Clearly tired of being pigeonholed as a “conscious rapper,” critically-acclaimed emcee Common is taking a new direction with his upcoming eighth studio album, Universal Mind Control (formerly titled Invincible Summer). Choosing not to feature any Kanye West production on the new disc, the Chicago native will experiment with a club/techno sound that everyone in the industry has seemingly dug the past year or so (oh hey, Timbaland). For the first official single, entitled Universal Mind Control, Common teams up with Pharrell Williams, and together they channel their inner Afrika Bambaataa (remember Planet Rock?). While some might see this new approach as “selling out,” the majority of listeners should recognize hip-hop’s diversity, and consequently, Common’s true mastery of its various forms.
I was highly anticipating "Invincible Summer" for the fact that it was Common, though I was afraid it was going to be like Electric Circus stuff. I'm as open minded as the next intelligent hip hop listener, but I really couldn't dig this style from Common. I'm so sad. It's different, but not something I would just listen to on the regular like Common's classic tracks. Sometimes the Neptunes and Pharell ruin things. This is an example on one of those times. But at least I know this is what Common wanted to do with this album...be different and make music types he hadn't make yet...so I can respect that, cuz I respect Mr. Lonnie Lynn Jr.
...and bein fly. I heard this song a week ago and loved it off the bat! Common is one of the truly gifted artest in the game. This is different and I can see where some might not feel this from him, but I ain't some! This is fire!
I just played this over and over in my car.. won't say its truly a classic but this song deserves stars! common maintains his lyrical integrity throughout the awesome club beat by the neptunes, so don't hate on his chosen style, just listen
crazy flow comin from Common. his lyrical content is always on point and i can dig the beat, though im not big on the chorus; maybe if it got rid of the echo?
As a big fan of Common I have been looking forward this new album since it was announced. It's definitely got a Bambaatta feel to it which is something I haven't heard in a while. Common comes hard as always and even switches up his flow on this one. In a way I was glad to see that Common wouldn't be working with Kanye on this album. Don't get me wrong they are a great pair, but working with different producers can be refreshing and that is made clear with this song. The question I have now is what will be the rest of the album's "sound." No matter what I will be picking up a copy on the first day.
As much as I admire Pharrell and as much as I love Common, their completely contrasting styles came together quite well on this collaboration. Many listeners will find it extremely difficult to accept this type of vibe from Common but I always believed that diversity is essential for a long lasting MC.
3/5 ... i personally like the new techo/club beats on new rap songs (Say Yeah - Wiz Khalifa) ... but this song is just aite ... nothing krazy ... hate to say it but the beat doesn't fit common's flow ... i dont think this will even do that great in the clubs ...
My favorite rapper has done it again. he isn't given enough respect in this game now a days but he is a very versatile artist. I can't believe he won't use any of Kanye's beats though. He really is taking a new direction. Common is speaking truth and if people are calling him a sell out, it's because they don't realize they sold out to alll these ringtone artist a long time ago.~(**)~
better than I thought. he's really tired of the conscious-rapper label? hmmm. There's plenty of other stuff to rap about besides money, clothes, cars and ho's. this song reminds me of Mos Def's Jam On It. However, Common does sound a lil unsure here. i think he can def improve on this though.
Once again, a WINDY CITY native proves to the world that you can make music for the club and it doesn't have to follow a magic formula. There might be a curve for long time fans to adjust to, but this will win 'em over eventually.
This is a breakdancers dream right here. Z is right, Chicago is coming with the freshest music right now.
This gets better the more times I listen to it.
I like this song alot but i don't know if it's because i like the Neptunes/Pharrel's production or if it's because i like Common, but i don't think i can listen to this and then go back and listen to Common's other stuff. But the song is still good.
This is like a love it or hate it type of song. Personally, I love it. Commons flow over this beat is another type of music and its sick. It could definetely get radio play but it might be risky if he released it as a single. Great song though. Classic.
NOOOOOOOOOO! "Electric Circus" material...and that is definitely not a compliment...we really do need Common's conscious brand of hip-hop it balances things out! i understand his artistic need to deviate and do somn different but please do that shit and still do a "BE" album...am pleading!
Neptunes beat is hot on this, I'm really feelin this club banging beat and the percussion. Hook was okay, I didn't like the echo effect, but Common proves he can make some club music here. Its a new look and it still sounds like he needs to work on it more, but so far this is solid.
I remarked that Nas was the "last true living king of hip hop". That statement was not 100% correct. Nas is still my favourite rapper of all time (has pretty much always been), but Common is still on everyone's top 10 for the greatests list, and if he isn't, he should be.
Love it! Common is one of my favorite artists. I have to admit though, I'm not into the whole techno dance craze. I wouldn't play this while driving, unless I was on my way to the club. This is a party song.
I WANNA MARRY THIS MAN!!! EITHER HIM OR T.I. CAUSE THEY BOTH COME WIT THE HEAT. T.I. OBVIOUSLY GOT CAUGHT WIT THE HEAT BUT IMMA STOP RITE THERE! lol
PLEASE COMMON I KNO U GETTIN OLD AND U BEEN BALD FOR A WHILE SO I CAN DEAL WITH THAT BUT PLEASE O' PLEASE PREPOSE TO ME!!! lamo
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