Artist profile · 05/07/2026
Common
- 8
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 2.0M
- Last.fm listeners
- 44M
- Last.fm plays
About
Common, Chicago-born conscious hip hop and soul-infused rap since the 1990s.
Common emerged as a defining voice of alternative and conscious hip hop rooted in Chicago's south side. His early work featured jazz and soul samples with collaborations from soul icons and producers like No.I.D and Kanye West. The discography spans seminal albums such as "Resurrection" (1994) and "Like Water For Chocolate" (2000), illustrating a journey through boom bap, chipmunk soul, and neo soul styles alongside collaborative projects involving artists like John Legend, Nas, and Maya Angelou.
Vinyl collectors find a diverse catalog with 12 titles on vinyl, ranging from studio albums to limited edition pressings, including recent releases like "The Auditorium Vol. 1" (2024) and "A Beautiful Revolution" parts 1 and 2 (2020, 2021).
Discography
Common discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
One Day It’ll All Make Sense
Common
- Vinyl 2
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Electric Circus
Common
- Vinyl 2
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Universal Mind Control
Common
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
Nobody’s Smiling
Common
- Vinyl 1
- CD 3
- Cassette
Live at the Jazz Room
Common
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 1
Common
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 1 & 2
Common
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
The Light - 02
GO! - 03
Be (Intro) - 04
Testify - 05
I Used to Love H.E.R. - 06
Invocation - 07
Real People - 08
The 6th Sense
Essentials
3 Common albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 2007A key sophomore album produced by Kanye West featuring conscious lyrics and rich soul samples, pivotal in Common's discography and available in multiple vinyl editions.
12 tracksConscious Hip HopUniversal Music2007 release
#2 · 2019An album mixing hip hop with soul and neo-soul influences, featuring 11 tracks and available in limited edition stereo vinyl from Loma Vista label.
11 tracksLimited EditionStereoLoma Vista 2019
#3 · 2021Captured in two parts on vinyl, this modern release emphasizes socially conscious themes, with limited editions showing a strong market presence and variable pricing.
Part 1 & 2 availableLimited EditionLoma Vista labelSocial themes
Go further
Artists similar to Common
Artists who share part of Common's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Common
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu guest on key albums
Common collaborated with Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu on 'One Day It'll All Make Sense' (1997), enhancing his soulful and politically aware hip hop sound.
Kanye West’s production marks a turning point
Starting with 'Be' (2005), Common partnered with Kanye West, infusing jazz-rap with contemporary beats, resulting in critical and commercial success.
Appearance in 'Freedom Writers' (2007)
Common performed the song 'I Have a Dream' in the film 'Freedom Writers,' marking a notable entry into mainstream acting.
Early albums produced by No.I.D
"Can I Borrow a Dollar?" (1992), Common's debut album, was produced by No.I.D, establishing his early presence in hip hop with jazz influences.
Common's writing bridges pacifism and erudition within hip hop narratives.— Analysis of his stylistic approach
His music blends jazz, soul, and conscious rap, setting him apart from mainstream rap scenes.— Music critique
Common vinyl discography
See allCommon CDs
See allRecommended accessories
See allFAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
When did Common start his music career and under what name?
Common began his career in the early 1990s, initially performing under the name Common Sense before shortening it due to legal reasons.
What genres characterize Common's music style?
Common's style blends alternative hip hop, conscious rap, jazz rap, boom bap, and neo soul with socially aware lyrics.
How many vinyl albums by Common are currently cataloged on Vinyles.com?
Twelve vinyl albums by Common are available, including studio albums and limited editions from labels like Loma Vista and Universal Music.
Which Common album is known for Kanye West's production influence?
The album "Be" (2005) marks Common's significant collaboration with Kanye West, noted for its blend of jazz rap and contemporary hip hop beats.
What is the price range for Common's vinyl pressings on the market?
Prices vary widely, from around €15 for standard editions to up to €120 for limited or special editions, depending on pressing and region.
Are there any special edition vinyl releases from Common available in French stores?
Yes, some limited edition releases like "A Beautiful Revolution" parts 1 and 2 have special editions distributed in Europe, including France.
Where can I find authentic US pressings of Common's latest albums?
Authentic US pressings are listed for recent titles such as "The Auditorium Vol. 1" from 2024, available as limited edition vinyl from Loma Vista.
How does Common's music reflect Chicago's hip hop scene?
Common's work is deeply rooted in Chicago's scene, combining local influences with a broader socially conscious lyrical approach that highlights his origins.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.

















































