Common, a Grammy award-winning artist, is widely recognized as one of the most gifted lyricists in hip hop. The critical success of his debut album, Can I Borrow a Dollar? (Relativity) established him as one of the leading voices of "conscious rap" music. With the breakthrough success of his recording, Like Water for Chocolate (MCA) and the hit singles. "The Light" and "Love of My Life", Common has achieved international acclaim and a devoted fan base. His latest endeavor, BE, was PRODUCED BY Kanye West and released in the Spring 2005.

Common grew up Lonnie Rashied Lynn on the south side of Chicago and has always had a passion for mentoring children and young adults. Common recently wrote a three part series of children's stories set to rhyme, targeted for young adults and children. The titles include The Mirror and Me, I Like You but I Love Me and M.E (Mixed Emotions). The Mirror and Me is available now from AtlasBooks.

Common is also the Founder and President of the Common Ground Foundation which provides support to children with AIDS worldwide; the foundation is also dedicated to students pursuing careers in the Arts. As a spokesperson for Viacom and the Kaiser Family Foundation, his voice has reached millions in the fight against AIDS with the "Knowing is Beautiful" and "The Know is Spreading" ad campaigns. As one of the most respected emcees in hip hop history, Common encourages youth of all ages, not only to respect a foundation of hip hop, poetry/spoken word, but also to strengthen their power through reading. Common hopes his books will inspire children to think, write, and own their own voice.

In April 2006, Common will be performing at the seventh annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, California with artists Depeche Mode, Tool and Franz Ferdinand and others.