Common caught up with Rap-Up TV on set of the Parris-directed video for “Blue Sky,” the first single off his upcoming album The Dreamer, The Believer, due November 22. Filmed at the historic Barclay Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, the empowering visuals include vignettes of people chasing their dreams. The Chi-town MC broke down the concept and shed some light on his new music.
“We’re able to show the inspiration that the song creates,” explained Common. “Now we’re able to take these vignettes and show people aspiring to get their dreams and that’s really what the song is about, like saying go get it.”
The rapper-actor’s ninth album was produced by No I.D. and marks a return to his roots, with an appearance from John Legend. “It’s hip-hop music, good music,” said Common. “It’s just hip-hop at the essence, soul hip-hop. Because [No I.D. and I have] both grown as artists, now you’re getting songs at a higher level where they can appeal to more people, but it’s still hip-hop rooted.”