Quotes from Common

Oh man, I love what the South brings as far as the soul, and I really have noticed from even the early days of listening to OutKast and Goodie Mob that Atlanta and the South has a diverse sound to it. You have bounce music. You have soulful musicians. You have artists with vocals who try to do different things.

That's why I named my album 'Finding Forever,' because that's what I was thinking about: What did I want to contribute to this world that would live beyond my physical existence?

I came from the South Side of Chicago wanting to be a rap artist and make videos.

Man, I feel like hip-hop is - first of all, not even only with just GOOD Music, I gotta say - I think hip-hop is still alive in a strong way, man. I feel really enthused about hip-hop.

Yeah, we try to get the best musicians possible, and Justin [Robinson] is a great musician, man, a great player. You must have been surprised to see him out there, then.

My mom has obviously had a powerful influence on my life and her voice can describe certain things that I couldn't see in myself.

I am to hip-hop what Obama is to politics

God is my guide, so I try to not judge myself too much, knowing that at the end of the day, my greatest judge will be Jehovah God.

Even through the unseen, I know that God watches, From one King's dream, he was able to Barack us.

DJ Jazzy Jeff is the best DJ you can have at a party. Did you see his playlist? He has good taste.

Movies and media really can influence us. A few years ago, my daughter wanted to be a dancer; since Obama came into office, she now wants to be a lawyer and get into politics and maybe even be president.

We as people have a purpose here to contribute to the Earth, to contribute to people's goodness and good life.

I feel like God gives you what you deserve. Whatever that time is, you get what you deserve.

It was incredible to have J Dilla in your dining room making beats - it was one of the greatest experiences I've had.

Obviously God knew I wasn't going to make it to the NBA as much as I probably believed. This was divine order.

I felt like I had experienced a lot of things in the first chapter of my life, and I wanted it to inspire and motivate people, so I just started writing.

After you make good, quality music, then it's your job to go out there and promote it and to market it and to get it out there to the people.

Playing basketball is definitely one of my favorite things to do.

I believe that music is about making quality things, making quality art, and no matter who you decide to work with, you and that person have to come up with something special, come up with something that is excellent material, so whoever hears it and reviews it will like it.

I appreciate this moment in time...ball players and actors be knowing my rhymes

No matter what walk of life you're from, you can appreciate the music - songs [can] resonate in your soul and your heart.

People always want to feel better and be inspired. Sometimes we need it. I think the conscious rapper will always be able to live and exist.

One thing I always loved about hip-hop music was the raw, boom-bap element - it felt powerful and manly.

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. It's not a relationship for the public, you know?