One Day It'll All Make Sense

by Common, Adam Bradley

Common has earned a reputation in the hip hop world as a conscious artist by embracing themes of love and struggle in his songs, and by sharing his own search for knowledge with his listeners. His journey toward understanding—expressed in his music and now in his roles in film and television—is rooted in his relationship with a remarkable woman, his mother, Mahalia Ann Hines.

In One Day It’ll All Make Sense, Common holds nothing back. He tells what it was like for a boy with big dreams growing up on the South Side of Chicago. He reveals how he almost quit rapping after his first album, Can I Borrow a Dollar?, sold only two thousand copies. He recounts his rise to stardom, giving a behind-the-scenes look into the recording studios, concerts, movie sets, and after-parties of a hip-hop celebrity and movie star. He reflects on his controversial invitation to perform at the White House, a story that grabbed international headlines. And he talks about the challenges of balancing fame, love, and fatherhood. 

One Day It’ll All Make Sense is a gripping memoir, both provocative and funny. Common shares never-before-told stories about his encounters with everyone from Tupac to Biggie, Ice Cube to Lauryn Hill, Barack Obama to Nelson Mandela. Drawing upon his own lyrics for inspiration, he invites the reader to go behind the spotlight to see him as he really is—not just as Common but as Lonnie Rashid Lynn.

Each chapter begins with a letter from Common addressed to an important person in his life—from his daughter to his close friend and collaborator Kanye West, from his former love Erykah Badu to you, the reader. Through it all, Common emerges as a man in full. Rapper. Actor. Activist. But also father, son, and friend. Common’s story offers a living example of how, no matter what you’ve gone through, one day it’ll all make sense.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Hip Hop, African American, Autobiography

305 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2011

About the author

Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., better known by his stage name Common (previously Common Sense), is an American hip-hop artist and actor.

Reviews

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, I'd like to say the reason I purchased this book is because I'm a fan of Common's and has always enjoyed his music. He's what I consider one of the "clean rappers" and socially adept to rap about life as he sees it, and he's one hell of a poet. With that being said, it pains me to give his book a two-star rating.

I was extremely disappointed with this book, and it took me one week to read, so that, in and of itself, let me know immediately I didn't like it. It was a painful struggle to get through. I know Common or rather (Rashid) which is his birth name, is a mama's boy, and I don't have an issue with that. But I do, however, have a problem with his mother inserting herself into Common's book. I realize his mother is most definitely a staple and an important factor in his life, but she shouldn't have added her two cents to it. I wanted to hear about Common's life in his own words, not from his mother's perspective.

I didn't like the letters written at the beginning of each chapter. Either Common or his mother would write letters to their loved ones or gave their opinion on how they viewed things. Again, this was supposed to be Common's life story, so why is mama writing? A huge turn off for me.

Another painful factor was the fact the book was completely redundant and I was tired of Common writing the same thing, basically in each chapter, but switching the words around. I felt like I was listening to an attorney grill a witness on the stand, only to be told by a judge, to redirect or rephrase the same question, that will yield the same answer. The book was boring. Common isn't one of those rappers who did a great deal of dirt to become the entertainer he is today, and that's a good thing. But when he did start to speak on his personal love interests, it left the reader wanting more, or let's say it left me wanting more.

There were chapters where Common really wasn't talking about anything. Just more of the same stuff, only worded differently. Being an author and poet myself, I play with words and I know how to write tons of them to make someone think I'm saying something different, or in essence, give that appearance, only to be stating the same thing. That's called loading words, and there were tons of them throughout this disappointing memoir. I realize he had a pretty good upbringing and it shows by the way he carries himself and I applaud his mother for a job well done, but one thing I definitely learned is that Common is a rapper/poet/entertainer/actor, but he is most certainly NOT a writer. He should never attempt this feat again because he has a great deal more to learn about how to make a story good, or at least to hold the reader's interest.

There were times when the book was just downright preachy about the same things over and over, and it was giving me a headache. I struggled to finish this book, and it pissed me off that my first purchase on my Kindle Fire was such a let down. Maybe other readers didn't feel like I do about it, but you have to realize I've read hundreds of memoirs and biographies, which were wonderfully written, and I have to say this was the first one that truly let me down, and that's sad because I do respect Common for the rapper he is and that won't change, but for God's sake, please do not ever attempt to write your life story again, unless you do some major editing and consider exactly what you want to say, and say it once and not force the same shit down the reader's throat. If he mentioned once how he loved his mama or his love for his God, he mentioned it a hundred different ways, but it was the same result. We don't need to know that in each and every chapter. You stated your love, now move on to something else.

