Talib Kweli & Common Talk Kanye For President, Ice Cube, J Dilla, Activism | People’s Party Full 

TIME-STAMPS: 3:10 -- Talib kicks things off by thanking Common for collaborating with him on Black Star's classic song "Respiration." Kweli first gets into detail on how and why he pursued Common so hard for the collab, Common details how he remembers it, and they both discuss recording the song and shooting the famous music video. 8:40 -- Common gets to speak about his mother Dr. Mahalia Ann Hines. Talib and him discuss how their shared background of having teachers as parents connected Talib, Common, and Kanye with each other. They discuss the importance of knowledge to the art of writing and emceeing, how their upbringing of having teacher parents clearly translates through their subject matter, and Common remembers how his mom would open her doors to underprivileged kids in the neighborhood to hang out and expand their minds. 17:50 -- Common's father Lonnie "Pops" Lynn Jr. gets a big shout-out, who passed away in 2014. Talib brings up how he always looked out for Talib when he performed in Denver, Common speaks on how profoundly wise he was, as well as a little bit crazy at times, Pops' deep love and respect for hip hop culture, at one point even having interest in doing his own EP. He also mentions his hanging out with Dr. Sebi before passing, and they reminisce about a time when Dave Chappelle, got Common and Talib to jump in a pick-truck at 4am to visit the place where Pops met Common's mother Mahalia. 23:33 -- Jasmin brings up Common and her both attending Florida A&M University, and asks him what about HBCUs makes them such a vital part of promoting black excellence. He reflects on how going there gave him the opportunity to expand his knowledge base of the black experience beyond his hometown of Chicago, and they touch on some of the greats that HBCUs have produced over the years. 26:57 -- Talib brings up Common's song/album titled "Nobody's Smiling" inspired by the violence and high crime in Chicago. He asks Common how he feels about the current state of Chicago being weaponized in political conversations. Common talks about his concern in seeing his home-town's situation being exploited by politicians, how it's struggles are viewed with a complete lack of empathy, and expresses how he feels black people generally can't depend on the government for help. 29:52 -- Common is asked about the evolution that took place from his first album "Can I Borrow A Dollar" to his second "Resurrection", made very apparent with his immortal classic "I Used To Love H.E.R.". Talib asks Common to touch on the things that inspired him to write the song, and if he had any foresight as to how much it would inspire the culture. Common notes what he felt when he first heard the beat, and the reaction of a friend of his during his performance when he didn't understand the concept until the last line. He also clarifies how it wasn't about hating on the West Coast contribution to hip hop. 38:13 -- Common speaks about his past beef with Ice Cube. He gets into specifics on where he was when he first heard that Cube dissed him on "Westside Slaughterhouse", and the tipping point when he decided he had to make his own diss record response with "The Bitch In Yoo". He then goes into detail on how Louis Farrakhan got involved to help them reconcile and that neither ever felt any real animosity toward one another, with Common even starring in a "Barbershop" film. Common also talks about his producers No I.D., Twilite Tone, and Dug Infinite in how essential they were in creating the sound and tone for his early albums. 45:04 -- Common and Talib discuss the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement sending both of them to Cuba at different times to meet with activist Assata Shakur. Common speaks on how that experience impacted his career, how it was the first time he really felt like he was an active participant in a movement, how Assata she proved to him how you can be an activist and still have fun, and tells about a dinner conversation that gave him pause when an FBI agent brought up Assata's name. 50:43 -- Talib brings up Electric Lady Studios in New York, where both him and Common have recorded albums. Common explains how special and unique the place is, with it's rich history of amazing music being made there since Jimi Hendrix had it built in the 1960's. He details the memorable sessions there when he, Talib, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, and others were all recording simultaneously, and how inspiring that was. 53:40 -- Common is asked about J Dilla's production for "The Light'', and if he knew it was going to become such a classic of it's time. He details how he felt when he first heard it before he even penned the lyrics, he mentions who he had in mind when writing it, and how liberating it was to be able to drop a hip hop love song, and have it be embraced by everyone. They also talk about the layers of human beings and how people should be given a chance to evolve from past mistakes. 1:02:16 -- Common speaks on his time being roommates with J Dilla, and how they would pool their record collections together. All contributing to the making of Dilla's "Donuts" album, which he produced in their living room, and in his hospital bed. Common reflects on how much he appreciated that time in his life, as well as noting the bittersweet aspect of dealing with the fact of both of them being at the peaks of their careers while his brother was suffering from a serious illness. 1:06:30 -- Common explains how he's maintained such close friendships with his exes throughout the years. Talib also brings up the tours they've done together, and how he's met some of his favorite musicians while on the road with him, and also asks Common what made him want to sign on, and work so closely with Kanye West. He outlines how the partnership came together, all happening at a time when Common was searching for a new sound. 1:14:57 -- Jasmin brings up Kanye's announced run for president in 2020. Note: The episode was taped on July 5th, the day after West made international news by announcing a presidential bid via tweet. Common goes into what came to his mind the moment he read the tweet, Talib and Common share their personal reservations about the idea, they discuss the low bar that's been set for presidential candidates, Common speaks on voting for policy stances over the candidate, and his evolution of thought on politics in general. 1:22:03 -- Talib pivots the convo to movies, and brings up Common's work in cinema. He asks Common why he was taking so many tough guy roles especially early in his career with films like "Smokin' Aces", "Street Kings", and Terminator, despite his famously nice-guy persona in real life. Common also goes into what he was hoping for when he got into acting, and they also discuss breaking down black stereotypes in Hollywood. 1:26:18 -- Common reflects on his recently released book titled "Let Love Have the Last Word: A Memoir", where he opens up about being molested as a child. Talib asks him how he came to the point of wanting to share this with the world, and Common credits it to a conversation he had that helped him realize how important it was to be included in the book as to help erase the stigma of discussing these experiences. 1:31:49 -- Common and Talib mutual friend, film producer Scott Budnick gets a shout-out and his work as an advocate for prison reform. Talib asks Common about his own activism for reform of the criminal justice system. Common talks about meeting with author Michelle Alexander who wrote "The New Jim Crow" and her schooling him on how much prisons are at the heart of the destruction of the black community over so many generations. Common also opens up about the perspective he gained when he started talking to these prisoners, and hearing their stories. 1:37:21 -- Talib harkens back to the topic of toxic masculinity and homophobia, admitting to his own past mistakes and needing to evolve. He asks Common to detail his evolution of thought, leading to talk about his growing up in South Side Chicago, and how ultra-masculinity was ingrained in the culture and seen as a way of survival. He talks about the things that helped him move past that mentality and shares a story of what two gay men said to him after a show about some of his lyrics. 1:43::45 -- Jasmin brings up Common's "Common Ground Foundation" that's been going strong for many years, and asks what they're current focus is. Common expands on how they've been helping inner-city youth in Chicago through mentoring and college preparation programs. Focusing on areas of nutrition, healthy living, financial literacy, character development, and creative expression. He also touches on his work as a primary partner for the A.I.M. (Arts In Motion) Charter School. 1:48:16 -- Common expounds on his work to hold politicians accountable to their promises in the improvement of black and brown communities, in having sit-downs with community members and those running for office. Jasmin then goes on to reference Common's recent song "Black America Again ' while she asks what's his higher purpose, and what he feels like he owes the next generation.

