Eye Candy: Common

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The ever-so-talented rapper is known for many things, but his winning smile reigns supreme.

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Before he became Common the rapper was known by quite a few monikers. Born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., he launched his hip hop career as Common Sense, but was forced to drop half of his stage name after he was sued by a Ska band with the same name.

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Common was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. After high school he enrolled in Florida A&M University, but left school to pursue his dreams of being an emcee.

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In 1991, the Source magazine’s famed “Unsigned Hype” column showcased Common as one of hip-hop’s freshest faces and one to watch. The following year, Common released his debut album “Can I Borrow a Dollar?” which became an instant hit with his underground fan base.

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In 1994, Common released his second album, “Resurrection” which included the classic “I Used to Love H.E.R.,” a brilliant metaphor for the history and state of hip-hop at the time. It was then that his fan base spread from his Chicago stomping ground and went nationwide.

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Not one for living, or rhyming about, a non-peaceful existence, Common sat down with Louis Farrakhan himself in late 1994, when Farrakhan helped to diffuse the much-publicized rap feud between him and rapper Ice Cube.

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Common’s easy-going lyrics and conscious flow provided a well-received contrast to the gangsta rap movement of the mid-90s; making him the people’s champ.

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Common and Erykah Badu collaborated on the hit single “Love of My Life” from the “Brown Sugar” official soundtrack. Their chemistry transferred off air and the pair dated and later got engaged. Common revealed recently on “The Wendy Williams Show” that Ms. Badu called it quits with him over the phone. Ouch!

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Common is a vegan and all about the animals. The rapper regular supports PETA.

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Common’s style has evolved since his early days on stage wearing a hoodie and jeans. Although he’s mostly a casual cutie by nature, there’s no question that the man looks good in a suit.

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Even with eight albums, and a string of hit movies under his belt, Common remains humble and approachable — he’s rarely spotted with an entourage or security in tow, and does his very best to stop and greet fans whenever they approach him. He’s by all accounts a very loveable guy.

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Born March 13th, 1972, Common’s a sexy Pisces with smooth skin, sultry eyes, and an amazing smile. Ladies, could he be your cosmic connection?

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One part bohemian, two parts cool, Common’s fashion picks are always spot-on.

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Although music is his first love, Common’s acting career is nothing to mess with. He’s starred in a string of hits including the romantic comedy “Just Wright” with Queen Latifah, “American Gangster” with Denzel Washington, and “Wanted” with Angelina Jolie.

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Common flows from the big to small screens with ease. He currently stars on the AMC smash hit “Hell on Wheels” and has had numerous noteworthy guest roles on shows like “Single Ladies,” “One on One,” and “Girlfriends.”

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In September 2011 Common published his first memoir, “One Day It’ll All Make Sense”, which he co-wrote with his mother. In the book he opens up about the relationships he has with the women in his life – both past and present. He talks about how being close to his mother helped to shape who he is today.

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Common’s appropriately titled new album, “The Dreamer, The Believer” was released this winter, and his fans were pleased. Some highlights: Maya Angelou guest stars on a track, and it’s filled with high energy, good vibe jams like his current hit single “Blue Sky”.

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Common throws up his signature deuces on the red carpet while attending a meet and greet in Atlanta in 2012.

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Common performs at Dwyane Wade’s 30th Birthday Celebration at Setai Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida.

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Common makes a scarf look sexier than ever as he takes a break to pose for photos on the red carpet at an event at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

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Common poses for a portrait during the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.