Unfortunately, I don't think he had much to write about so he just wrote the same things over and over, but worded differently.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't have to like hip-hop, you just have to appreciate openness and honesty. That's what Common's story is about - a spirit of openness to the world. Open to learning from books, people, and experiences. That openness allows new ideas to take root in his soul, and through the lens of those new values he his open to reexamining his life and iterating a better version of himself.

Common is a great rapper (Jay-Z raps a verse and says, "I wanna rhyme like Common"), but more importantly, he is a person in evolution and includes us in his journey. He confesses to hiding his talents under the guise of humility, being unbalanced and losing his identity in relationships, and articulates experiences that most of us go through and may not even have realized it.

I like his declaration of being a man. "A man believes in something and stands for it - does his best to practice what he believes - can be honest and strong-can be emotional without fear - loves himself, knows himself and will be himself in every situation - he's not afraid - he's open - open to growing."

[Libros Prohibidos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tras la lectura, One day it’ll all make sense resulta ser exactamente lo que el título indicaba: un perfecto ejemplo de cómo hacer que al final todo cobre sentido en tu vida. No será el mejor libro que leáis, pero si os gusta Common no deberíais perdéroslo. Reseña completo en español:
http://www.libros-prohibidos.com/comm...

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stuck this one through to the end on principle more than anything else. I got the book from the library after seeing Common's appearance on The Daily Show, but now I think that appearance was a show of political support (after the furor over Common's appearances at the White House) and not a result of Jon Stewart thinking this was a particularly good book. On the positive side, I learned a lot about rap and a little about Chicago's South Side. On the negative side, Common spends most of the book telling us how thoughtful and "conscious" he is, and how much he has matured. All I can say is, it's not a good sign when you have to tell people about your fine qualities rather than letting them draw their own conclusions.

[Bridget's Quiet Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A REMINDER TO ALL: THIS REVIEW IS MY PERSONAL OPINION...IF YOU AGREE WITH IT..WONDERFUL...IF NOT...WELL, I GUESS WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT OPINIONS ON THINGS...THATS WHAT MAKES THIS WORLD SO WONDERFUL...WE ALL DONT HAVE TO THINK OR BELIEVE THE SAME...:0)

I enjoyed the book...I dont know what it is with some books..I will get bored right in the middle of it...Even if it's not really that boring...This one had some spots that made me skip a paragraph or two but in general, it was really good. I wouldn't call myself a FAN of Common, but I do like him and familiar with some of his music...I dont remember if Ive watched any of his movies but him as a person, Ive always had some respect for..And what I loved about this book is that he was honest about who he was and is...He lets people know that just because he has positive music, doesnt mean he's perfect and that every aspect of his life was always positive..But he does his best to walk a positive life as much as humanly possible...Like so many of us do...We fall, we mess up, but we get up, dust off and keep trying to do our best in the moment.

I liked how he started each chapter with a letter to someone...That to me, was a nice idea...But I think my favorite parts of the book were when his mother put in her side of some situations...This book opened my eyes on Common & one other person in the book that I also enjoy watching and listening to....But it doesnt change my opinion of them..Good bad or other...Common has given me new respect for him and his growth over his life...And just KNOWING that there are people out here that have gone through some things I've dealt with and gotten through it..You know people deal with things but sometimes, you can feel so alone until you talk to someone, hear a conversation, or read a book and really realize, ITS NOT JUST YOU! Thats PART of the reason I like reading Memoirs/Biographies, etc...It gives me a little insight on the people I like {and even some that I dont even know} and just helps me get through my own issues..And usually, it just gives me a whole new look on that person! :0) {okay, I know, I turned into about me! sorry..lol}

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book on my library's "new" table and the cover is one of my favorite colors. So I was intrigued. I flipped to a random page and the author was talking about a personal experience with racism. Well I could always stand to learn more on that front, I thought to myself, and decided to check the book out.

I'd never heard of Common before--mostly I steer clear of rap. I've definitely heard uplifting raps and some great hip-hop, but most of what I get exposed to in that genre is really negative, woman-hating, gay-bashing, etc. When I brought the book home, my boyfriend was like, "OMG it's Common!!" That also surprised me. This is the guy who told me, "Yeah, I'm not really into music..." and then gave me ~~the most awesome compilation CD in the world~~ the next time I saw him. So when he likes an artist I don't know, I listen up. ;)

I'd have to say that's the best thing about this book--that it introduced me to Common's music. I listened to it and I was like, damn that's awesome!!