I'm from DC and "I use to love her" came on while I was driving for Lyft. I had a young lady as my passenger that picked up from Howard University. So I'm sitting there driving resiting bar for bar and she asked me "You like this song?" I was like "yeah this that real hip hop, what you know about this?" turned the volume up a notch. Then she was like "thats my dad", stuck in amazement I replied "You must know a lot". I told her how Like Water for chocolate molded my and influenced some key decisions in my youth and adulthood.

At the end of 1999 I was 13 years old and I had just passed the 7th grade. My dad (who is late now) took me to pick up my report card at school and then took me to the mall afterwards to celebrate. He knew I loved music so he took me to the local music store and told me I could choose whatever I wanted. I went straight to the hip hop section and browsed through it for a while. I eventually stumbled onto this CD with a green cover and a picture of a woman drinking out of a water fountain with "colored only" written in bold white letters on the side. I didn't know what it was but it drew me in and I just knew I had to have it and I had to know what was on it. It obviously turned out to be one of Commons masterpieces. That moment changed my life forever so there's a special place in my heart connected to the memory of my father for Common. THANK YOU PEOPLES PARTY, LOVE ❤️

I was going to a very white High school back in 2009. For English class I had to present a song with its lyrics to the class, breaking them down. I chose Respiration. I read every lyric to them white folk, happily.

