Common

Common made a classic album in 2005 with Be, which featured production only by Kanye West and J Dilla. In an interview with Complex, the hip hop star said he’d love to do more music with Kanye, but sees it as an act of passion versus obligation

The Summer Spirit Festival, an annual day of R&B, soul, hip-hop, funk and go-go, is different each year, but there have always been a couple of constants — weather hot enough for a temporary moratorium on making fun of sweat stains, and a festival-stealing set from the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown.

Last year, while working on the independent film "LUV" in Baltimore, Common received the type of treatment typical for a celebrity of his stature. He met the mayor in her office. He played basketball at Carmelo Anthony's gym.