As far as the book itself--it's not the greatest. Personally I liked the input from his mother and thought I probably would've liked to hear the story of her life a little more than his. She seems like a really awesome woman. In the later part of the book, it just seems like Common is name-dropping, or giving tons of shout outs or something.

There was one part that kind of disturbed me--when he's a kid and coerced a little girl into kissing him and letting him grind on her, and then tried to get his cousin in on it too. He admits he coerced her but doesn't say how wrong that is. I'm not sure if we're supposed to think it's cute or something but I thought it was creepy and sad and it rubbed me the wrong way.

Also he's talking about this sex he's having all the time but never once mentions protection.Maybe that's why you knocked three(?) ladies up dude. He's like "I just knew she was gonna be the mother of my child." Yeah well when you're not using protection/birth control, making a prediction like that isn't, like, some Nostradamus-level shit. I just think that a lot of young guys (and girls) who look up to him could use that extra push to use condoms.

[Ebony · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most insightful thing I learned from One Day It’ll All Make Sense is that I love Common’s mother. A lot. At first I thought it mad gimmicky to write a memoir with constant interruptions from one’s mother, but it really worked here. Their bond is for real, and I felt like I really received a 360 degree perspective on Common by hearing from his mother. I was also surprised by Common’s intimate introspections, but I appreciated it. I too, fell into the trap of thinking of him as a conscious rapper and an actor but not a real person who did his dirt and loved and hurt. It also gave me more insight into the Chicago born and raised men in my life. I felt like through Common, I also got to know them better. Then I reflected in general on the differences between men and women’s upbringings and how gender, race, class, and geography play immense roles not only in your story but how you will one day choose to tell it. Adam Bradley did a great job with Common and his life story. If you’re into memoirs, I’d recommend it as a quick read.

[jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

common (aka common sense) is a well-known hip hop mc and screen actor. born lonnie rashid lynn, jr., common first came into rap prominence in the early/mid 90s with his two earliest albums, "can i borrow a dollar?" and "resurrection." the chicago-bred rapper has garnered a loyal following, critical acclaim, and two grammy awards (his ninth studio album is due at the end of november).

one day it'll all make sense, also the name of common's third album, is his autobiography co-written with author adam bradley (book of rhymes: the poetics of hip hop). beginning in childhood, common traces his ascendancy from chicago to the heights of the rap game. uniquely formatted, each chapter begins with a letter to a prominent figure in his life or from the past (including both his parents, his daughter, his younger self, hip hop itself, emmett till, and late producer jay dee (j-dilla), amongst others). as well, within each chapter, common's mother, mahalia ann hines, offers her own perspectives on key moments of both rashid's childhood and his adult life.

most of the book focuses on common's ongoing quest to develop his art, his spiritual faith, and his commitment to affecting positive change both in his own life and in the lives of those around him. as a chronicle of his childhood and career, one day it'll all make sense is a candid glimpse into common's personal life. despite being a gifted lyricist, common's prose rarely demonstrates his dexterity with words. while there are some moments of real intrigue in the book, a thin, hollow quality seems to define the rest of it. common's message of continual growth and overcoming hardship is likely to resonate with young people seeking advice or direction, but for fans of his music, one day it'll all make sense may offer little more than a personal history refreshingly consistent with the conscious message offered in his music.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though he is not quite 40, Common has written a thoughtful account of his life so far. He covers his growing up in Chicago, the decision to leave college to pursue his rap career, diversifying into acting, and his much publicized love life.

What really makes this book shine is his mother's input (she really should have been listed as co-author) and the letters that Common writes to loved ones at the beginning of each chapter. I loved that throughout the book as he shares his life journey and the decisions he made, his mother writes about her reaction to those different points in his life. Also, the letters he writes frame the subject matter of each chapter to give you more insight into what is about to be told. The book begins and ends with letters to the reader and includes others to his mother, father, Kanye West, Erykah Badu, his deceased cousin Ajile and others. I thought that was a great choice.

I would normally recommend a book like this to young men in high school and college because Common is really candid about his growth as a person, flaws and all. The only thing holding me back is that he is also quite open about his sexual history, so discretion must be used.

[Laura Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised at how raw Common was willing to be with his life and his feelings. There were a lot of things that struck me about this book. When he was talking about remembering where he was when O.J. Simpson has his famous car chase I was immediately taken back because I remeber exactly where I was when that happened. I was at Disneyland with my family and we were stuck in in LA because we couldn't get on the freeway to go back to San Diego. It's one of those moments where you remember that we really are all connected.

