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Common
This is an iHeart podcast.
Jay Shetty
This episode of On Purpose is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. I believe that travel is one of the greatest gifts that we've ever been given and Chase Sapphire Reserve has been my gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. Every time I travel, I find a part of myself I didn't know was missing. So I remember being in this small town completely unplugged and for the first time in a while I felt still travel does that. It grounds you, expands you and connects you to something deeper. That's why I'm always looking for experiences that go beyond the typical. Chase Sapphire Reserve makes traveling a breeze, earning eight times points on all purchases through Chase Travel and granting access to Sapphire Lounge by the club at select airports nationwide. No matter my destination, travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Discover more with Chase sapphire reserve@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by J.P. morgan, Chase Bank, N.A. member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.
Common
One of my greatest lessons has been in one of the greatest pains I had. And that was a heartbreak.
Jay Shetty
Hip hop icon Common is an Academy.
Common
Award, Emmy and three time Grammy winning artist.
Jay Shetty
What was the hardest part about learning to love yourself and take care of yourself?
Common
Sometimes I can bring that little Rasheed into the present and those feelings of being rejected and make this new rejection greater than what it really is.
Jay Shetty
Heartbreak therapy. You're talking about the trauma you've been through. These are not themes that hip hop's known for.
Common
All I was doing was telling my truth.
Jay Shetty
How have you learned in the moment to deal with that emotion and to.
Common
Learn how to trust you, understand what energy you want in your life and who deserves to be in your life. I usually wouldn't seize the moment. The thought came to me like I'm gonna call John Legend and I tell him, hey man, I'm part of this movie. Selma. They don't want a song from us so we submitting it. But will you do this song? And he said the number one health.
Jay Shetty
And wellness podcast, Jay Shetty. Jay Shetty. The one, the only Jay Shetty. I'm so excited to finally share the live interviews from my very first podcast tour presented by Chase Sapphire Reserve. This one was recorded live at the legendary Chicago Theater with the one and only Common. Special thanks to MSG Entertainment and and the Chicago Theater.
Common
Chicago. Chicago Feast. I love this place. Chicago.
Jay Shetty
I am so excited to be here tonight at the Chicago Theater in Chicago with Mr. Chicago.
Common
What a blessing.
Jay Shetty
Thank you Common. Thank you Common. I. I want to start off by Just saying how grateful I am to you for your artistry. I grew up listening to you in London. Your music, your words, your energies made it all the way over to the 14 year old me who is dreaming of being a rapper.
Common
Wow.
Jay Shetty
And then I listened to you and realized I wasn't good enough. And we've spoken before, we never met until tonight. And your voice has such a power. It carries so much energy. It carries so much that the frequency you operate at comes through your voice so powerfully. And I want to start off by asking you, you know, today, obviously we know you as the Emmy award winner, the Grammy Award winner, the Oscar award winner. Yeah, give it up. Right? It's like there's not many people. There's not many people. But I want to know who Common was before the Emmy, the Grammy, the Oscar, because that's what we've been talking about tonight is when you're at the start of your journey. Who were you at the start of your journey?
Common
Well, first, thank you, Jay. And thank you all. And I just thank God for this moment and who I was before I was out as an artist. I was a young black boy from the south side of Chicago who had a tremendous, incredible mother and a great stepfather and a beautiful community that taught me everything from God to survival to intelligence, to basketball, to music, to life and to love. And that gave me a foundation of someone who wanted to actually be something in the world. I didn't know what I wanted to be all the way, but I knew I wanted to give something to the world. And that's who I was before I actually got to be out there as an artist. Some of my dreams was basketball, to be a basketball player. But I can't hoop, y'. All, just so, you know, not as good as I used to, but I can hoop. But yeah, so, you know, I just wanted to be something. It's something, though, Jay. One thing that got me when I was really a young kid was I used to love this English class because our English teacher would teach us a lot about, like black history and. And like all these great writers from James Baldwin and Dr. Maya Angelou and, and Nikki Giovanni and Richard Wright. So one day she taught us this story about this young man named Emmett Till. And Emmett Till was from Chicago. And in the 50s, I believe it was 1955, he went to visit his family down in Mississippi and went to the corner store with his cousins and was accused of whistling at a white woman. And her husband eventually found where Emmett Till lived when he was staying with his Aunt for the summer. And they grabbed him out of the house and they ended up beating him to death and threw him in a river. The reason why I bring this story up is his mother chose to have an open casket funeral. And his head was bigger than I can describe. And the way they beat him for whistling at a white woman, what he was accused of, it always hit me in a place where I felt almost like guilty. I felt. I felt like I owe Emmett Till. And that was really a real driving force in my life. Though I never met Emmett Till in my life, his spirit was like something that I felt like I had to live for. And for those people who had been like him, who had lost their lives for no reason, but specifically Emmett Till, now that was one of the driving forces for me as a kid. Even though I didn't know what I wanted to be. And I just want to say that that meant a lot to me.
