Dilla’s off-kilter sample chopping on “Break My Heart”), while Common continually pushes boundaries by simply spitting genuinely. Truthfully, though, comparisons aren’t necessary. Once again, Common makes timeless hip-hop seem easy. —MATT BARONE
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Photo: Gregory Scaffidi
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July 10th, 2007
at 12:47 pm
fixda says:
Nice!Can’t wait to hear that record…’Ye and common bring real hiphop back!Timeless no doubt
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 12:53 pm
havoc says:
Common bout to drop. Finding Forever is gonna be hot.
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 1:19 pm
Dan says:
I might actually get the real copy.
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 1:25 pm
Rob (from around the way) says:
I really hope it’s as good as people are making it out to be. Cuaz I really loved how “BE” came out.
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 1:54 pm
TUNED1+1IT says:
Common is dope every time he drops yo. True music fans would agree.
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 6:28 pm
Pancho says:
this will be an awesome record….guaranteed!
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 6:58 pm
Yun says:
cant wait for this, whats the release date?
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 7:32 pm
Jesus says:
I bump this when I’m tryin to chill and relax after a long day of hard work against Lucifer…..Of course, I’ve heard every song made and every song thats going to be made…..ha ha…those are the breaks when you fucks wit God….bitches…
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 7:40 pm
Jesus says:
I like to bump this after a long day and when I try to relax after my epic battles wit Lucifer…Of course, I’ve heard every song that’s been made and every song that’s going to be made…Those are the breaks when you fucks wit God….”Curtis” is goin 5 times platinum bitces…Remember when you heard it first….The Bible…Genosis Verse 95 “And through thy land the heartfelt shepard expressed his sorrow, submerging in beef wit 50 Cent and ending my career wit the diss “Jesus Never Walks” (Jesus Talks the Talk, but never Walks the Walk)…The music video does some damage to me…..but uhhh…..This line destroyed my career….”Jesus talkin shit, that nigga already know// Thats crazy like lettin R. Kelly Makin it Rain again on these hoes//……You get it…Pissin’ on girls? Make it Remix?…..Yes, know you got it….Curtis….September 4th
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 7:41 pm
Mike says:
Hott
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 7:41 pm
Mike says:
Fire
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 8:09 pm
Three4 says:
It´s coming out on the 31st of July…
Reply
July 10th, 2007
at 10:39 pm
futureblacklawyer says:
Common album bout to be on point for sure. Im definetly buying this. Did anyone see him freestyle on 106 and park he killed it, u can tell it was the top of his head.
Reply
July 11th, 2007
at 3:04 am
Ali says:
cant wait….Be was a masterpiece
Reply
July 11th, 2007
at 3:54 am
vincent says:
Hey XXL, this is just another reminder that hip hop’s true legends arent the ones on the front covers anymore, yet still banging in every hip hop heads…
If the whole game s about being true, well be true to this review, and stop putting TI, Fiddy and co on top of your list, cause these guys, just like McDonalds, have only mastered the art of selling shit sandwiches to the masses.
Common and get it
Reply
July 11th, 2007
at 7:31 am
jacquez says:
http://www.myspace.com/southcrak
go listen
Reply
July 11th, 2007
at 11:41 am
Todd says:
this shouldn’t even be up for any kind of debate. tru hip-hop heads unanomously agree this album is gonna be a classic. I don’t expect nuthin less from one of hip-hop’s greats.
Reply
July 12th, 2007
at 10:25 am
Bigz Lury says:
Common is real hip hop fuck what anyone else says. he takes his raps from the heart…. and provides niggas with a message that can help them with a day in their life. he is a true hip hop mogul if you ask me why well for one he respects our culture. No other rapper does besides talib kweli and mos def. if a bitch or a ho is down the street you think he would walk by and down grade them in a rap callin women bitches and ho’s. But yet he doesnt the way he see’s it just because they are there doesn’t me you have to fuck with them any worse then life is fucking them over itself. Common real nigga 4 all his time…..1 luv cuzz.
Reply
July 12th, 2007
at 6:52 pm
DARIUS KIDD says:
http://www.hustlemanrecords.com CLICK ON VIDEO NEXT CLICK ON HIPHOP POEM and once u see me spittin email me @ kidd_johnson@yahoo.com
Reply
July 13th, 2007
at 9:48 pm
Cuban Link says:
Im really hyped about this one, I duno why but I have a feeling its gonna be one of his best ever.
