Common On His Love for Cookies and The One Dish His Mom Must Make For Christmas

This article originally appeared on FoodAndWine.com.

Feeding Young Minds

I believe that what you eat affects the way 
you feel, the way you think and how beautiful you can look, so I’m really passionate about introducing kids to a holistic, healthy, good life. That’s why my foundation, Common Ground, offers nutritional programs where chefs come 
in and talk about eating healthfully.

Superhero Drink
I like green juice, especially one called Green Machine, because it gives me that kick I need. I almost 
played the Green Lantern in a film, but maybe Green Machine 
should be my superhero name.

Music Lessons
I grew up in Chicago eating everything: 
barbecue, hamburgers, bacon. Then I heard rappers, like KRS-One in “My Philosophy,” 
say things about not eating meat, which 
was a real education, especially since it 
was coming from somebody cool. That stayed 
with me and made me want to learn more.

Finding Balance
As soon as I removed meat from 
my diet, I started to feel a clarity 
I didn’t have before. It sounds funny, but I feel like I was rapping 
better. I was vegan for a while, then came back to the middle 
and started eating fish and seafood.

Holiday Hankerings
Food is a big part of celebrating Christmas. Eggnog is one tradition I really enjoy. I’ve 
found some nondairy versions that are pretty good, especially spiked with a little liquor. 
My mother has learned to cook healthy food for me, but she also makes me her fried catfish. 
I know it’s not the best for me, but I love it.

Sweet Rewards
I’m a cookie monster. I like the gluten-free, sugar-free ones from Erin McKenna’s in NYC. I’ll come home after working hard, and they’re my treat—I’ve earned them.