When hip hop first bloomed on South Bronx basketball courts and in house parties nearly thirty years ago, the emcee ruled the world. Those pioneering emcees lived and died by one law--you either came original or you didn't come at all. Damn, things have changed.

Fortunately, there are artists who still practice the fine, forgotten art of imagination and Relativity recording artist, Common, is one of the best. "My goal was always to be the dopest emcee," says Common.

"I wanted to be recognized like KRS-One or Rakim, making people say, 'That nigga is dope!' It's important to me that I say something to the people. Nowadays, I look at music as a channel for my family and for my community."