The saddest part of the book for me was his letter to his unborn. I thought it was incredably brave of him to put that out there. But I also felt so sad for what could have been.

I think this books opens up a whole new side to the person I only knew as Common for so many years. I think that he really opened up and shows the reader his truth. If you are a fan of Common the Rapper and Actor I would recomend this book for you.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely made the list as one of my favorites. Captured my attention from beginning to end. Loved the involvement his mother took part with this project. She'd give insight on her son's position as well as her personal feelings within various chapters. With each chapter, Common starts with a letter, delivering a journal-like touch. Such issues discussed were on Parenting (as a son and father), relationships (friends and love interests), spirituality (connecting with the higher power, self and other humans) along with talent (sports, music, and acting). Found the material to be relatable and inspirational. Something I can see myself reading multiple times.

[Maya Hollinshead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It showed that Common is a man who has issues, flaws and continues to work on being a better son, father and human being. He talks about growing up in the South Side of Chicago, being raised by a single mother (until she married when he was 7) and his struggles finding his way in the music business. He also talked about his love life (Erykah, you were DEAD WRONG!) and being the best father he can be (from afar). I had a lot of respect for him before the book, but it has grown.

[Titilayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

i feel like i sat down with common for an indepth interview. my fantasies are intake + i have a greater portrait of the artist as a young man . i don't want to marry this book i want to marry common! one day he might actually write a memoir thats more on par with something that written to be consumed by a reading and not just an artist allowing his fans a sneak peek into his soul. i just want to thank him for confirming that erykah badu is a soul snatcher. i love her too. i wonder what her version of the events are....

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVE Commmon... but he really should stick to his day job. I had a hard time with his mother's perspective being injected into the book, as did a few other people. I didn't buy HER book about HIM, I bought HIS book about HIMSELF, so her presence threw me off. It was an odd read. I got the impression that it would have made a better documentary than a book, because the themes became a bit repetitive.

[Tishon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is up there with Miles by Miles Davis. The structure of this book is what keeps it going. Common's passages are bookended by notes from his mother which add a fresh perspective to Common's already engaging narrative. I knocked off one star because there are a few times where it gets repetitive but it's still a great book. It shows that even within hip-hop there are multiple paths, motivations, and modes of expression.

[Graylin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a huge disappointment. I didn't expect it to be a juicy tell-all because Common does not present himself to be the kind of person who would write a book like that. However, I did expect good writing, an in-depth look into the events that helped shape him and a purpose. I got none of those. The writing was stale, his mother's intrusion was weird and I finished feeling like Common should have held off on the memoir for at least 20 more years.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

It really was an awesome read. Common has really come to light as a true star these past few years so getting to know his humble beginnings was a treat. The last chapter and epilogue of the book will make you wish this was written in 2014 vs. 2011 just to get his commentary on the state of the Union as it currently stands.

[Kevin Eleven · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Common's autobiography, we learn about the man behind the rapper, actor, poet and entertainment media personality. The book goes back and forth between the childhood of Rashid Lonnie Lynn and the superstar that we now know today as Common. Through his raps, as well as his personal experiences, readers will get a great sense of what makes Common tick and how One Day It'll All Make Sense.

[Michael Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smooth, insightful -- unique format: the man and the woman that raised him go back and forth in the monologues, with letters Common has written to people that are important to his development.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Common is one of the most talented artists. This book gives depth into the inspiration for his art and thus into his art itself. He is clear from the start that he writes this book not as Common though, but as Rashid. Rashid’s letters at the start of each chapter are the most authentic and touching parts of the book—I teared up at his letter to his unborn and his letter to Erykah Badu. To me, writing with someone or something particular in mind often creates the most expressive works. Even though as an objective reader these letters were not intended specifically for my eyes, I felt his sentiments all the same.

“I may be a talker just like my dad, but I love to express myself through letters. Maybe I write because I’ve learned to show certain parts of my heart on the page that I still struggle to capture in speech.”

Perhaps these letters were my favorite because Rashid’s love for writing letters mirrors my own. I think of the letter I wrote my dad as he was on life support, and even though he was never going to be conscious again, I read that letter aloud to him and it was the most cathartic feeling. Letters are not only meant for the recipient; they are also actively a means to say all the things you wish could be said.

Rashid’s personification of hip hop gets reprised in the chapter with his letter to her, in a way that seems more raw than “I Used To Love H.E.R.” His passion for this art is so true and his reflections on the relationship with hip hop and society has always been beautiful to me. He discusses toxic masculinity and homophobia: two things that have plagued hip hop. I loved reading of his musical influences, people he came up with and mentored: KRS One, Lauryn Hill, Questlove, etc.