Now you all have to interview No Name, J. Cole, Black Thought, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Rakim, Q-Tip, DJ Premier, Dream Hampton, Erykah Badu

The Light is a certified classic

This was a dope episode. Talib's story of just seeing Dave Chappelle on the street and asking him to come to the studio is dope as hell

Common is one of my favorite music artists EVER. Huge fan.

Common is in my Top 5 DOA. The man doesn't get mentioned that frequently even though he has a very solid discography. Resurrection is a masterpiece, shout out to No ID for producing that and BE is also a great album, Kanye's production on that is smooth. And many other tracks he has speak to me on so many levels. Great lyricism and content. People say he's too "preachy" or soft but the more I've grown, the more all his content resonates with me. Don't forget the man bodied Ice Cube back then on that beef they had and then Drake as well years later. He's proved to be a real MC throughout his whole career. Respect!

Beautiful Interview, Rest In Peace J Dilla 🙏♥️

Is it me or does anyone else feel the RESPECT and ADMIRATION between these brothers?

Thanks for putting this together Kweli. I’m from the land where “if you can talk you can sing, if you can walk you can dance!”

Respiration...my number one favorite song. The content, the lyricism, the feeling. Thank you Talib Kweli, Mos Def, and Common Sense.

I could listen to these two converse, all day long. So enlightening to hear their perspective. And they made me go check out songs I've never heard. Thank you.

from the clips i've seen on Talib's instagram, i already know this podcast is gonna be dope!

Electric circus was dope.. Period!! Anyone who dissed that record was a close minded fool. Common & Stereolab colab was epic. Reminiscent of De La & Teenage Fanclub colab on Judgement Night.

For the record, ELECTRIC CIRCUS is one the craziest albums I've ever heard. So diverse and broad, but natural. I LOVE THAT ALBUM. It is life in a pure form. Very slept on album. SOULQUARIANS

This was a great interview, Common, Talib and Jas. I have always been a fan of both of you gentlemen, and seeing you two together, brings back a great era and time in my life, especially with the conscious hip hop / rap and neo - soul movement. This movement needs to be in the atmosphere heavy again.

This was an awesome interview. Humanity, politics, therapy, relationships, youth camps, creative collectives, incarceration, women's rights, education...It is wonderful to see Common blessing the world with his work, his talents, and his gifts. I am inspired by his humility and his determination to continue developing and growing as a person and an artist. 💛

Been waiting on this interview. Now y'all gotta get Yasiin & Black thought on here.

I think this is one of the best interviews that Common has done. Salute to my twin Common, Talib & Jaz.

Maaaan....2 of my favorites!!! Respect!!

Common and Talib THANK YOU FOR THE RESPONSE ABOUT YE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT... that was truth!!!!

I was waiting on this full episode. I definitely wasn't disappointed. It was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 💯

Ayyyyee. The best part of quarantine is "Ladies & Gentlemen... Kweli!"

I've been waiting on this conversation for a long time. Thank you for everything you do!

i haven't heard the term "elevated" in about a minute. love you qweli and love common.

I recommend Common's "IOne day will all make sense" is a must read..Big Ups " People's Party" this book was the catalyst to my Turnaround... Blessings 🙌 on you Common..

Some of my experiences with Common. He'd pop in unadvertised at shows here in Detroit with DeLa and The Roots to do windmills and 'I use to...'. he staged dived once on me. His song G.O.D. shaped my soul to open up on hip hop (Ras Kass 'nature of the threat' shaped my brain). Took my now wife to see him and The Roots in Detroit 2 years ago. BT missed his flight and Common did an entire set that was awesome (Roots rescheduled but Common couldn't come so we got to see Royce open up them). Such a inspiring person

Common gets progressively HIGH as this episode goes on. 🌿🔥💨💨💨💨

Great interview with Common, he is one of my favorite mcs. I personally loved Commons 3rd album One Day It Will All Make Sense an underrated gem of an album. I loved the majority of this brother's albums, but when they mentioned my brothers movies; nobody didn't bring up LUV. That was my favorite Common movie, hopefully Common does more films of that ilk. But on another note Jasmine looking good as usual, getting her Caren Wheeler( lead singer of Soul 2 Soul) on...lol. But excellent show Talib & Jasmine & People Party staff. Please get Jean Grae, MF DOOM, Hieroglyphics, and definitely Yasiin Bey( The artist formerly known as Mos Def).

