LOS ANGELES -- Common was trying not to crack a smile. The rapper-turned-actor-turned-author was in the midst of having his face powdered in preparation for an interview with a cable music channel.

On the album's 20th anniversary, it's much easier to recognize Be as a crucial intersection record — not simply for Common, on his way to becoming rap's hokey, well-intentioned uncle, but for hip-hop ...

On this day in Hip Hop history, Chicago icon Common released his fifth studio album Electric Circus, a project that still divides fans but has earned lasting respect for its ambition and bravery.

*Check out Common! The rapper/actor is now adding producer to his resume. He’s teaming up with director Thomas Kail (“Hamilton,” “Grease: Live”) and Ian Edelman (“Puerto Ricans in Paris”) for a comedy ...