Common Defends Drake's Hip-Hop Status: 'Dude Is A Very Talented Artist'
Drake and Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) sparked social media discussions after Bey referred to Drake's music as "pop" suitable for retail superstore Target. Fellow emcee Common weighed in on the debate, asserting that Drake originates from the hip-hop genre.
During his appearance on Hot 97's Ebro In The Morning on Wednesday, Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, discussed the commercialization of hip-hop on a larger scale. Reflecting on his song "I Used to Love H.E.R.," he pointed out the industry's shift toward corporatization and loss of purity. The Chicago native expressed that today, artists have the freedom to be true to their art, acknowledging that if someone's goal is to be a pop artist, that's valid.
Regarding Drake, the artist behind 'For All The Dogs,' Common firmly believes in his hip-hop roots.
"To me, I think Drake comes from hip-hop," the 51-year-old said. "When I first heard him rhyming, I was like, 'Yo, this dude rhyming.' And if he goes out and makes songs that are popular, then that's what it is. He's still an MC. The dude is an incredible songwriter, he's an incredible artist."
Common further emphasized Drake's impact, longevity in the industry, and his broad reach that does not, according to him, diminish Drake's status in hip-hop.
"You can't touch that many people, for as long a time as he's been doing [...] This man has touched different aspects of culture and been able to continue to do it," he expressed. "You gotta have some respect and know that this dude is a very talented artist."
While seemingly aligning with Yasiin Bey's perspective, the artist behind "Go!" made it clear that he holds deep respect for Bey. Common praised Bey as a genius, commending his talents as an actor and artist. He emphasized Bey's high-level skills in poetic rap, his versatility and ability to excel in various styles.
Yasiin Bey stirred up the internet during a recent appearance on 'The Cutting Room Floor' podcast. When asked if Drake, 37, falls into the hip-hop category, Bey countered, stating that Drake's music is more akin to pop, suitable for Target or as a shopping soundtrack.
While acknowledging the Grammy winner's musical likability, Yasiin Bey refrained from labeling it as strictly hip-hop.
In response to Yasiin Bey's comments, Drake took to Instagram, sharing a clip of Method Man discussing the essence of hip-hop. Method Man, a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, defined hip-hop as a culture encompassing various elements such as fashion, language, dance, and musical components like breakdancing, rhymes, stage shows, and DJing.
Drake accompanied the Instagram story response with the caption, "What umi say again? Lemme shine my light king don't change up now." The caption is a reference to Mos Def's classic 1999 record "Umi Says."
Drake utilized the lyrics to emphasize his stance and encourage Yasiin Bey not to alter his perspective.