Jay Shetty
It's incredible. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. Go for it. It's incredible to me how people we've never met and people we've never seen, how their stories can transform our lives. For me, when I was growing up, I was reading everything from David Beckham and Dwayne the Rock Johnson when he was a wrestler, all the way through to Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
And I was really lucky that my dad would give me biographies and autobiographies of these people. And it was because of him handing them to me that I got so inspired by people who'd lived these service based lives.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
But I wanted to ask you, when you read that story, when you heard about that story, how did you not get bitter or negative, but became hopeful about wanting to represent and live a good life? Because hearing about those kind of pains and struggles can also make you act different. But for you, it pushed you to want to do something positive with your life.
Common
The killing of Emmett Till was really the catalyst, many believe, for the civil rights movement. And how that affected me was, man, I felt like this beautiful young man didn't have like that evil energy to him, that dark energy to him. And I felt that I wanted to be a reflection of that. I strive to approach life in ways where when I would go through something, I would figure a way out by figuring out the positive, the lesson in it. And I didn't have that type of like, information as a kid or like, I didn't have it like really developed. But I knew that as a kid that I didn't want to be putting negative energy out there even when I was dealing with difficult moments. That didn't mean I didn't feel those difficult moments or I didn't have the anger. But I couldn't stay there. And I knew when I saw what happened with Emmett Till, yes, of course I did feel some anger and like, why did that happen to him? But I knew I had to make it into a positive. And I wanted my life to feel positive and I wanted to others lives to feel positive. So that's what I used it for. And eventually in certain aspects of my life, I've been able to translate that, you know, and that's what part of the practice is of what we do. Like, I'm so grateful that I know you can rhyme too. I know you can rhyme. I know you can rhyme. But I'm so grateful at how you are using your words and your gifts and your spirit and your heart. It's amazing how the things that we do to build, to get to you would never know that your love for writing would like, lead you to this place. And I would never know that. Like the things that I experienced, whether it was with Emmett Till or on a positive note, some people don't notice. I was a ball boy for the Chicago Bulls, right.
Jay Shetty
I was a bar boy.
Common
I know that. So. So I was there when Michael Jordan first came into the league. In fact, I used to have some Jordans. I used to get gym shoes or sneakers. As people say, when in Chicago we say gym shoes. So I used to get gym shoes from a lot of players. And at the time I would give them to my teachers, I would sell them. But I had some Jordans that I gave to my father that he signed. My father would, God bless his soul. He would wear them to my concerts. And I'd be like, dad, do not wear these shoes, man. These shoes is worth too much. That being said, I didn't know. You know, it's amazing how, as you said, sometimes. Well, I did get to be around Michael Jordan. I didn't know him well, but I got to see that. It's amazing how witnessing that greatness affected me in a positive way too. So it was some heavy things that affected me and some beautiful things that affected me.
Jay Shetty
Yeah. And it's your power that you were able to notice both.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
And convert them and transfer them into building a positive life. And we were talking about dreams earlier and I know a lot of this audience got dreams, right? This audience has dreams. And often I find. Yeah, give it up for your dreams. You gotta. I know there's dreams. I know there's Dreams. And sometimes it can feel like, you know, you're holding that dream back. You're not living it fully. You're hiding it. You're kind of embarrassed about it. Maybe you're guilty about it. Maybe you don't believe in it yourself. You said one of your early dreams, you were telling me backstage, and even now you were mentioning, was actually to be a basketball player. How serious were you about that dream? Compared to what then became music, what then became acting? Like, how serious was that dream?
