In July Common released the two-track Announcement EP, which was really just that: an announcement that there was a new record on the way, of which Pharrell Williams figured to be a big part. The EP’s Neptunes-produced/Pharrell-featuring pair of songs — “Announcement” and “Universal Mind Control” — double as the first two cuts on Common’s forthcoming album. The latter is the record’s title track, and G.O.O.D. Music clique member Hype Williams gets the call on direction, taking his cues from the track’s electro-kissed production, the “some pop some lock some move robotic” lyrics, and the fact that Pharrell wasn’t available for the shoot. Maybe some Terminator, too.
Universal Mind Control is out 11/11 via G.O.O.D. Music/Geffen. Other guests include Kanye (production and a Feat. credit for “Punch Drunk Love”), Cee-Lo, and Pharrell babies Chester French.
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“and the fact that Pharrell wasn’t available for the shoot.”
You do realize that it is Pharrell in the robot helmet, right?
lol, I thought that was obvious as well (with the BBC shirt and all)
I like this track though. One of Pharrell’s better beats lately.
Definitely P. in the robot skull garb. Not a common Common effort but I like it, obviously joining the CRS wave with Kanye and Lupe. Although I do prefer his knowledge rap this track is still cool.
The back little flutter thing totally sounds a Game Boy game after a while…Tetris perhaps? Jurassic Park anyone?
wait, i thought Chester French was that “new weezer” band from way back? What’s going on with them?
I Really love this Video
Common, 2002:
The perseverence of a rebel I drop heavier levels
It’s unseen or heard, a king with words
Can’t knock the hustle, but I’ve seen street dreams deferred
Dark spots in my mind where the scene occured
Some say I’m too deep, I’m in too deep to sleep
Common, 2008:
Cameras, action, change the status
Act the type of your favorite actress
Gucci – Rock’n
Coochies – Pop’n
Movie – Watch’n
Booties – Shop’n
Body – Move’n, Show’n, Groov’n, styl’n and being fly
I touch the masses like a Catholic.
Expensive rap shit, my future’s backlit
Wut?
Common still is one of the best rappers and poets ever. He proves that he can do just about anything in this song. If he wants to do a poetic song he can do it or if he wants a club anthem he can do it.