This 12-inch single LP found in my friends collection. "The Corner," a track by rapper and actor Common. Produced and featuring a chorus by Kanye West, it also incorporates spoken word by The Last Poets. The cover art elegantly combines captivating typography with an image representing a street corner, aligning seamlessly with the song's narrative about urban life in poor American hoods. Common is widely known as an artist who fits into the “Conscious Hip-hop” genre. Conscious hip hop, a subgenre focused on social and political themes, addresses issues like systemic oppression, racism, and poverty, aiming to raise awareness and inspire change. Common, a key figure, not only creates music with these themes but also actively advocates for causes such as criminal justice reform and youth empowerment. He leverages his influence as a cultural icon to promote positive social change beyond just making music. This song, in particular, is featured on Common's sixth studio album titled "Be” and this album is considered to be one of the best conscious hip-hop albums of the 2000s
The 12 inch single tracklist includes:
A1- The Corner (Radio)
A2- The Corner (Instrumental)
A3- The Corner (Radio A Cappella)
B1- The Corner (LP)
B2- The Corner (LP A Acapella)
B3- The Corner (Last Poet Reprise)
General Info:
Released- February 2005
Cover Designer - Unknown
Published by Jambetta Music
Phonographic Copyright - Geffen Records
Copyright - Geffen Records
Single Info:
Featuring, Words By [Spoken Word By] - The Last Poets
Producer - Kanye West
Sources:
Clifton. “Common : The Corner.” Common : The Corner, July 25, 2005. https://justasong2.blogspot.com/2009/07/common-corner.html.
Video, Daily. “Common ‘the Corner’ (2005).” Hip Hop Golden Age, July 1, 2016. https://hiphopgoldenage.com/common-the-corner-2005/.
Common – the corner (2005, vinyl) - discogs. Accessed May 8, 2024. https://www.discogs.com/release/435348-Common-The-Corner.
