Common to Speak at FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus February 9

By Liana Lozada Fri., Feb. 4 2011 at 9:00 AM

via twitter.com/common

Chicago native Common (AKA Lonnie Rashied Lynn Jr.) has often been dubbed "hip-hop's Renaissance Man." His socially conscious music has won him Grammys, been utilized by Barack Obama, and survived the phases of an often fickle music industry.

Buddy's acting chops aren't too shabby either. He's graced the silver screen in films like American Gangster, Terminator Salvation, and Date Night.

On February 9, Common will use his overall artistic mastery to deliver a speech on "The Effects of Hip-Hop on American Society" at FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus.

Common's appearance at FIU will be squeezed between dates hosting AT&T's 28 Days Speaker Series. The series honors Black History Month by highlighting five of today's innovative African-American leaders. It includes speaking engagements with entrepreneur Daymond John, activist Kevin Powell, and media maven Tai Beauchamp.

Common will not be performing any songs during FIU's lecture. But we're sure hip-hop heads and intellects won't mind much. The Wednesday night event is presented by the FIU's Student Government Association and it will take place inside the Wolfe University Center Ballroom.

The Effects Hip-Hop on American Society with Common. Wednesday, February 9. The Wolfe University Center Ballroom at FIU's North/Biscayne Bay Campus, 3000 NE 151st St., North Miami. Doors open at 6 p.m. Event runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free for FIU students, alumni, and staff. Tickets cost $5 pre-sale or $10 at the door. Call 305-919-5680 for purchasing information.

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FIU Biscayne Bay Campus, Wolfe University Center Ballroom

3000 N.E. 151st Street, North Miami, FL

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biggest6

It would be interesting to see just how much Hip-Hop has molded today's youth. I would like to see crime statistics prior to Hip-Hop and as to what they are after this type of music has become popular. It glamorizes crime and violence....I'm just sayin'.

Liana

Biggest 6.

Given this comment, it goes to show there is very little you know, or chose to know about hip-hop. Common is one of the artists who stays true to its origins; social awareness and lyrical execution. What you hear on the radio is what I like to call club hop. If that's the case, maybe you should also see "the statistics" of how disco increased cocaine use in the 70's or how the emergence of 80s rock lead to increased unsafe sex and drug use. Record labels glamorize what sells albums and those who buy albums are kids who live in the suburbs. "This type of music" tells stories people don't like to hear. Perhaps read Tupac's "A Rose Who Gear From Concrete" or Jay-Z's "Decoded" to gain some perspective before you generalize a culture or a genre.