Reply
July 13th, 2007
at 11:39 pm
Young Sleep says:
Yes, XL i love it, has classic potential. Get Ready for Kanye’s “Graduation” and Lupe’s “The Cool” thats real hip hop
Reply
July 15th, 2007
at 1:32 am
doctor69 says:
got mines on reserve fuck trill and snap music
Reply
July 15th, 2007
at 8:29 pm
Miss Stone says:
Shit if you can’t recognize the greatness of someone like Common. U need to break up with hip-hop cause you ain’t in love wit it
Reply
July 16th, 2007
at 12:21 pm
bizzle says:
REAL HIP HOP WE HERE!! i found the new premo…go buy this shit when it drops…get your lyrics up you wack modern day rappers..common can show you the way
Reply
July 16th, 2007
at 2:56 pm
a2poet says:
Now that was a good review– damn, this album sounds like that fire!
Reply
July 17th, 2007
at 1:39 am
nystandup says:
yo finally we get hear what rap is about when rappers are saying something! not this watered down south shit thanks common you givin a ny kid a reason to listen cause without you, talib, mos,kayne,and a few others i would jus listen to salsa,merenge,reggeton please ny stand up LOX where you at?
Reply
July 17th, 2007
at 8:17 am
IT IS I says:
Common been on point since he had “Sense” at the end of his name(think:Soul by the Pound). He’s always been innovative everytime he drops. I can’t wait til this joint to come out. Oh yeah, why couldn’t he get the 10 Anniversary cover?
Reply
July 18th, 2007
at 11:46 pm
J.P. says:
FUCK THAT SHIT THE FOUR LEAKED SONGS I HEARD ARE HOT AND IF YA AIN’T GON GRANT THIS A CLASSIC THAN FUCK IT YA SAID ITS BETTER THAN “BE” Y CAN’T IT BE CLASSIC BITCH
Reply
July 19th, 2007
at 8:27 pm
gr***s says:
FUCK OUTTA HERE JIBBS AND HUEY…they’re coming… COMMON N KANYE!! They are pretty timeless. Maybe even classic, considering they are some of the few shining stars in this time where Nas is correct and real hip-hop is dead…
Reply
July 19th, 2007
at 9:45 pm
rip roundn rock says:
the album has leaked, and the review is pretty much on point. Its very deep, soulful and mature… i remember reading a review on the fader (ithink), that kanye was inspired by a conversation with steven spielberg about how he made the film AI the way he thought the late Stanley Kubrick would have done it, so kanyeezee produced this album how he envisioned dilla would have done it!
Reply
July 20th, 2007
at 10:48 am
W.K. says:
howcome it seems like most true mc’s these days come from the chi?
Reply
July 20th, 2007
at 12:10 pm
kalvinLONDON says:
“I Want You,” a will.i.am-tracked conga bounce hindered by lazy lyrics (“I take a deep breath when the times is hard/When I reminisce over you, my God”).
Cmon know, crticising commons lyrics and please why provide an explanation why that is so bad PLEASE
XXL REALLY need to get there ratings straight (tony yayo, rick ross, paul wall etc) and who they put on there magazines pharoahe gets no cover?? Putting weezy on XXL 10th anniversary(who is only good due to his counterparts i.e yung joc n mims etc, though he is decent)and no rapping ass baby do. Anyways i agree that the will i am track was the weakest track on the album.
Reply
July 20th, 2007
at 4:37 pm
ING says:
Honestly “Be” was so authentic. “Finding Forever” is gonna be fire. His music is a nice relief from the gun poppin ish we listen to. Glad he is finally getting his due. I will download many albums, his I will not. I am buying this joint, off tops!!
Reply
July 21st, 2007
at 3:38 pm
TravisB says:
I have this album nice and early. Why do the albums that deserve XXL and classic status never get them, and ones that are subpar at best up with an album liek this or BE?? this magazine is a joke.
Reply
July 22nd, 2007
at 11:07 pm
L-Ah says:
“I take a deep breath when the times is hard/When I reminisce over you, my God”
This is an example of lazy lyrics? Is it lazy because its not a several syllable rhyme? This is not battle rap. The man is describing an actual event. That’s what he does. Common is one of the few select that actually says something in his songs. Im talkin substance not 2 Steppin, Walkin Out, Leanin back or like a cholo or rockin with it or whatever other bubble gum rap is floodin the air waves. Take any line from any of those songs and paste your lazy lyrics line after one of those.
Common’s music is inspiring. Hip hop is not dead as long as this man is still in the game. But it is hangin by a thread. Support good music and buy this album! Maybe if we support true artistic value and originality, we’ll get more of it.
Reply
July 23rd, 2007
at 12:48 pm
Bob says:
Wow, you are quite negative on Common considering the album is a candidate for top album of all-time. Now don’t get flustered, and don’t try to scratch your ears…Yes, I said it: Common’s “Finding Forever” is an early rival to anything on those “Classic” lists. From Illmatic to Ready to Die, to He’s the DJ to GOAT…any of these, along now with Finding Forever could possibly be number one of real hip-hop’s top albums of all time.
