COMMON RELEASES NEW SINGLE, NEW VIDEO DIRECTED BY LAURYN HILL CIRITICS RAVE ABOUT ONE DAY...

'Retrospect For Life' is a heartfelt look at the sensitive subject of abortion. The poignancy of the song really hit home when Common and Hill recorded the song together, just prior to the birth of their own first children.

By the time Common and Hill hooked up to film 'Retrospect For Life' video, both artists had become parents. The video concept follows Common's lyrical storyline with an 'It's A Wonderful Life' type scenario. In the video, Common's girlfriend, played by N'Bushe Wright (Dead Presidents, Zebrahead), announces that she's pregnant with Common's child. He reacts with confusion and distances himself from the situation. He realizes that's not the life he wants for his child and makes the decision to see his girlfriend and baby through.

Common explains, 'Retrospect For Life' is a letter to the unborn child and to the mother of the unborn child and the mixed emotions that arise in a situation like this. It ultimately became the statement about responsibility for me. 'Retrospect...'isn't about pro-choice or life because I believe that's up to the people involved. But for me, I'm choosing to be more responsible.'

You can catch up with Common as the cover story of this month's Rapsheet and as the cover story of the December issue of Rappages. Common will be performing on BET's 'Planet Grooves' this New Year's Eve. Joining Common for this one-hour concert performance will be Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Cee-Lo (The Goodie Mob), and Canibus , with much more to come.

Here's what some of the critics are saying about Common:

• The Village Voice 'So overwhelming is One Day's intellectual and linguistic tableau that getting through it in one, two, or three sittings is almost like attempting to completely mow the Amazon River basin or like trying to download the totality of the World Wide Web.'
• Vibe 'His name is Common. His music is anything but. Common stands alone,m his lyric virtuosity bringing a midwestern depth to all of rap music. One Day... is blessedly intimate—and rooted in pure skill. It's also delciously musical, with masterful tracks by Commons longtime collaborator, No I.D., and memorable guest vocals.'
• Spin 'Common is that rare MC who can spit memorably rugged freestyle boasts, yet slide right back into the role of serious messenger and not seem contradictory. He constantly reminds us that his gift for verse is only a tool.'