Common at the Mezzanine

Something about Common's performance last night wasn't quite right. I'll have to think about it a little longer to pinpoint, but it may boil down to stamina. Here's the thing -- Lupe Fiasco, who is a relative new-comer, rocked the house for almost three hours when I saw him. Common, who has TONS of material to work with, konked out after an hour and a half.

Don't get me wrong, there were some bright spots in this performance that were kick- ass: 1) his freestyle: he autographed a single for a fan while rapping about it 2) he rapped and played the drums at the same time - I can barely walk and talk on my cell phone at the same time! 3) a lyrical hip-hop montage with snippets from records that shape the genre 4) he acted out "Testify," and 5) "The Light" - I'll love this song no matter what!

So it definitely wasn't a bad show ... and yet ... it didn't strike that perfect balance between being satisfied, and still wanting more. I’d see him again, but would think twice before buying my ticket.