Cheap Like Water For Chocolate (Music) (Common) Price

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Customer Reviews of Like Water For Chocolate

The first two singles, 'The Sixth Sense' (a college radio single) and 'The Light' (the Grammy-nominated love song-turned radio hit) landed Common in the top rankings of spiritually inclined, mic skilled, Jazzy styled-and somewhat conscious league of Hip-Hop MCs. While the album gives an inspiring tribute to the late African musician and revolutionary Fela Kuti ('Time Travelin'), redefined the definition of laid-back smooth Hip-Hop ('Nag Champa') and attacks the utter mindlessness of current mainstream Hip-Hop ('Dooinit'), it still has its flaws.

Common's super-spiritual content often contradicts his every now-and-then sprinklings of homophobic, sexually charged, and occasionally politically INcorrect content on 'race' in America in the words of his lyrics. His 'One Day' found maturity hardly leaves room for a balance between mature, progressive music and fun-loving, laid-back sounds within the same song. Not to mention the presence of Soul singer Bilal on way too many songs. Another fact is the Grammy nominee's stance on respect for women is sometimes overshadowed by male chauvinism and questionable themes. 'A Film Called (Pimp)' is a satirical ode to the hustle of "pimps N hoes." A duet with MC Lyte that may leave a bad taste in one's mouth after the first listen.

However, in essence, The Artist Formerly Known As Sense is merely channeling his different moods and attitudes towards life through various different tunes, showing he's as much human as anyone else (hence the name "Common"). Perhaps his less mature songs are merely meant to both stay connected with fans not on his level of spirituality and poeticism, and to serve purpose that there is a loose-skinned side of him which is not meant to be taken seriously (or at least not as much as his other material).

For all it's worth, Like Water For Chocolate is an excellent album. A witty, musical, and thoughtful record full of compassion and unity with guest spots from everyone from contemporary Jazz trumpeter Roy Horgrove, to Jill Scott, Slum Village (who's lead member Jay Dee produced the majority of the album), DJ Premier, The Roots and Hip-Hop's beatboxing and soundeffect extradonaire Rahzel. 'The Questions,' 'Funky For You,' 'Payback Is A Grandmother,' and a couple others are rather lackluster, but after hearing all the Interludes and soulful vibes of songs such as 'Geto Heaven Part Two' (the original version), and 'A Song For Assata' (a tribute to black panther Assata Shakur who is in political asylum in Cuba) it's all worth it.

In some ways, 'Like Water For Chocolate' could be the musical equivalent to a typical day. Funky joyfilled moments ('Coldblooded') to times of receiving and benefiting from knowledge from elders ('Pops Rap III'), to a moment of response and reaction to situations ('Payback Is A Grandmother') which is truly a factor for determining what is or isn't true art--an imitation of life.

A Revolutionary Hip-Hop CD
Before I purchased "Like Water For Chocolate" the only song I had heard from Common was 1-9-9-9. What drew me to buy this CD was that Common delivered a message in his songs that separated him from other artists currently out.

"Like Water For Chocolate" is truly a hip-hop classic. Common includes Jazz, Rap, and a meaningful message in his CD to help him tell his story. In this album Common shows the transition from the African drums, to Jazz, and then to Hip-Hop in the cut "Time Travelin'". This album kind of flows like a play with it's insightful stories. "The 6th Sense" is one of the best beats that D.J. Premier has ever created, while over this beat Common raps about life and music.

I recommend this CD to anyone who likes Black Star, Mos Def, The Roots, and A Tribe Called Quest. In fact one of my favorite songs on this album features Mos Def, its title is "The Questions". This is a good song to listen to when you just want to mellow out, and listen to what Mos Def and Common are saying. Originally I was going to give this album a 4 star, however after writing this review and remembering the songs I gave it a 5 star.

If you buy this album you will not be disappointed.

Commons Best I Think
Common has shown to us all that he has grown as a rapper over years and also has gotten better over the years. Some good tracks on this cd are The Light, The 6th Sense, Nea, Funky For You, and Cold Blooded. Common is a really good rapperand you should go out now and buy this album.