Grade: B+ | Genre: Hip Hop Summary: Common is staking his claim on a niche that everyone else seems to have forgotten about. Be doesn't need to be front and center, but when discovered, is where we all want to Be. Contrary to his name, Common (formerly known as Common Sense) isn't like the mainstream rappers that currently clutter the airwaves. His style is more about substance than the bling bling flare that blinds us from the more innovative artists poised to progress the genre than to set it back. Emerging from the gangsta rap of the 90's, Common has always been able to keep his lyrical style sophisticated and literate. His latest, Be, continues the Common flow and is yet again a change of pace from the same old bland hip hop mantra being shoved down our throats.

This time around, Common enlists the mixing skills of Kanye West who not only has made a name for himself as a producer but also as a legitimate rapper. Combine the vocal skillz of Common and West's ear for dope beats, and you have a recipe for one of the best rap albums to come out this year.

The opener "Be" displays Common's faithful love for Jazzy injections of smooth R&B while remaining conscience enough to include classical flare to change things up. Once the horns start to blow, you are instantly pulled in and eager to hear more.

A very surprising collaboration is with the guitar guru himself, rubber-faced John Mayer, on "Go." It is no doubt one of the stronger tracks on Be and has you respecting Common for branching out and impressed by the company that Mayer keeps.

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Be softens a bit with his perspective on what "Love Is." It's a deep confession of what makes Common's world go round. Try finding that kind of sincerity on 50 Cent's record.

Common is staking his claim on a niche that everyone else seems to have forgotten about. Be doesn't need to be front and center, but when discovered, is where we all want to Be. Clearly Common knows what makes a hit combo and is smart to not argue with West and his production magic. Although, if you've seen Kanye West in interviews, you know his head is too big to fit through his shirt and is evident in just about every track on Be. My only concern is that sometimes Be feels less like Common's new album and more West's. Nevertheless, this is Hip Hop progression and one that is ahead of the curve. Definitely check it out!