Common's Resurrection: From Overlooked to Iconic

Rapper Common felt overlooked prior to releasing his 1994 album 'Resurrection,' expressing a desire for the world to recognize his skills as an MC. He likened this feeling to not being invited to the 'big game,' referencing his absence from influential album covers like A Tribe Called Quest's 'Midnight Marauders.' This realization spurred a period of intense self-improvement and artistic growth.

Common's development during this time was multifaceted, influenced by his experiences living independently and his exploration of spiritual growth, including learning about Islam. He immersed himself in new cultural elements, such as jazz music, with John Coltrane's 'Blue Train' and the Souls of Mischief's Hieroglyphics symbol serving as inspirations.

Regular studio sessions at Battery Studios every Tuesday and Thursday provided a consistent creative outlet. Producer No I.D. played a pivotal role, being introduced to new sounds and digging spots frequented by influential artists, which enriched the album's sonic landscape. This collaborative environment fostered daily freestyling and honing the craft of MCing.

The production of 'Resurrection' also involved navigating differing creative philosophies, particularly between Common and Tone, contrasting with No I.D.'s more accommodating approach. This divergence in style and direction, with Tone favoring a more prescriptive method, ultimately led No I.D. to produce more tracks for Common.

'Resurrection' marked a departure from the gimmicks of Common's earlier work, like 'Can I Borrow A Dollar?'. The album stripped away stylistic excesses, focusing instead on delivering exceptional lyrics and a more lyrical, spiritual, and personal style. This approach was uncommon in the era, which was often dominated by themes of gangsterism and bragging, thus encouraging MCs to explore vulnerability and introspection.