On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, renowned rapper and author Common opened up about his love for reading scriptures and the impact they have had on his life. The conversation took an interesting turn when Colbert asked about Common‘s relationship with the eminent poet, Dr. Maya Angelou.
Common revealed that his mother, upon learning that a major participant had dropped out of a benefit event, took it upon herself to call Dr. Maya Angelou to see if she would be interested in taking part. To Common‘s surprise, she agreed and even invited him for a lunch meeting at her apartment in Harlem. The meeting turned into an immersive experience as they spent hours discussing their mutual love for poetry and writing.
The rapper, who credits Dr. Maya Angelou as the writer who inspired him to pursue his passion for writing, reminisced about the profound impact she had on him as a young student. It was during elementary school that Common first discovered Dr. Angelou’s work, which ignited his desire to become a poet.
Colbert playfully asked if the two engaged in a poetic exchange, to which Common responded with a smile, revealing that they did indeed “trade bars” on occasion. Although he humbly acknowledged that he couldn’t compare to the level of the legendary poet, he did perform a freestyle at a birthday party hosted by Dr. Angelou.
Shifting gears, the conversation transitioned to Common‘s campaign called “Make One Change.” Rooted in the rapper’s message of self-love and improvement, the campaign encourages individuals, particularly those from African-American communities, to take small steps towards bettering themselves. Common emphasized that making just one change in daily routines, whether it’s drinking more water or spending less time on the phone, can pave the way for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Interestingly, Common also shared that he initially started learning about health and wellness through hip-hop. By making small changes to his diet and lifestyle, he began to feel empowered and in control. This newfound discipline not only helped him achieve his goals but also allowed him to indulge socially without relying on alcohol. “Make One Change” is about inspiring others to take that first step towards a better version of themselves.
Common‘s new book, titled “And Then We Rise,” coincides with the message of his campaign and serves as a call to action for readers. As the book hits shelves on Tuesday, Common hopes that his words will empower individuals to put the principles he discusses into practice, ultimately becoming active participants in their own self-improvement journey.
It’s no surprise that Common, a multi-talented artist, has not only made a significant impact through his music but also through his dedication to personal growth and inspiring others to do the same. With his latest book and empowering campaign, he continues to be a voice of wisdom and encouragement for his fans and the wider community.
Be sure to grab a copy of “And Then We Rise” and join Common‘s movement to make one change towards a brighter future.