Common
No, that dream was very serious. I mean, I was dedicating my time and energy, a lot of it, to just playing ball. Like, that was one of the most important things to me. And my dream was the Magic Johnsons, the Isiah Thomases, the Michael Jordans, all these great players that I actually got to be. Like, I said in the presence of. It was like. It made it even that much more attainable to me. I worked on it. I worked on it, and I got pretty good. I can't. You know, we all. When you're a Hooper or whatever, you feel like, oh, I'm cold. I got game. But in all reality, I probably wasn't pro material. But it's beautiful how divine and how great God orchestrates things for you to be where you should be when you trust in that. I got injured in my sophomore year, and I was out for, like, months. And those months of me not being able to play ball led me to wanting to write more. Like, I was already writing, but it was like, okay, I can't hoop right now, so I'm a write. And when I came back to the team, I wasn't getting any playing time, so I was like, well, I'm gonna go be a rapper then, man. And it just, you know, it kind of guided me to where I should be. So my first dream was to hoop. And I kind of got to live out that dream in a movie called Just Right Where I Played an NBA Player. You know, I was like, wow, this is amazing, because it was a fulfillment of a dream as an actor. It was my first leading role, but it also was like, oh, I'm actually getting to play. Like, I'm an NBA player. I was playing against Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard at the time, and it was an amazing experience. And it's. And it's something how we talked about this, how, you know, you have a dream, and that dream can evolve, and it could become. You find a new dream, and that dream can evolve. And I think, you know, I'm really keen on dreams Because. And I really try to, like, inspire young people to have a dream and even whatever age we are, but really, I want young people to get that early because that was one of the most important things for me growing up that led me to say, hey, I'm not going to go too far over to this craziness. Like, we in Chicago, you gonna get into some craziness, right? You gonna be around it. You're gonna experience something. You might participate in it. But because I had a dream, I would only participate, but so much. I had a boundary. I had a boundary, and that truly was my guiding light. Like, you know what? I want to be something. I want to do something. And even as those things begin to evolve, it still became a boundary for me to be like, all right, y' all doing too much. I can't do that over there.
Jay Shetty
The thing I love about that, and I want us to take away from this, is sometimes your first dream doesn't work out. And I think for a lot of us, when our first dream doesn't work out, we think it's dream over. Like, game over. It's. That's it. Now we can't live any part of our dream. And, you know, I was saying my first dream, real dream, was to become a monk. That's what I thought I was going to do for the rest of my life. And I did it for three years. And when it ended, I felt like I'd failed. Like, I felt like it was over. And I felt, how am I ever going to spread what I've learned? And how am I ever going to live a life that's dedicated to spirituality? Like, will that ever happen again? And it's incredible, the plan, as you've been saying, that God has for you. And I was sharing this earlier with a couple of people. I was saying that God's imagination is far better than my imagination.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
Right.
Common
Yes. There's a scripture in the Bible that says his thoughts are greater than your thoughts. You know, that's very important for us to understand, because sometimes in that dream you like, I want it. I want it. I want it. I mean, because I have that. I still have it to this day. I want this role. I want this role, and it doesn't happen. And now I've grown to understand that God's dreams and his thoughts are greater than my thoughts. So for whatever reason it is, I'm not supposed to be in that particular film. I'm not supposed to be with that particular relationship. I'm not supposed to have that particular job. I'm not supposed to have that house that I really knew I wanted. It's hard to grab onto it at times, but the more and more, you know, we practice it and speak it and know it, and trust in our Heavenly Father, in the Creator of the heavens and earth, and know that that plan is a master plan. And all we have to do is listen and. And be in tune and get the lessons from it, too. Life becomes more beautiful. And I can look at those moments where I haven't gotten a role, and that doesn't mean that I don't feel like. Damn, man, I really wanted to be working. I was excited about this script. I wanted. I'm not going to fake and act like I didn't. But I can say, okay, Creator, I know you got something greater for me, something out there, and I'm going to do whatever I need to do to be present and also be obedient and surrender to what the higher plan is.
Jay Shetty
Yeah. I saw something the other day that really resonated with me. My friend sent it to me and it said something like, when things don't go your way, it's God in the universe saying, not now, not this. I've got something better.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
Right. And it's that understanding of just being able to have that trust in the moment. I want to ask you that. How have you learned to build that trust in the moment? Like you said, we're both human.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
We're not perfect. You feel that pain. I feel that I want to achieve things. I'm trying to build things. I'm trying to create things. And I'm the same. I feel pain. I'm not going to sit here and lie and say, oh, I just trust everything. And I'm beyond that. No, that's not true. I feel upset. You're like, oh, gosh, I worked so hard for this. I put in so much effort. We did everything. What happened? When you've done it enough times, you get a better relationship. But how have you learned in the moment to deal with that emotion and to learn how to trust?
