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October 7, 2008

New Common (Feat. Pharrell) Video - "Universal Mind Control"

thumbnail icon: New Common (Feat. Pharrell) Video - "Universal Mind Control"

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.

Posted at 11:42 AM by amrit in
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8 Comments

"and the fact that Pharrell wasn't available for the shoot."

You do realize that it is Pharrell in the robot helmet, right?

Posted by: Julio Sanchez at 10/07/08 2:18 PM | Reply
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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.

Posted by: mitchFTFuture at 10/07/08 2:44 PM | Reply
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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.

Posted by: Liquiddj21 profile link at 10/07/08 3:57 PM | Reply
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The back little flutter thing totally sounds a Game Boy game after a while...Tetris perhaps? Jurassic Park anyone?

Posted by: HoopaJoop profile link at 10/08/08 11:51 AM | Reply
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wait, i thought Chester French was that "new weezer" band from way back? What's going on with them?

Posted by: ww at 10/20/08 4:59 PM | Reply
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I Really love this Video

Posted by: Pamela Knox at 10/23/08 9:46 PM | Reply
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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?

Posted by: tradegothic at 12/07/08 2:56 PM | Reply
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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.

Posted by: rhino at 12/29/08 12:49 AM | Reply
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