CD REVIEW: Common – Nobody’s Smiling

Nobody’s Smiling (Universal)
Common (Hip-Hop)

Nobody’s Smiling is the tenth studio album by American hip-hop recording artist, Common. The record has been lauded as his most personal in a long time. It packs a sensitive edge that is balanced by the bass and bump that’s as fresh as it is reminiscent of hip-hop golden era classic. Nobody’s Smiling holds out a red flag and refocuses listeners on the senseless violence ravaging his hometown, Chicago, and other black neighbourhoods. The album is easily a symbol of all that is right in a genre too often derided for moral depravity and/or artistic bankruptcy. The violence and crime he raps about may not be news to anyone attuned to inner-city living. However, it is the way Common weaves them into his creative output that stands him apart. Though the 43 year old rapper retains much of the poetic rigour that won him a spot in the hearts of rap fans the world over, this project reflects the times in which it was released. In fact, the third cut titled Diamonds, features Big Sean to co-create a study contrast in new school vs. old styles.  Sneak My Piece samples the voice of the late Notorious BIG and has Common throwing in classic lines by Snoop Dog to remind you how far back he goes. His declarations of love and adorations for his daughter come stated as loudly as we’ve come to expect from Chicago’s finest. Hustle Harder is his feminist rap. The track celebrates hardworking women. The song pushes back against slut shaming that forms part of many a rap song about women. The passing away, last year of his father Lonnie Lynn, who customarily gave us the last word, Pop’s Rap on many of Common past albums is not on this one. Nobody’s Smiling might not be classic material, but it’s still vintage Common sense. – Percy Mabandu