Top 5 DOA MC, Common Sense! He's got all the ingredients of a top rapper: great body of work (with a couple of classic albums), punchlines, wordplay, subject matter, freestyle ability, longevity. He just has the "curse" of being boxed-in as a "conscious rapper" - he'll always get overlooked because of that.

Found my new favorite podcast today, thank you and I will always support you Talib Kweli ✌

A World class interview!! May god bless these 2 brothers 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 who have changed my life: Talib Kweli and Common Sense ❤🖤💚✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

Listening to Common is like reading a book! He is very Smart and wise! Some of the things he said made me to remember one of his most great song named “The 6th sense” God bless you brother, Let love

This interview wasn't 2 hours by accident. Nice as usual Jasmin & Talib,

This is a great episode. I always liked Common. I have even more respect for him after hearing of all the organizations his is involved in and the work he does to make the world a better place. This has become one of my favorite shows. I look forward to it every week. If you need more guest suggestions, I'd love to see Wordsworth, JB Smoove, R.A The Rugged Man, Masta Ace, Terry Crews, Jazzy Jeff or Brother Ali, just to name a few. Props to Kweli, Jasmin and everyone who works at the People's Party. Keep doing your thing! Peace

"I'm into Chitown heroes like Fred Hampton and neighborhood Debo's the rebirth of D. Rose" Common

I need to somehow fit this in my schedule. Common and Kweli are one of my favorite artists ever.

We need De La Soul, Raekwon, Ghostface, E-40,Larenz Tate and DJ Quik

What a great conversation. Me as a white HipHop and Music fan from Germany in my forties, i bought all your records and played them as a DJ. Listend to them on my walkman and minidiscplayer. much love from overhere!

Best interview questions ever! I couldn't stop watching, listening and learning!

As a fan of both Talib Kweli and Common, this was an interview that was excellent! The insight, wisdom and overall positivity was just incredible. I love that they have a deep mutual admiration and love for one another. It's definitely wonderful to see two men have such an awesome dynamic. Continued love and light to both of these extraordinary men!❤❤❤

Out of all the great interviews you had on your show this one is the best so far

Seen these dudes on the Spit Kicker tour. Major impact in my life!

Deff needed this episode. Thank you!!

I’m A Young Chicano , From Highland Park . North East La .. Let Me Tell You You’re Podcasts , Gets Me Through My Shifts & Inspires Me . I Seen Common Perform In My Neighborhood , Years Ago .. , Thank You For What You Guys Do .. Serio 🙇🏻

Electric Lady right around the corner from Fat Beats. Miss those days.

This was the best Common interview I've ever seen. #RESPECT

Respiration is my favorite song on Black Star. My favorite. I want to cry when I hear it. It’s all the way in my heart.

Man, when Talib talked about the Belly Up, that brought back some memories for me. I was able to see the roots there during their OK Player Tour. I think Talib might have been with them that night. I saw Talib at the 4th B Club in downtown San Diego, too though. He was there with Erykah Badu. I saw him one more time in Portland. When Common talked about Summer Jam I thought of when I saw him in Irvine, CA. That was also super dope. To anyone who gets the chance to see either one of these brothers make sure to take advantage of opportunity. We all know these two are high caliber way upper tier MC's here. Respect to both of these dudes.

Good conversation I learned a lot. some of the dopest stuff what happens behind the scenes to make that happen

Thanks and Much love from Montreal, Quebec, Canada!!!

This is chock full of wisdom as expected. I wish I could break down some of my thoughts but there was so many important topics that I don't even know where to begin. Loved this, so much respect to Talib, Jas and Common 💜

Great fucking interview Talib! One of my favorite rappers of all time salute! common always been a stand up dude💯

Hands get em up high for Talib Kweli and common

I could listen to these guys chat all day.

