Lonnie Rashid Lynn is a well-known figure not only in Chicago but around the world. This renowned rapper has achieved extraordinary fame and success on the big stage thanks to his talent and clear understanding of his strengths. Moreover, he consistently supports emerging musicians who need guidance. Whatever Lonnie undertakes, he excels at. His persistence and self-belief enable him to achieve his goals with ease, reports chicago-trend.com.
Childhood and Youth
Lonnie Rashid Lynn was born in March 1972 to an African American family. His parents were well-respected figures in Chicago. His mother held a position as a school principal, and his father played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and was actively involved in community work. In 1978, his father left the family, a situation that affected six-year-old Lonnie. Fortunately, the couple later reconciled.
While attending Luther High School South, Lynn developed a passion for music and began dreaming of the big stage. However, his parents insisted he pursue a prestigious education. After high school, he enrolled at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) to study business administration and worked part-time with the Chicago Bulls basketball team.
Music Career
Lynn’s love for music won out in the 1980s. He formed the group C.D.R. and adopted the stage name Common, launching his career as a rapper. He began by releasing the single “Take It EZ,” soon followed by the album Can I Borrow a Dollar? His long-awaited popularity came with the release of Resurrection, an album that received acclaim from listeners and critics alike. The track “I Used to Love H.E.R.” sparked a feud between Common and the group Westside Connection, as he openly criticized their music in his lyrics.
Despite continuous challenges and threats from established stars, Lonnie kept writing and performing songs. In 1997, he released the album One Day It’ll All Make Sense, which was met with success and led to a lucrative contract with MCA Records. This move took him to New York, where he collaborated closely with the music group Soulquarians. Through numerous joint performances, they recorded the album Like Water for Chocolate. The song “The Light” topped multiple charts and earned Common a Grammy Award.
In 2002, Common decided to change his musical direction, leaning toward electronic music. He began with an experimental project, followed by the album Be, created in collaboration with Kanye West. Continuing to work with top musicians and producers, Common released several more albums, including Finding Forever and Universal Mind Control.
Relationships and Interesting Facts
Lonnie Rashid Lynn is currently unmarried. He had a son with Kim Jones before they eventually separated. In 2022, their daughter graduated from Cambridge University. In 2020, he began dating actress and writer Tiffany Haddish, but they split in 2021, citing busy schedules as an obstacle to their relationship’s growth.
Noteworthy Facts:
- In 2000, Lynn appeared in Alicia Keys’ music video for “Like You’ll Never See Me Again.”
- He owns a successful fashion brand.
- He became the face of the American brand Gap in 2000.
Despite the challenges he faces, Common continues to perform his iconic hits alongside renowned musicians. Additionally, he has ventured into acting, delighting fans with his well-executed roles on screen.
