Common Album, Universal Mind Control

2008 Release Features Kanye West, Pharrell, and 'Punch Drunk Love'

Dec 5, 2008 Matthew Fortuna

Common's short "feel good" album released with almost strictly Neptues production, "Announcement" featuring Pharrell, and "Punch Drunk Love" featuring Kanye West.

The 8th studio album from rapper Common, 2008’s Universal Mind Control features a departure from the introspective verses penned by Common on his previous two albums, Finding Forever and Be.

The 2008 album, according to Common, was “for the summer time, it’s about feeling good… This is the type of music I felt was missing from my body of work.” Removed from the jazz and rhythm and blues influences of his last two albums, Universal Mind Control features a very electronic, eclectic brand of hip hop production, characteristic of Pharrell Williams.

“Punch Drunk Love” featuring Kanye West

The album’s second track features longtime Common collaborator Kanye West. Previous collaborations on Common’s 2005 album Be featured a definite jazz influence and sparse drum and keyboard arrangements. This most recent Chicago-connection features production from The Neptunes. With Common on two verses and West on the chorus, Common “makes it hot, baby,” warming it up for an under toned serenade by Kanye’s auto tuned hook.

“Universal Mind Control” featuring Pharrell

“This is that automatic / I stay fresh like I’m wrapped in plastic / Beat go spastic / See galactic,” raps Common on the album’s introduction, a galactic sounding, up tempo rap, with quick drums and heavy synthesized keyboards. A chorus featuring Pharrell has fans, “Standing in line / That universal mind control / Now shake your behind.”

Pharrell’s other vocal contribution, as well as production credits throughout the album, is on “Announcement.” The song was released as an EP in late summer 2008. Another braggadocios track has the two rapper’s claiming that: “This is hip hop baby / Fittin’ to take it to the tip top baby / And tell your girl that the tickets is out / 'Cause we gonna do it till they kickin' us out."

Changes

For the first time in his career without socially conscious raps, Common takes a departure from serious songs penned about race relations, poverty, politics, love, and soul searching. For this Common album, his beats, take on an electronic sound with heavy bass. His topics cover sex, his own rap prowess, and his spot over other rappers he takes out like “hot garbage.” He raps about his own Universial Mind Control.

Universal Mind Control tracklist and production

  1. Intro/Universal Mind Control (featuring Pharrell)
  2. Punch Drunk Love (featuring Kanye West)
  3. Make My Day (featuring Cee-Lo Green) (produced by Mr. DJ)
  4. Sex 4 Sugar
  5. Announcement (featuring Pharrell)
  6. Gladiator
  7. Changes (featuring Muhsinah) (produced by Mr. DJ)
  8. Inhale
  9. What A World (featuring Chester French) (produced by Mr. DJ)
  10. Everywhere

(All songs produced by The Neptunes, except where noted)

The copyright of the article Common Album, Universal Mind Control in Rap/Hip Hop Music is owned by Matthew Fortuna. Permission to republish Common Album, Universal Mind Control in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Common on stage, Kelsey Marie Bell Common on stage
   
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Comments

Dec 6, 2008 1:13 PM
Guest :
UMC is blowing up big. The 808 sound is back. I discovered this gem which is also an electro tune but with a much better hook. It's called "Future Beat" by Vinyl Life.

http://vimeo.com/1965560/

J-Hood Chicago
Dec 24, 2008 6:12 PM
Guest :
Indeed, this album has a definite different yet, Unique sound. I was hearing all types of words about this album, finally got to hear it for myself and I love it!
Common always does his thing when he drops records, I never doubt the Kid.
Chicago All Day!

Sun from the Chi
2 Comments