“Be” is one of my favorite hip-hop albums of all time.
STREAM
TOP 5 SONGS
5. They Say (Ft. Kanye West & John Legend)
You could make a strong case that Kanye West delivered the best verse on this album. Ye channels his most charismatic self—the kind that cracks clever jokes, radiates divine confidence, and believes he’s touched by God. His verse is layered with quirky, engaging moments, including a squeaky part that makes his delivery stand out.
Still, Common doesn’t take a backseat. His second verse, in particular, is packed with grit and wisdom as he reflects on his resilience and spiritually guided street knowledge. It’s the kind of performance that reminds you why he’s one of hip-hop’s most respected voices.
To top it all off, John Legend belts out a chorus that’s possibly too passionate—but undeniably powerful. The result? A track that blends soul, skill, and spirit in a way we probably won’t see again. This collaboration is rare, and it deserves to be cherished.
4. Food – Live
Has anyone ever heard a studio version of “The Food” that wasn’t live? As a self-proclaimed music junkie, I sure haven’t—and honestly, I prefer it that way. The raw energy of the live version gives the track a unique edge that’s hard to replicate in a polished studio setting.
Common absolutely spits on this record. His delivery is packed with grit, hunger, and purpose, tapping into that classic Chicago consciousness that he’s known for. His ability to weave meaningful bars with standout lines gives the track staying power.
While Kanye West doesn’t drop a verse, his contribution via the chorus and outro adds soulful depth. It’s passionate, reflective, and infectious—though, admittedly, the grammar could’ve used a bit of polish.
3. Testify
Storytelling in rap doesn’t get much better than Common’s “Testify.” Over a relatively simple, soulful Kanye West beat, Common unravels a narrative with more twists than a courtroom drama.
The song centers around a woman appearing deeply emotional in support of her man, who’s on trial for a serious crime. But in a shocking turn of events, she turns out to be the actual culprit. The way Common builds suspense through vivid detail and perfectly-timed reveals makes the track feel like a movie unfolding in real time.
While the production may seem minimal at first—anchored by soulful wails and a stripped-back beat—it’s this simplicity that allows the storytelling to shine. Common’s delivery is cinematic, dramatic when it needs to be, but never overdone.
2. GO!
The replay value of Common’s “GO!” is undeniable. The track, produced by Kanye West and J Dilla, is powered by a mellow, uptempo beat that feels effortlessly smooth — the kind of instrumental that could soundtrack a warm summer night or a reflective solo drive.
Kanye, who isn’t credited as a featured artist, delivers one of the catchiest hooks of the mid-2000s. There’s a unique grit in his voice that contrasts beautifully with the track’s soft textures, adding an unexpected edge.
Common matches that energy with clever, charismatic verses about the kind of woman who makes his heart race — someone he’s deeply in sync with, even as others chase her. His delivery feels relaxed but calculated, with subtle tempo shifts that show off his veteran instincts.
1. Be (Intro)
Common’s “Be (Intro)” doesn’t just kick off an album — it sets the tone for one of hip-hop’s most reflective and inspiring projects. From the moment the track begins, you’re greeted with a soulful, slightly quirky instrumental that feels alive with possibility — classic Kanye West production at its most vibrant and textured.
Over it, Common sounds completely locked in. His delivery is calm yet powerful, as he speaks with clarity and conviction about self-discovery, his connection to Chicago, and the deeper meaning he finds in fatherhood. Lines about his daughter representing hope and healing give the track emotional weight without ever sounding preachy.
This intro isn’t about flexing; it’s about centering. And in just a couple minutes, Common sets the stage for a record full of intention, soul, and purpose. It’s the kind of opening that lets you know you’re about to experience something meaningful.
SONG BY SONG RATING
WANT TO KNOW WHAT RATING WE GAVE EACH SONG? SUBSCRIBE BELOW!
RGM RATING
(92%) (A-)
Though Be is officially a Common album, it plays like a full-circle collaboration between him and Kanye West. This 2005 classic is powered equally by Common’s razor-sharp lyricism and Ye’s golden-era production sensibilities.
Lyrically, Common hits on themes of Black empowerment, inner-city struggle, and spiritual awakening, delivering each bar with a level of hunger and purpose that defined mid-2000s conscious rap. His flows are animated, sometimes aggressive, always thoughtful — and rarely wasted.
But it’s Kanye’s production that elevates Be to another level. The beats are soulful yet knocking, filled with dusty drums, warm samples, and a cinematic sense of scale. It’s that rare case where substance and style meet perfectly — intellectual without being preachy, polished without being overproduced.
Be is not just one of Common’s finest projects — it’s a landmark album in hip-hop.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
