Common and N.E.R.D. On paper, this sounds like 2 different shows. In reality, Pharrell’s click and Common share a common thread of coloring outside the lines: Common as a virtuosic lyricist who isn’t afraid to break the rules — be it the rules of rap or fashion; N.E.R.D. as an adventurous band in an environment that rewards conformity.

On the heels of Common’s upcoming album, produced entirely by Pharrell, their paths merged at the Houston Verizon Theater if only for one night. Opening acts N.E.R.D. (Chad was missing in action) delivered a thoroughly exciting and energetic performance, while headliner Common turned in a mellow, female-friendly, and surprisingly short set. Pharrell came back on stage and helped Common close out the show with a stunning rendition of “Gladiator,” off Common’s new album.

Here’s a photo account of the show. Read the rest of this entry »

Common gave Houston fans a taste of “Gladiator,” one of the Pharrell-laced songs on Universal Mind Control, last night at the Verizon Theater concert. It was definitely one of the highlights of Common’s performance.

After taking what must have been hundreds of pictures, my camera caved in. Good thing Enigmatik was around to record the video.

At last night’s Common show, Enigmatik and I were talking about how silly it is that Common intends to release an album titled Invincinble Summer in the winter, no less. If Comm had dropped Invincible Summer in June as previously scheduled, the title would’ve made a lot of sense. But no, he was too busy filming a movie to release any music. Well, guess what? We’ve now entered the fall season.

Apparently, Common realized this as well and suddenly changed his album title from Invincible Summer to *gasp* Universal Mind Control. “Pharrell produced the entire Universal Mind Control album,” said Common at the concert. So there you have it, Universal Mind Control arrives this November.

Zune and Common have teamed up with The Rap Up to offer a pair of tickets to tomorrow’s show to one lucky reader. If you’d like to see Common and N.E.R.D. in concert at Houston’s Verizon Theater tomorrow night, all you have to do is answer the following question:

• Common is one of the most vocal hip-hop leaders in the fight against HIV/AIDS. What’s the personal incident he often cites as his motivation for getting involved?

Send your answer to therapup at gmail.com. The first correct entry wins.

Be sure to keep an eye out for more from Zune and Common in the coming months. For now, you can always check out Common’s Zune social page.

Update: We have a winner. Contest Closed

Teaser video for Common’s horrid new single, “UMC (Universal Mind Control).”

I’m still torn on “Announcement.” The beat’s hot, but the rhymes are lukewarm.

Common performing “Gladiator” live.

Serena Williams covers the July issue of Ebony, in which she talks about dating, olympic bid, and her stellar physique. She deflected a question about her relationship with Common, but didn’t hesitate to compliment him on his mic skills.

On Common:

“I think he’s a great guy. He’s obviously a great artist who is timeless and classic. You can’t beat that. But I have to focus on tennis because that’s my goal in life.”

Oh well, I guess no more rough nights.