Common Takes An MC From The Streets To The Tonight Show For A True Cypher

BY BANDINI • AUGUST 13, 2019

Anybody who has ever attended a Common concert knows that the Chicago, Illinois veteran is one of the best improvisers with the mic. For years, Comm’ has impressed audiences with his knowledge of local landmarks, street names, and fun facts, no matter in what city he was performing. Meanwhile, even with one of the most respected and diverse trophy cases in the business, Common takes the art form of freestyling with him. The MC who bodied The Wake Up Show with Sway & King Tech and rocked the mic at Fat Beats in 1997 keeps that hunger alive in showing that he stays in search of the right rhyme.

Last month, Common was strolling the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana when he came upon Ray Wimley, a local MC. The artist there for Essence Fest listened to Ray kick his rhymes, which used people watching as props for his improvisational freestyle. Amused and inspired, Common took the mic and joined in for what became a viral Hip-Hop moment.

READ THE REST AT AMBROSIA FOR HEADS

Views: 90

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

J Boog
Tuesday, June 16 @ UC Theater, Berkeley

DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Kev Choice Ensemble
Friday, June 26 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
14 hours ago
realmuzik posted discussions
17 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
yesterday
billy jones bluez updated their profile
Sunday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Sparoh’s “Panama” Delivers a Powerful Message of Confidence and Creative Freedom

Sparoh is an Atlanta-based artist creating music at the crossroads of melodic trap, alternative pop, and punk-fueled rebellion. Equal parts vulnerable and unapologetic, her work explores identity, liberation, and the complexities of Black womanhood.Raised in the DMV on a foundation of jazz, funk, and blues, Sparoh was drawn early to artists who challenged convention and redefined what was possible. Influenced by trailblazers like Joyce Kennedy,…See More
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Friday
Devon Dionis is now a member of True Skool Network
Jun 18
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Jun 18
realmuzik posted a discussion

Gus Drops Highly Anticipated Single "Growing Stronger (10 - Year Anniversary Version)"

Gus is making a comeback. He's growing stronger and the world is starting to take notice. He's been recording and doing music for over a decade. He's caught some fire but he's kept going and is making an impact that lasts on the ears and hearts of his listeners. He's reaching for his goal this time around and he aims break the wind and give you music that touches the…See More
Jun 17
Editor's Pick posted videos
Jun 17

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service