Common
It's been a process, and as I said, like, you know, it's a practice. I was thinking earlier today about how we always talk about bad habits, but I started thinking about good habits. For me, one of my good habits has been to use the scriptures that I read and stay consistent and diligent in my prayers and my meditations, staying consistent with the way I love myself and treat myself. And that kind of helps me build the armor and the strength to be like When I have some of the most difficult pains. One of my greatest lessons and times that I've grown as a human being has been in one of the greatest pains I had. And that was a breakup, a heartbreak where I was, like, broken. And I hadn't been broken like that. I had lost people in my life, and that was definitely devastating. But it was something about a heartbreak where the person was, obviously, you hear they still alive. This is the first love that I had as an adult, and I knew God had ordained it, but at a certain point, it became not healthy. And when we were partying, it was hard. It was really hard. And it wasn't like I made the decision. I got broke up with, you know, and it was like, whew, this is hard. And at times, I wasn't eating, like, consistently. I was sitting in this hotel room for weeks, just trying to find a peace, calling my aunt, talking to different people about it. It was weighing on me. And I remember just starting to read certain books, like the Mastery of Love and Return to Love and just a lot of love books, y'. All. But each time and each thing I read, I would get something out of it. Not even. I wouldn't even have to read the whole book, but I would get something out of it. And I started thinking and practicing some of the things that I was reading. As much as I was still trying to hold on and be like, oh, God, I know you said this is the relationship. I thought this was the relationship. Well, I learned some lessons in that. One of the lessons was that I was willing to dim my light for others. And in that relationship, I was dimming my light. It wasn't. It's not that person's fault. I take responsibility for that. And. And I was dimming my light, but I was doing that not only in that relationship, I would do it. When I would get around other artists that were more known than me, people that were, like, more celebrated than me. I would just dim my light for whatever somebody might not even. It might not even be about popularity, money, or anything. I would dim my light if someone else just had something that I felt was greater than me. Well, I started to learn to love myself more, and that became a practice.
Jay Shetty
And.
Common
And it became saying beautiful things to myself and repeating those scriptures and, like, starting to do things for myself that, like, fed into who I am and the things that I love. And Jay, about being present, that really taught me to be present, because at a certain point, I had to realize, yeah, that was something that a relationship that was in Divine order for me. And we had gotten the lessons out of that relationship, and I got the pain that would send me to a whole new height and would turn me into a light that I never knew I had. And that's when it was done at that point. But it's hard sometimes to understand that it's done. But once you realize that God ordained the relationship and he also ordained the progress from it and the moving forward from it, then I was able to move forward and be more present in my life and take that understanding of man. I can believe in myself. I grew up in an environment where my mother is very strong and, like, wise woman. Almost everyone I was around, you couldn't really, like, be too confident, or my mother would let you know, you think you cocky or you think you doing this, you think you're doing this, but you got to find a balance in that. And I didn't have the balance. I would always dim my life. And eventually I was like, I have to declare and claim and know within myself and speak towards my greatness, towards the things that I envision for myself and the things that I know I am. I have to say it. I have to believe it, and I have to not be afraid to wear my greatness in front of anyone. Yeah, I had to learn that.
Jay Shetty
As I was listening to you, I was thinking about something that I always try and remind myself, especially when it comes to people going through breakups, is that you either grow together or you grow apart. But both are growing.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
Right, right. We think if we grow together, we're growing. But you also say you grow apart. Yes, but there's still growth.
Common
Still growth in that journey.
Jay Shetty
And you often miss that when you feel like, oh, well, if we stayed together, then it worked, then it was good for me, but if it ended, it wasn't good for me. And I wanted to ask you about, you know, these themes. I just. I don't want to take it for granted. The themes you're talking about, you're talking about heartbreak. You're known to talk about therapy. You're talking about the trauma you've been through. You know, we have your beautiful book here. And Then We Rise, A guide to loving and taking care of self. These are not themes that you. Right. Give it up. Yeah. These are not themes. These are not themes that hip hop's known for. To have you sitting here and you talk about this balance of your mom and being too cocky. It's like that. Like hip hop has that bravado that, you know, that feeling of it's not really about humility. It's more about ego and being present. Then here you are with all these awards and all this achievement, but then you're talking about trauma and therapy and heartbreak. That can't have been easy to start talking about it on day one in that space.
