“A Dream” by Common featuring will.i.am
European Vibe’s Hip Hop expert Tahira Lindsay tells us all about Common’s latest effort.
I am not a big fan of hip-hop soundtracks in movies. The songs are boring and turn hip-hop into something it should never be: pop. Common stays true to his hip-hop roots by hitting hard with his lyrics, while Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am uses a rather melodic sound to add a little dash of Hollywood musical flavor. Although the concept sounds refreshing, the actual delivery is no head-turner.
Common’s lyrics are genius, as always. He makes a powerful statement about societal inequality by mixing issues of race, poverty and gender over a radio-friendly, mid-tempo, soulful funky beat. Common speaks about his life, about “being born on a black list” and having “struggle as his address”. Even though many of the references he makes deal with growing up as a Black man in America, he makes an honest attempt to keep his lyrics fairly relatable to every listener.
But some blame is due. This song is wack, by hip hop standards, but not because Common fell short with his delivery. Rapper-turned-producer will.i.am has to hold the torch for this one. What could one expect from a man who produced Fergie’s hit “My hump”? Will.i.am also has producing credits on this track and his generic and repetitive sing songie croon over the same beat does nothing more than attempt to pound a hole in your cerebellum.
Calling “A Dream” a hip-hop song would be blasphemous. This song is mediocre pop. Perhaps it would have been more powerful and successful if a member of Black Eyed Peas wasn’t involved. We will never know. Check it out the video anyway: