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Common (Rapper)

Giving support to young war widows. Providing something as simple as soap to thousands to stave off disease. Taking children from the slums to the soccer fields.

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Five years of CNN Heroesupdated: Fri Dec 09 2011 10:09:00

Since 2007, CNN has profiled more than 160 everyday people who are changing the world.

CNN Heroes: Sharing the Spotlightupdated: Wed Dec 07 2011 16:16:00

Many celebrities have taken part in the CNN Heroes campaign and attended the annual "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" shows. Here, we reach out to some of them and learn about the ways they've chosen to get involved and give back.

Finding 'Common' ground with kidsupdated: Mon Oct 03 2011 18:05:00

Hip-hop artist Common wants to create a supportive community for youths on Chicago's South Side. The Grammy Award winner started the Common Ground Foundation to help underserved youth develop leadership and life skills.

Rapper Common helps empower youthupdated: Mon Oct 03 2011 18:05:00

Hip-hop artist Common explains how his foundation provides support for underserved youth on Chicago's South Side.

Celebrities applaud CNN Heroesupdated: Wed Dec 22 2010 15:31:00

At "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute," celebrity presenters and performers help shine the spotlight on 10 everyday people whose extraordinary accomplishments are making a difference in their communities and beyond.

Bon Jovi on his Soul Foundationupdated: Wed Dec 22 2010 15:31:00

Jon Bon Jovi discusses the motivation behind his charitable Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation with HLN's A.J. Hammer.

Philly rappers take a stand against school violenceupdated: Thu Dec 09 2010 11:20:00

It's pretty clear from his hard-hitting lyrics that Philadelphia rapper Freeway is no stranger to street life.

Why 'DJ Hero 2' makes 'Common' senseupdated: Fri Nov 05 2010 16:12:00

The holidays have arguably come early for armchair disc jockeys, who can scratch along with exclusive musical mash-ups of songs by popular artists in remix simulator "DJ Hero 2."

People.com: Kelly Osbourne Bounces Back from Breakup at Vegas Clubupdated: Fri Jul 16 2010 15:47:00

The 25-year-old enjoys a night out with friends a day after she announces her engagement is over

People.com: First Listen: John Legend & the Roots Want You to 'Wake Up!'updated: Fri Jul 16 2010 14:47:00

The musicians ready their politically motivated new song from their upcoming covers album

People.com: Serena Williams Wanted Venus's Body - But Not Anymoreupdated: Tue Jul 06 2010 10:28:00

Plus, the tennis star explains why she and rapper Common called it quits

Femi Kuti: blending Afrobeat and politicsupdated: Wed Nov 11 2009 11:06:00

Energetic, infectious and combative, the music of Nigerian musician Femi Kuti has moved audiences around the world. But the man is just as passionate about getting people to change their world as much as move their feet.

The king of Afrobeatupdated: Wed Nov 11 2009 11:06:00

Musician Femi Kuti has modernized the Afrobeat sound that his father Fela Kuti helped pioneer.

The Roots are no sell-outsupdated: Thu Sep 24 2009 11:37:00

The Roots say their new gig on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" affords them a chance to hone their musical chops.

?uestlove: The Roots 'redefine art of house band'updated: Thu Sep 24 2009 11:37:00

Yes, they signed with a mega-label and are cashing checks as a late-night show's house band, but sellouts? The Roots?

Common: 'Chain-shining era' goneupdated: Wed Sep 23 2009 13:44:00

Rapper Common says he thinks President Obama is inspiring hip-hop to shift toward being more hopeful.

Common: 'Obama effect' steering rap away from rims, blingupdated: Wed Sep 23 2009 13:44:00

Rims and bling? They're "super-played out," Common said, explaining that hip-hop is finding another direction and President Obama is helping point the way.

Rapper Common: Obama will change hip-hop's attitudeupdated: Tue Dec 09 2008 13:59:00

The rapper Common wants to take hip-hop in a new direction, he says, and he has an unsuspecting ally -- President-elect Barack Obama.

Rapper: A Common path to 'Universal Mind Control'updated: Tue Dec 09 2008 11:04:00

Common's "Universal Mind Control" is set to hit store shelves Tuesday, but the rapper has a lot more than an eighth album release on his horizon.

People.com: Serena Williams Skirts Question About Dating Commonupdated: Thu Jun 05 2008 15:07:00

The tennis champ will only admit about the rapper, "I think he's a great guy"

People.com: Couples Flock to Kanye's Concertupdated: Tue Apr 22 2008 10:53:00

He may be single, but West's L.A. show was still the date spot Monday night

People.com: Hip-Hop Awards Go On – Without Arrested Rapper T.I.updated: Mon Oct 15 2007 14:02:00

Rapper T.I., a multiple nominee and scheduled performer at the BET Hip-Hop Awards, was arrested just hours before show time on charges of illegally buying machine guns.

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