"Common's Biggest Regret…"

It’s too many black women that can say that they mothers, but can’t say that they wives…”–Common

Before Common was this close to portraying the superhero, Green Lantern, on the silver screen, before he hooked up with ol’ girl from Compton who happens to tote mean back hand volley, even before he and Kanye laced the world with a classic, he was known to the hip-hop realm simply as Common Sense.

On the surface, this was the guy who, before Andre 3K, had his wardrobe in question and his rhyming scheme was considered “too complex” to ever become a mainstream mainstay. However, what many “new” Common fans haven’t yet, and probably never will realize, is that some of his most legendary records spawned during this era.

Enter his 1997 effort, One Day It’ll All Make Sense, more specifically the track “Retrospect For Life” featuring the aforementioned Lauryn Hill.

For all the negatives associated with hip-hop, one of the more endearing qualities it possesses is its ability to invoke emotion with certain records. This is due to the feeling and expectation that each artist has either lived or knew someone personally who experienced what the content of the song preached. On about 95% of albums, there is at least one song which allows the artist to become introspective and express their thoughts on issues ranging from death, relationships, life in the industry, etc. etc.

However, only a few go on to achieve legendary status and be mentioned with the likes of Tupac’s “Dear Mama” or Ghostface’s “All That I Got Is You”. Com and L-Boogie’s impassioned serenade about abortion and a plea for active participation by fathers in their children’s lives is a topic that still dominates the very foundation of African-American family life.

Once called the “soundtrack to my soul” by a female friend who experienced the same situation, it’s easy to believe the same sentiments are reflected in thousands of women across the country. With lines like,

I’m sorry for takin’ your first breath, first step, and first cry
But I wasn’t prepared mentally nor financially

and

I don’t wanna, go through the drama of havin’ a baby’s momma
Weekend visits and buyin’ J’s ain’t gon’ make me a father

and

I’ma use self control instead of birth control
‘Cause 315 dollars ain’t worth your soul

it’s easy  to see why so many men and women could gravitate toward a song that dealt with such a potent subject (and that’s just the first verse). Not to mention, Lauryn’s soothing, yet cold hook, didn’t hurt either. The way she harmonizes the words “Why didn’t you stay…” is enough to send chills down your spine and tears in your eyes. Boogie managed to define the feelings of millions in four simple words.

It was sort of like teamwork, what a relationship is supposed to be, in essence.  Com expressing resentment for the mistake and spiritual growth he’s gained from the situation…L-Boogie expressing hurt and unshakable pain the entire ordeal inflicted, which forced her to take a life that didn’t even have the chance to prove itself in the world.

It’s all this and more why I can call this one of the greatest songs ever penned, recorded, mixed and mastered. Go ahead, tell me you can’t feel this song.

I dare you.

Common feat. Lauryn Hill–Retrospect For Life