Forever grateful for Common and Kweli. Their music and influence got me through my late teenage years and into adulthood.

Information for year...thanks y'all

This is an amazing conversation. Props for what y'all did for hip hop.

Yoooooooo!!!!!!! this was amazing bro. You really got the sauce on this one

common I love you brother. Taliban I never really dug your cadence but you message is legit. Jazz you remind me of my lil sisters love the energy. peace and progress!

Common resurrection changed my life!! To this day when I’m feeling a certain time of way, resurrection and one day it will all make sense are a must. Thank you common for getting my through so much in life.

Watsup Kwe...Jazz..and Rashid. Shout out from South Africa.

My favorite Podcast...I love hearing about books Talib recommends. I am reading the Bluest Eye right now because of that mention. Common mentions the book The Black Poets, I had to grab that. Hip-Hop is education, growth, and connection.

I was going to say, "You can ask him the questions from The Questions." LOL.

Common is my favorite rapper I salute too that brother ✌

Great stuff. Really really loved this conversation.

Great interview! I have been eating for this one since seeing the clips. Maybe one with Chappelle soon? I love Common’s statement about wholistic improvement - economic, social and emotional.

For the record (and I'm just sharing), Commons Electric Circus is one of my favorite albums from that guy. Thanks for the courage to go in that direction, fi real. Str8 human expressions... Dope.

Yes ❣️❣️👁️he's Blessed tht his Mother was a teacher who loved to teach... Bravo to her respect due ❣️🙏💯

This was worth every minute of my day today shoutout to kweli, and jasmine for this blessing today🙏🏾✊🏾 #poets

Thank you.

Yessssss. Get Yasin on next.

Come on kerfuffle and decadent; I learned the word kerfuffle about a year ago. I thoroughly appreciate Talib and Common as MC's. They spent a good portion of this talk about the importance of education and reading. That is just dope!

This is so wholesome. RESPECT

Resperation is one of my all time favorites

I love Common so so much. I’m a fan of the music but a bigger fan of the man. Such a solid dude

Man, this is a great conversation. Thanks + love from The Netherlands!

This interview touched my spirit. The discussion about the importance of feeding your mind to grow was heavy. I grew up in the south during a time where it wasn't cool to be a black kid with intelligence on display. It wasn't until I went to college that I learned black people (Africans) used to educate the ancient world out of Timbuktu. I appreciate seeing education championed in our culture. May it spread far to yield much fruit for the world. Blessings to Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh. Keep spreading love, thank you!

Thanks Kings and Queen Jasmine. #CeverelyYours

In front of two inch glass... I'm amazed by all that flies.... inspiration when I write...I see my daughter's eyes

Two favorite MC’s dropping real gems! Appreciate all you do Kweli! Maybe Nas / KRS as a future guest ? 👀

Damn. This is a GREAT interview!!!!

Rasheed , one of my favs always loved Common.

His laid back demeanor ....Smokin Aces

I used to love her top 5 hip hop song all time 🔥💯🙌

As a rapper who has a daughter, Common's lyrics and life taught me so much about being a man. Thank you for that! New book was really inspiring! Salute Talib as well

"It was all good just a week ago..."

@Common biggest fan right here. Sense 92. My favorite ICON of all time. #1 on my list now, then and FOREVER.

Yoooo!!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

I understand now when they talk about their parents. My vocabulary came up listening to the black star album ,we def used a dictionary for those lyrics

Respiration is my favorite song all time! Period!!!!✌🏿 Maze Golden Time of Day is number 2

Peace to Common and Kweli 🇻🇨🇻🇨🇻🇨

Common is one of the coolest and most successful artist ever. His personality and music fit him thats what makes him successful to this day. I still remember him and Ice Cube going at it. He got at Cube hard. Classic Track.

Respiration is one of the greatest songs of all time!!!

Great listen, y'all.

Such a great human! Common is an inspiration.

This was really good.

My mother was a teacher too. It actually got me into education. I'm an elementary school principal now. My moms was my biggest inspiration. That's love.