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.
Tags:
Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more
Hugel
Saturday, Nov 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Bonobo
Saturday, Nov 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Pretty Lights
Thursday-Sunday, Nov 19-21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Ozomatli
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley
© 2026 Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.
Powered by