“I look back and think that I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t been through that love—and that breakup—with you.” Rashid’s chapter about Erykah Badu—so aptly titled “Love of My Life”—and his letter to her were both beautiful and heartbreaking.

Throughout this book, Rashid’s insecurities, attitude toward women, relationship with his mother, and veganism all undergo change. This is a book about how he changes and grows, after all. You choose books to match your temperament and mood, and I guess I just felt it. For me, being confused about my direction in life was a catalyst to choosing this book for reassurance and it did not disappoint.

[Azizi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many know Common for his rap music and the movies that he's been in, but he's also a writer! One Day It'll All Make Sense is his autobiography/biography that is a combination of letters and storytelling that reveals a good deal about his life. The genius of it is that some of the letters are written by his mother to him and some are written by Common to people that he loves or admires. He also candidly writes about his life from childhood to adulthood, from a regular person to a star, from a boy to a man, and from a father-to-be to a father. The end result is a wonderful glimpse into the life of one of the most prolific rappers of my generation. Common is honest, inspirational, and reflective. Specifically, he discusses subjects that are unique to the black experience in America, but he also explores how light and dark, good and bad, perfect and imperfect exist in us all, a relatable topic for any reader. I have to be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of thought and wisdom in this book. It far exceeded my expectations!
*This book was published in 2011, so some of the events are dated; however, it is interesting to read about them through a different lens.

[Beth Rowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book but definitely didn't love it. Unlike other reviewers, I liked his mom's view. I also respect his openness and really enjoyed reading about the people and places who formed this man.

I found the book to be repetitive. By the last 20% of the book, I was pushing myself to finish it. With so many good words out there to read, I hate feeling like I am wasting some of my precious time. I also felt like there was a lot of name dropping at the end. Some of it seemed to have no relevance to the message except to say "I met him" or "I performed with her".

I am glad I read the book but not jumping up and down to recommend it to others.

[Jennifer Portes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Memoir! I wish Goodreads would give half stars- this is more than 4 stars..not quite 5.

I have always liked Common- but not familiar with all of his music. The lyrical snippets he used throughout the book was a really nice tie in with his thoughts (and intrigued me into checking out more of his music). I especially enjoyed his mothers perspective, as a mom there are pieces that I am going to share with my children. My favorite parts of this book- his positive outlook throughout, his Faith, his willingness to admit his imperfections and willingness to evolve and most of all Love.

[Byron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seems like it was pieced together from about 45 minutes worth of interviews, as is often the case with these ghostwritten memoirs. Counter intuitively, there's more interesting stuff from Common's childhood than there is from his rap career. I wonder if that's because his mother—who contributes her own well-written and yet often redundant commentary on each chapter—was more forthcoming than he was.

[Thandiwe]

I chose the book because I love Common. I've loved him since I was young. There just something about him. Through reading I figured it out. His faith and the people that brought him up have shaped the men he is, not forgetting Hip Hop. He is highly underrated and I think it's because he is not a flashy rapper. He has remained steady in his music and who he is and it's because he knows who and whose he is. Let me stop now.

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good bo and it’s importance to Comwell as it illustrates its importance in ones like. If u r religious.

This was a very good book about Common’s journey. I learned a lot about; love, family, friendship, hurt/pain, parental guidance/support, and death/lost. In addition it spoke about faith and it’s importance in ones love if you are religious and relay on ur faith as I do daily in within ones life...I would recommend reading this book.

[Brooklyn Sr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book from one of my fav emcees of all time
A must own for Hip Hop Heads. Great stories in the book about Common growing up in Chicago, meeting No-ID, opening up in concert for Big Daddy Kane, Ice Cube etc. Great stories about his moms, who was a professor I believe. His pops, former ABA player. Stories about meeting Pac and Big. His beef with Ice Cube. Love life
Buy it now!

[Ray Quirolgico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Common’s choice of autobiographical format: letter to/from him made this memoir feel fresh in way that allowed the honesty of his own humanity easily accessible. There were some choice nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout, without being too pedantic. I almost wish he had included song lyrics throughout as poetic placeholders but overall a nice read.

[Derek A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've followed Common from his early days as an upcoming artist. This was a great peak into his life and understanding where he comes from, what inspired some of his music and seeing the growth and evelopment of the individual.

[Kimberlie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Memoir. I always say just the voice of the writers in memoir and biography are self tellers. I didn't leave this book any less of a fan of Common so it was a comfortable read for me. I found it fun and informative.