LOS ANGELES -- Common was trying not to crack a smile. The rapper-turned-actor-turned-author was in the midst of having his face powdered in preparation for an interview with a cable music channel.

On the album's 20th anniversary, it's much easier to recognize Be as a crucial intersection record — not simply for Common, on his way to becoming rap's hokey, well-intentioned uncle, but for hip-hop ...

Gold record-selling rapper Common will bring his socially conscious alternative hip hop to the Hill for this year's Spring Fling, Concert Board has confirmed. Concert Board has also signed a rock band ...