Common

Lonnie Rashid Lynn, better known as Common, was born in March 1972 in Chicago. 

The rapper released his debut album Can I Borrow a Dollar? in 1992 which primarily received an underground following. His next album, Resurrection, was released in 1994 and found some success, resulting in collaborations with Fat Joe and Wu-Tang Clan.

In September 1997, Common released his third album, One Day It’ll All Make Sense which ultimately led him to sign a major record deal with MCA Records. He recorded with a collection of musicians and artists dubbed the “Soulquarians.” 

After a fourth album, Common signed with Kanye West’s label, GOOD Music. There, he created his album called Be in 2005, earning him four Grammy nominations.

More recently, Common co-wrote the Oscar-winning song “Glory” for the film Selma with John Legend which won Best Original Song.

He has starred in a few films as well, including American Gangster, Wanted, and New Year’s Eve.

Common has been reported to have had romantic relationships in the past with tennis player Serena Williams and actress Taraji P. Henson.