Finding 'Common' Ground

--Common, "The 6th Sense"

Common has been hailed as a leader of the new school of politically and socially engaged rappers. To judge from his new CD, "Like Water for Chocolate," he's acutely aware of his cultural and political influence on hip-hop devotees-that is, his forbears. Common's last release, "One Day It'll All Make Sense," gave us a big taste of Common's innovative storytelling and aural sensibilities. With those skills, he could give us a message rap equal to the classic political joints like Public Enemy or KRS-One. But "Like Water" floats from beginning to end without letting on to how Common can sting.

This, I think, is a compliment. It speaks to a maturity in message rap that allows younger artists like Common to preach without overpowering young listeners in this apathetic age who might not take to the hot rage that schooled their older siblings.

"Time Travelin' (A Tribute to Fela)" picks up where acid jazz left off, only with a grittier edge and guitars that echo funk groups like Earth, Wind and Fire and the Ohio Players. This homage to the late African singer Fela Anakelapu Kuti might be the best groove on the album, featuring D'Angelo on keyboards.

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