This album is almost purely perfect. So close to perfection that I can’t really discern why it wouldn’t be called a perfect work other than my own concern others would say I’m jumping the gun. I’ve been listening to this album and personally I don’t think Be comes even close to what Finding Forever delivers. Moreover, Finding Forever seems to tap into the true reason for classic albums: Limited list of producers and a real collaborative effort on the album.
Again, Finding Forever may just be the best hip hop album of all time.
Reply
July 25th, 2007
at 9:45 am
BigNova420 says:
This album is Outstanding Yall……!!! Great follow-up to BE…..!!!!!!!
Reply
July 25th, 2007
at 8:31 pm
impeccable1ne says:
i think this album shoulda got xxl
Reply
July 26th, 2007
at 12:45 pm
Terell says:
common needs to hurry up and come put with this album cause alot of the other artists comeing out now suck
Reply
July 27th, 2007
at 9:58 pm
kev says:
july 31 get you, your friend and a hater a copy. common is the truth
Reply
July 28th, 2007
at 5:20 am
derfla the hus'la says:
cant wait
Reply
July 29th, 2007
at 7:57 pm
Yung 415 says:
A his shit is going to slap so hard. cant wait till it comes out.
Reply
July 31st, 2007
at 2:05 pm
Andez says:
Chi run shit..No one better then Common, Chicago are blessed with the best rapper of the moment..Buy his album!! Real Hip Hop deserves that much. Fuck MTV
Reply
August 1st, 2007
at 3:56 am
Ron White says:
Man, I’m from the South and hate the rap down here. I downloaded the album before it came out and I bump this everyday. I’m definitely buying this. Hit me up on my MySpace so we can talk about good, intelligent hip hop that motivates black men.
Reply
August 1st, 2007
at 4:05 pm
N.E.S says:
Common does it right everytime, this new release is downright lyrically inspirational and classic. common know’s how to put it down and shines everytime. Keep doin it right playa…
Reply
August 2nd, 2007
at 7:49 am
Burningspear says:
In one word…. Classic. Fuck the haters. common came with two classics in a row BE and Finding Forever are ineed refreshing in this bullshit rap game nowadays. Whoever reviewed this album calling it “lazy” and whatever other bullshit terms he used don’t know real hip hop. Probably he’s used to walking it out and Wiping himself down that he’s doesn’t appreciate real hip hop. Fuck the XL rating this album is OBESE.
Reply
August 2nd, 2007
at 11:23 am
abose says:
I purchased the album and I must say that I really like it. It is a breathe of fresh air. If only the masses would catch on and stop play that damn “A Bay-Bay” song. Keep it pushin’ Common!
Reply
August 3rd, 2007
at 12:04 am
Big L says:
Finding Forever is questionably one of the best hip hop albums in a long time.As soon as I slipped it in my boom box, I didn’t touch the changer.Common’s rhymes are poetry and his words have substance that lasts for the ages.This is a true classic in REAL Hip-Hop form!!!
Reply
August 3rd, 2007
at 12:45 pm
If You Ain’t Got It… « The Loudmouth Protestant says:
[...] “Finding Forever,” Common’s seventh and latest CD is, in my humble opinion, a real blessing. I’m not sure how to put it all into words, but I have to say if you liked “Be,” you are going to love this album. As one writer described it, “it bumps like Be 2.0.” [...]
Reply
August 3rd, 2007
at 3:35 pm
GARBAGE says:
This album is so WACK!!!!!!!!OMG
Reply
December 7th, 2007
at 11:38 pm
Legacy745 says:
u r the dumbest cat ever this is one of the illest albums on the market get yo fuckin weight up fufi! common is a tru MC u dumb as nigga! WEST PENN
Reply
August 4th, 2007
at 2:29 am
Ron White says:
To the guy above me, your name describes your taste in music. Garbage. Go listen to you sorry ass Lil’ Wayne’s and Boosie’s and let intelligent black men listen to music that’s real.
Reply
August 4th, 2007
at 9:42 pm
star says:
Common is a genius. He is so underrated in today’s wack climate of hip hop. Personally this (along with most of his stuff) should have gotten a XXL. What is with these low numbers given in the critiques (i.e. T.I’s too). Who writes these things….maybe “pop lock and drop” is more up their alley, but if thats the case get some real hip hop heads to write these reviews!!! give them some real justice!
Reply
August 5th, 2007
at 4:50 pm
DC's Finest says:
This album is like dat. I luv it jus like Be. Support Common!
