He's not your everyday rapper. He's so much more. Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr. aka Common brings his uncommon rap style to Southern California this week performing at the Wiltern theatre on Thursday, Sept 6 and in Anaheim on Saturday, Sept 8 at the House of Blues.

On the heels of his hot-selling CD, “Finding Forever,” which debuted No.1 on the Billboard top 200 charts and has maintained a strong top five position, the Chicago-born rapper is finally getting the love and respect that's long overdue. His single, “For the People” seems to be the song packing the most heat.

Common has launched a series of promotional appearances for what his friend and co producer Kanye West proclaims is “the best rap album of the year” - that's saying a lot considering Kanye's new CD streets next week.

Common explains the title "Finding Forever" represents his quest to find an eternal place in hip-hop and also his wishes to be an artist for the rest of his life. Best known for songs that focus on spirituality, poverty and other issues involving social awareness, he has clearly separated himself from the rest of the pack.

Success did not come quickly for him. It has taken 13 years and six CDs before he could ride the top of the music charts. 2007 appears to be the beginning of what will be a defining year for the soulful rapper who clearly stated months ago he craves success, but only to a certain point. “I'd be lying if I said I don't want to sell millions and become a household name, but I won't lose myself to do it,” said Common.

Next up for the soft spoken rapper and star of those famous “Gap” commercials is another movie - this time he's co-starring with none other than Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in "American Gangster," Ridley Scott's film about New York City cops who take on a Harlem drug kingpin.

If you missed him a few weeks ago, rapping and playing around lyrically with Stevie Wonder on KJLH's morning show, you don't want to miss him live in his only Los Angeles appearance this week. He's one uncommon rapper and he's worth the $88. Showtime set for 9pm at Wiltern, Thursday Sept 6 and at the House of Blues in Anaheim on Saturday, September 8 at 6pm.

Published in : Entertainment, Music