A ‘Common’ Misunderstanding

The Takeaway

Michelle Obama is hosting a poetry program tonight at the White House, and her guest will be hop-hop artist, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., better known as, Common. Many conservatives are outraged by this decision, Fox News called the rapper, “vile.”  Conservatives are pointing to a set of lyrics from Common’s “A Letter to the Law,” where he says:”With that happening, why they messing with Saddam? Burn a Bush cos’ for peace he no push no button. Killing over oil and grease, no weapons of destruction.” Is Common really the controversial and vile figure conservatives are painting him to be? Chris Richards, pop music critic for The Washington Post says that Common is one of the most highly regarded rappers out there and for the most part, he is uncontroversial.

Are you with The World?

The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.