Common is one of the most renowned MCs in the history of hip-hop, helping to put Chicago on the map, as the East and West coasts were still duking it out. Since the young South Side rapper released his stellar debut, Can I Borrow A Dollar?, in 1992, the man born Lonnie Corant Jaman Shuka Rashid Lynn, has curated an immense discography of experimental, uplifting albums and a plethora of head-nodding, thought-provoking singles that makes the best Common songs essential for hip-hop heads everywhere.

Garnering critical acclaim, Common has received an Emmy, a Grammy, and an Oscar for his songwriting acumen – a rare feat, and a testament to his evolution as an artist. Though he has transitioned into becoming a successful actor, activist, and author, at his core, Common is still the remarkable lyricist from the Windy City.

Off the Rawkus Records compilation Soundbombing II, “One-Nine-Nine-Nine” features an intro by Talib Kweli, a guest verse by Sadat X, and soulful production from Hi-Tek. During this time, Common was affiliated with the underground spirit of Rawkus. Of his many collaborations with Rawkus artists, “One-Nine-Nine-Nine” is essential vintage Common, with the MC showing his bite on the mic: “Check it, it’s like I’m fightin’ for freedom/Writing for freedom/These record company ni__as, I don’t like when I see em/My ancestors, when I’m writin’ I see em and talk wit’ em/Hopin’ in the promised land I can walk wit’ em.”