Common – Be

Common’s “Be” marked a turning point in his career. Released in 2005, it was a return to form after a less commercially successful album. This time, he linked up with Kanye West for soulful production that drew heavily from classic samples and featured smooth vocals from artists like John Legend and Bilal. The result was a cohesive listen, where hard-hitting lyricism about life in Chicago blended seamlessly with introspective observations. “Be” wasn’t just a critical darling, it was a commercial success, reigniting Common’s career and reminding everyone why he was considered one of the best lyricists in hip hop.