Review Summary: Common marked his territory in the hip hop world, with this over-looked classic
During the 90’s, Common (formerly known as Common Sense), stuck out like a sore-thumb in the hip hop world. At the time, gangsta rap was on the rise and its popularity was reaching new heights. Common, however, was not a gangsta, and he didn't pretend to be. Instead of rapping over G-funk beats, he twisted his train-of thought rhymes over jazz beats, somewhat similar to A Tribe Called Quest. On Resurrection, Common marked his territory in the rap world.
Common's distinctive style is exemplified on the opening title-track "Resurrection". A twinkling piano jingle opens up and then some scratching and Common tells us a little bit about himself. With some of the most creative lyrics on the album he says: "I analyze where I rest my eyes/ And chastise the best of guys with punchlines/ I'm Nestle when it's crunch-time". It's one of the strongest tracks on the album and is most likely the only rap song suitable to listen to while walking through a park.
The proceeding song is a landmark in rap history. "I Used to Love H.E.R" is considered one of the greatest rap songs in history. It tells a story of a girl he knew as a child and grew to love. But as they grew older, they parted ways and she began to "kick it with the inner-city circle" and she "broke to the West coast". Soon she commercialized and became too gangsta for Common's taste. At the end of the song he says the girl he is talking about is hip-hop. Lyrically this song is a monster and a must-listen on the album.
Throughout the CD, Common likes to remind people he is different from other rappers. "Thisisme" for instance, is all about Common and what he represents. On other songs he likes to have fun, mixing up the subject matter. “Communism” is a song where he raps constantly using the prefix “com”. “Chapter 13 (Rich Man vs. Poor Man)” is another fun song where Common trades verses with fellow rapper Y-Not, about money and various other parts of life.
Though some songs are forgettable, others are masterpieces and overall Resurrection is a very strong effort from a young Common, who was taking a crucial step in his rise to hip hop supremacy.
Recommended tracks:
-Resurrection
-I Used to Love H.E.R
-Chapter 13 (Rich Man vs Poor Man)
-Nuthin' To Do
-Communism
