Common is one of my favorite hip hop artists as he deftly weaves dope beats and fresh rhymes to create socially conscious music. He uses his artistry to sing of love for his community but also to speak out against social injustice. He released his sixth studio album, Be, in 2005. To quote lyrics from the title track, Be, “Never looking back or too far in front of me, the present is a gift, and I just want to be.”