Common
I can't imagine it wasn't. But I will say I did start with a great advantage and my advantage was.
Jay Shetty
But first, here's a quick word from the brands that support the show. This episode of On Purpose is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. I believe that travel is one of the greatest gifts that we've ever been given and Chase Sapphire Reserve has been my gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I get eight times the points on all the purchases I make through Chase Travel and even access to one of a kind experiences. Experiences like music festivals and sporting events. And that's not even mentioning how the card gets me into the Sapphire Lounge by the club. At select airports nationwide. Travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Trust me. Discover more@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan, Chase Bank, NA Member, FDIC, subject to credit approval terms apply. All right, thank you to our sponsors. Now let's dive back in.
Common
I had a group of friends that allowed me to be me and allowed me to be unique, allowed me to be different. And they embraced me. They would talk, you know, they gonna talk their junk about me and like, joke on my crochet pants or crochet hats and, you know, whatever, like, obscure things I was into. But it still was love and it still was like, we are supporting you. And that kind of helped me to go out in the world and not be as afraid to be myself. So the actual, like, thought of being myself wasn't as difficult as it would seem. What was the question, though?
Jay Shetty
No, no, no, no. You all said. That's the honesty of that.
Common
By the way, this junior. This junior is good. I do want to know what the question my mind went to to talking about that, but for a second I wanted to know because I also had another thought about when you asked the question. But this Juni, I want to say, man, I really. Yo, this Juni, man. I'm digging this, bro. For real.
Jay Shetty
Cheers.
Common
Cheers.
Jay Shetty
Cheers.
Common
Cheers. Cheers. Cheers.
Jay Shetty
Cheers.
Common
Cheers.
Jay Shetty
Cheers. My question was, how does someone who's in hip hop, which is known for being braggadocious.
Common
That's what it is.
Jay Shetty
An egotistic, have the comfortability?
Common
Yeah, that's what, that's what That's. So I was on my third album and I was doing a show, and after the show, this guy came up to me and he was like, common, your music, this song you did, it was called Retrospect for Life and it was about abortion. And I was telling my own experience and story. It started off as a poem and it eventually was a song. And he. And he said, this song you did, Retrospect for Life made me and my wife decide to have our child. And I was. And I'm not saying that. I'm saying that because that was a moment where it was like, what? Like, this music and me telling my story can affect you in that way. Like, I. All I was doing was telling my truth, and I. And I was doing it unapologetic. And I just had to do it from my heart because hip hop was the way I was expressing myself in the best way that I could and in the freest way that I could, in the most honest way and sincere. So for this gentleman to tell me that his child is alive because of this song, it made me know that I had a higher purpose with the music and with what I was doing. And that allowed me as a hip hop artist, as a black man. Cause ultimately, when we saying, like, yo, you coming from hip hop, Hip hop has been the, like, the garden for black and Latino, black and brown people to express ourselves. And then it brought everyone into the garden, which is a beautiful thing, but it was a garden that started with our expression. So when we saying, like, coming from hip hop, expressing yourself in this way, it's really saying, being a black kid, expressing yourself in this way, how did you do that? I felt so good that I knew that I could move my people through the music, that I was like, I have to keep expressing myself in this way. And it was those songs, like love songs that ended up being things that people responded to from me. People wanted to hear them, bars and all that. But I had a gentleman come to me earlier before a show and be like, hey, Common, would you be okay if in the middle of your song, the light, which is about a woman, and woman being the light in the middle of your song, would you stop so I could propose to my girlfriend? And I said, yes, of course. And, you know, to have to know that I'm writing songs about from my heart and spirit and my experiences and they become those things for people, led me to understand that I have to be as vulnerable, as goofy, as, like, free, reflective, as, like, just open, like, non perfect. I don't know A better word that I could say you a word, Smith. But, you know, I gotta be that anything else is misguiding people or is not being true to who I am as an artist is not being true to my purpose. And I'm not doing my duty to the most high. God. Jay, if there's anything that I could tell you that. That drives me is I. Every day. I know you talked about every day. And I want to put into practice some of those things you said we should do every day. I'm so into that, the exposure and all that. Thank you for that. One of the things that gets me is I want to please the most high. I want to stay in my purpose and please the most high. Yeah, Yeah.
