The line outside of Bovard Auditorium was long, the kind that makes your heart drop when you’re in the back. A legion of fans of elder hip-hop statesmen, actor, activist, and author, Common, packed the auditorium. The room buzzed with excitement as they waited to see Common discussing his newest book, “And Then We Rise: A Guide to Self-Love and Taking Care of Oneself,” with award-winning journalist and founding director of the USC Charlotta Bass Lab, Dr. Allissa Richardson. Dr Richardson was also set to present Common with the 2nd Annual Charlotta Bass Media Trailblazer Award.
As people spilled into the auditorium, Common hung out backstage. He greeted some of the Charlotta Bass Lab fellows before speaking to Annenberg reporter Maya Broomfield about the journey to self-love that he details in his book.
“I really found something that I love to do that allowed me to feel confident in myself, which was music and properly expressing myself in that way really allowed me to learn things about myself. But that didn’t totally build my belief and love for self. So I started that quest of loving self like making it intentional, as you say, because it does take work now.” said Common during the backstage interview.
In the book Common intimately shares his journey towards wellness and self-love and how it played a role in his success: it’s split into four sections that focus on distinct lessons. “The Food” focuses on nutrition. “The Body” focuses on fitness. “The Mind” focuses on mental health. And “The Soul” focuses on perhaps the most profound thing of all—spiritual well-being.
When the time came for Common to take the stage with Dr Richardson, the audience erupted with applause. It was one of many crowd eruptions as Common’s humor kept them laughing throughout the night, making jokes while sharing personal stories and pouring knowledge into the crowd. Common answered questions about his background growing up in Chicago, his love for music, his first supporters, how he cultivated a community of care and intention for positive messages, how he chooses collaborations, the creative process for his book writing, his activism, and the lessons he learned from his dad. While Common was sharing about the first moment he fell in love with hip hop he treated fans to a snippet from the first rap he ever wrote.
“We’ll let me tell you about a trip, a time ago.
I was going there to run a Cold blooded show.
When I got there I saw some people jamming too.
They called themselves, the Bon Hill crew.
Dr Ice, Romeo, and Máster E
All the Bonne Hill Crew, rapping to a tee.
I asked them could they rock with me.” Common rapped in his signature style.
Following their discussion. Dr. Richardson presented Common with the Media Trailblazer award. With the first award previously bestowed to journalist Nikole Hannah Jones, Dr. Richardson addressed the decision making.
“I know you may be wondering why we’re giving a musical artist a journalism award, but as great philosopher Chuck D once said,” said Richardson as made eye contact with Common, anticipating his finishing of the phrase. “Hip-hop is Black America’s CNN.” they said in unison. The crowd erupted with supportive hoots, hollers, and applause.
Eventually, Common took audience questions and eager attendees lined up. One attendee, before asking their question, felt compelled to share that the biggest lesson they got from Common was to treat everyone with respect – like they are important.
After receiving the award and delighting the crowd with another impromptu rap, the event transitioned to the book signing portion. Dozens of his fans lined up with giddy anticipation to have their book signed and to take a picture with the inspiring entertainer. Common seemed to beam almost as much as each person that shared a moment with him.
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And Then We Rise: A Journey to Self Love and Taking Care of Oneself” be found at the USC bookstore for $30.