Born:
March 13, 1972
in
Chicago, Illinois
Best Known For:
His music career.
Early-life:
Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr was born on March 13, 1972 in Chicago, Illinois to Dr Mahalia Ann Hines and former basketball player Lonnie Lynn. His parents divorced when he was six years old and he was raised by his mother. He remained close to his father, however, who got him a job with the Chicago Bulls when he was a teenager. While in high school, his friends formed a rap trio that opened for such acts as N.W.A and Big Daddy Kane. He got a scholarship for Florida A&M University, where he majored in business administration.
Career:
In 1992, Common released his first album, Can I Borrow A Dollar?, under the stage name Common Sense. He released his second album, Resurrection, under this name before a lawsuit forced him to change it. His rap career has seen him collaborate with Erykah Badu, De La Soul and other artists and groups. He has also won three Grammy Awards and an Oscar for Best Original Song. His Oscar-winning song, Glory, was featuring in Selma (2014), which he also co-starred in. He initially transitioned into acting in 2003, when he got his first role in the sitcom Girlfriends. His big screen debut was in Smokin' Aces (2007). Other films he has appeared in include American Gangster (2007), Wanted (2008), Terminator Salvation (2009) and Suicide Squad (2016).
Quote:
"Doing acting opened up other creative outlets; it made me feel freer as an artist."
Trivia:
Common is also a writer. He was invited by Michelle Obama to appear at a poetry reading at the White House in 2011 and published his memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense, in the same year.