Jay Shetty
I mean, that's. There's nothing better than that.
Common
Yeah.
Jay Shetty
There's not. There's no greater accountability. There's no greater source of inspiration. There's no greater channel and. Yeah, there isn't. Apart from that. And as I'm listening to you, one of the things that really resonated with me was what you said about the friends. Because to have friends that. You know, in England, we call it banter. Right. People you can banter with, like someone who can, like, poke fun at you, but then at the same time has your back.
Common
Yeah.
Jay Shetty
And having someone that, if you can do that with them, that means you're closer to them.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
So when we first moved to the States, or maybe more la, when me and my wife would banter with each other because she's from Britain too. Everyone just think we're going to break up or something because we can, like, really lay into each other. But. But that's part of our love language. Because the more I can do that with you, the deeper we know each other.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
Because as we grow up, you lose some friends that you grew up with. Maybe people move cities, they get married to someone else, they move into a different part of the world. Maybe you've been here your whole life, you had the same friends, but you kind of outgrown them now.
Common
Right.
Jay Shetty
How do you as an adult continue to build new friendships that look like your future and not like your past?
Common
That's beautiful. You said people was like, what are you going to say about that, man? You know, at a certain point, like, once I started to like, okay, understand who I am. And I'm still learning, you know, like we hopefully we always will learn till we leave this planet on a physical level. So I'm still learning. But I do know a lot of things about me, and I know Myself. And I think one of the things that has helped me to understand about attracting new friends and who belongs in this atmosphere is people's energy, being discerning about people's intentions, making sure that any friendships, relationships, even moments, you want to be able to give and you want to be able to receive too. You start by giving. You know, most of the time, if I see somebody, I'm going to greet them, how you doing? And hopefully they'll greet back. Boom. Love. And it's like, it might just be that moment or it may be more than that, but the point is you understand what energy you want in your life and who deserves to be in your life. And you also have to be accountable for being a good friend, partner, a homie in their lives. And like, one of my closest friends is backstage with me, even though we talk about, tell the same stories over and over again, like, you know, I be like, damn, we still, but we still have. We still tell them same jokes about each other, but we also share scriptures. We also share motivation. He'll send me things that motivate. We also talk about life and just being in pain going through these things. And for me, that's a friendship that evolves some people. When you say, you said a very good point. Sometimes you outgrow other people, but a great, beautiful friendship and relationship, you all grow as individuals. And even if you ain't not at the same place at the same time, always, you might get there. And I think for me, just understanding when I'm around people, like, how do I feel around this person and how did this person make me feel? And hopefully I'm making them feel great, then that's the type of energy I want to be around. And is this something that's going to be consistent? We doing this quick movie together and we can hang out at this time, but this is not going to go further than that as a friendship. That happens sometimes, but that's okay. That person is great for your life at that moment. And you all can give each other equal yoke. But ultimately it's about, to me just being around energy that, you know is there to better you. Iron sharpens iron, and you, you bring that into your life.
Jay Shetty
Well said. Well said. I feel like when I'm vibrating at my highest energy, it's really clear whether someone wants to match it or not.
Common
Yeah.
Jay Shetty
Whereas if I walk into a space and I go at my lowest frequency, I don't actually know where someone stands. So it's almost like being at your highest vibration or frequency actually Allows you to see what energy someone's at and whether they're willing to match and you're gonna match them.
Common
Is that new friends? Cause I don't have a whole lot of new friends, to be honest. You know? But I do have new people in my life that I work with, that I love, that I'll be there for. But I'm like, friends. Not just people you like. I'm cool with them. I'm talking about friends. How do you decide who you let into your life? Especially with you having such a big, widespread platform and so many people probably wanting to be in that space. How do you make decisions on who?
Jay Shetty
I'm pretty lucky, I think. Cause my lane is so clear. The only people who want to get close are people who want to be spiritual. And so it kind of makes it easy because they know that I'm not really interested in other stuff. So it's kind of like the people that do want to get close. They're all people that want to evolve, that want to grow. You know, it's people like yourselves who want to become more healed, which I love, because my lane is so clear. And that's what I mean by when we're vibrating at a frequency that I'm not always at a high frequency, but if our frequency is clear.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
Then it's clear to others whether we're going to be a good time or not. So to some people, I'm the most boring person on the planet because they know I'm not into the three things that they love. But that's why I think it's so good to be clear about who we are and broadcast that. I don't mean necessarily publicly. I mean, when you walk into a room, whatever word you say, the question you first ask, the way you answer a question can completely shift the direction of a conversation. Like, when I walk into a room, I. I want to get into one deep conversation with someone in the corner. I'm not the person who's, like, milling around, trying to say hello to everyone. There's nothing wrong with that. That's just not me. And so I'd much rather walk away from an event, having had a deep, powerful, profound conversation and made one new friend, than feel like I spoke to 30 people about small talk. And again, there's nothing wrong with that. It's just who I am.