Reply
August 5th, 2007
at 10:46 pm
Greg Scaffidi missed an extra X says:
Why this album wasn’t rated XXL is beyond me…
Reply
August 6th, 2007
at 11:10 pm
SILLY WILLY says:
COMMON
IS
THE
TRUTH
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
August 6th, 2007
at 11:10 pm
SILLY WILLY says:
COMMON
IS
THE
TRUTH
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
August 8th, 2007
at 11:45 am
ELnes says:
CHI-city stand up!!Got much love 4 east @ west coast hip hop but the truest originality comes from the CHI from lupe 2 common 2 kanye 2 even kidz in the hall everyone got they turn know its ours to hold down,peoples feel our struggle cuz we dont bullshit or sell dem wolf tickets we keep itas thoro and hood as it could be!!add it to another classic CHI-tOwn record and as much as yall finger snappin,chain spinnin,backward talkin mogz hate to admit yall know wutz real hip hop and wut aint!!!
Reply
August 9th, 2007
at 1:38 pm
S Andyson says:
I got this album two weeks before it dropped and ran and copped it the day it dropped. this CD gets me to work every day. there is a song for every mood i’m in. Common = Grown Man Hip Hop.
5 Stars/mics/XXL or what ever you wanna use. When you can bump an album for a month and still love it, C-L-A-S-S-I-C!!!!!!
Reply
August 10th, 2007
at 12:40 pm
tony says:
did you even listen to the record? cant even quote the man right ….XXL, step thy shit up !
Reply
August 11th, 2007
at 11:52 pm
David says:
I’ve got the album, It’s littered with lyrical gold for the mind and and top notch production to get the soul moving! With all the bullshit you guys rate as “XL” (whatever kind of fucking rating system that is?) You guys should of given this guy his props with your highest rating! It’s a classic!!!
Reply
August 20th, 2007
at 5:29 pm
jsmooth says:
He’s been always real since day one ! I would support becuz He ain’t fake as rapper these dayz.
Reply
August 26th, 2007
at 10:29 am
Manhattan says:
This is definitely XXXXXXXXL…. Whoever thinks otherwise is the reason why Hip Hop is dead… Com is one of the few Emcees left that love the game… He goes against the norm and he’s the reason why heads like myself never loose the faith when it comes to Hip Hop’s longevity…
He is one of the greatest.
ONE LOVE
Reply
August 30th, 2007
at 2:53 pm
TheRefriedMexican says:
The album was aight. nothing special
Reply
September 2nd, 2007
at 8:51 pm
J King says:
This album would be a classic in another time. But because of the new era with computers and downloading as well as the amount of diversity in rap it’s been unappreciated. CD is too hot (cept fo that D’Angelo song don’t care for it much). The way Common arranges his songs…it’s toooo nice. That intro running right into the show. Like I heard the show nuff times since I downloaded basically the entire album before it came out. But damn nothing compares to listening and taking in that CD. If you don’t think this is classic you don’t have any Common Sense.
Reply
September 3rd, 2007
at 3:57 pm
Ironfist says:
Common is a true mc’c mc.. a lyricist in the days of very subordinate and idle rap, this guy always makes me sit up and listen he is dope, and with ye on the boards forget about it.. i just hope he doesnt make us wait for more great music hopfully he wil drop again soon id like to hear him collab with like minded cats like rhymefest, mos, kweli, lupe, pharoah etc and do somework. oh and if you didnt know, doubters take note, skills wise, common is in top 10 best right now rappers wise easy. Ye might just go on to join DRE oneday as the greatest hiphop producers ever too
Reply
September 5th, 2007
at 11:58 am
Jergins says:
Never less than honest, Common has always brought his love movements to the fore. While still believable, the overall execution of his balladry here unfortunately falls short. Past softies, like 2000’s “The Light,” preserved his prose; sadly, the same can’t be said for “I Want You,” a will.i.am-tracked conga bounce hindered by lazy lyrics (“I take a deep breath when the times is hard/When I reminisce over you, my God”)
Disagree! if your a fan of classic hip hop, you would know that line is a Pete Rock and C.L. smooth reference…genius
Reply
September 25th, 2007
at 1:48 pm
Freudian Nightmare says:
Why all the hating? Chi is da best, Dirty South is best, gangsta is best, hip pop is best blah blah blah Great beats/rhymes/albums come from all these lil clicks. These are the new albums I think are amazing in their own rights:
Common-Finding Forever
Young Buck-Buck The World
Chamillionaire-Ultimate Victory
Kayne West-Graduation
50 cent-Curtis
and that is my preference order of the albums as well. All different, all great 4 different reasons.
Reply
October 26th, 2007
at 8:49 pm
in46 » Blog Archive » Common Finding Forever says:
[...] here This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 10th, 2007 at 12:12 pm and is filed under xxl magazine. You [...]
Reply
November 18th, 2007
at 4:40 pm
ALAN MARTINEZ says:
Thank you XXL for giving COMMON a great review.
Common is an amazing lyricist.
Everybody should get BE and FINDING FOREVER from COMMON.
Reply
March 15th, 2008
at 9:24 pm
CAM says:
It should read like this at this point
Kanye experiments more (hear his BITING of Dilla’s off-kilter sample chopping on “Break My Heart”)
Reply