Common
So I love some of the things you just said, because I love great conversations. I feel like that's one of the ways I learned so much about myself, is through conversating with people who just have some emotional insight, intelligence. That's one of my favorite things, man, no matter where I am and my friends be like, boy, you talk a lot. I am loved. But I do love those conversations. And another thing you mentioned that I have to say has been one of the most powerful aspects about helping me in my life is to be clear, like taking care of myself when it comes to like the foods I eat, like having, like I said, my own meditation and prayer.
Jay Shetty
What does that look like? Walk us through some of those habits because I feel like this group loves learning about habits and practices and tools and tactics. What are you doing? What are some of yours that you commit to?
Common
Wake up in the morning thanking God for the day, thanking God just for the day, for the breath of life. And as Jay said, this is a spiritual thing. I'm not like when I talk about God, I'm talking about the creator of the heavens and earth that exists in all woman, man, that exists in all people on the planet. It's not a religious thing. This is about the Spirit that created all of us and that exists in all of us. So just communing with God is the first thing. And then I get into it's certain scriptures that I read that reinforce who I am and my relationship with the Creator. And then I get into my prayer and then I'll get into my meditation. People ask me like, do you do this type of meditation? This type of my meditation is a south side meditation. I came, I just came up with, I pulled from everything that I had experienced and was like, this works for me. It's not going to be this 20 minute meditation. Might be a minute or two, but I'm going to get it in and it works and it works for me. But seriously, it's that meditation. And then I go to this other book that I have that has these mantras and scriptures to them at that point, you know, like I'm prepared for the day and going into that day knowing that man, this is going to be a beautiful day because we all. Sometimes I wake up like ah, something feel funny like soon as I wake up. But me getting into gratitude and just saying thank you for the day and thank you for the breath of life starts to shift. That funny feeling. And then like me starting to, starting to, to say the things that I know I'm created for and the purpose that I'm here for, it starts to shift and my day becomes greater just from there. And even if some incidents happen, my perspective on the day is not down because I've done those things. Now, the diet and food side, I get into my. I got my supplements that I take and, you know, take those in the morning. And then I try to get a workout in. Like I said, sometimes you don't have to an hour to do a workout if you can get whatever time. And it's just movement. What I noticed is when I move around, whether it's a walk, I used to think I was like, man, those old people be walking, man. But now I'm taking walks. I'm walking in London, walking in the parks, and I'm like, am I that age that I'm walking? But. But a walk is a beautiful thing. And I realized just the movement of the body is good for the mind and the soul. So this is all part of my, like, wholeness when I. What I talk about in the book and then we rise is that wholeness of, like. Because I had certain aspects. Like, I was always pretty much a spiritual guy. Like, just. And learning my spirituality, you know, reading from the Bible at one point, reading the Quran and reading different things to just know God for myself. But then I needed other aspects, and I started to figure out that the diet made me see clearer. Not only did I see clearer, like, I was rapping clearer, like, my voice sounded clearer. Like, for real. Like, not having certain foods in my body and taking care and my energy, I was waking up with energy instead. Like, so I felt the difference. And that was all the research I needed to do. I didn't need to read nothing to note it. Like, oh, I feel better doing these things. So all those things are things that I put into practice. And, you know, I pick up new things. Like, just listening to you, I'm like, wait, I'm gonna start figuring out this exposure. Bless you. I'm gonna figure out this exposure thing, like, and see what I can do. Because I'm always looking to learn and grow.
Jay Shetty
Yeah, I love that. Talking about exposure therapy. I wanted this event to be special, and this is gonna be a surprise for everyone. I wanted to give someone in the room. We've been talking about dreams. We've been talking about rising above judgment. We've been talking about taking your opportunity. I wanted to check, and there's no pressure, but I wanted to check if there was a poet, a rapper, a spoken word artist in the audience that wanted 60 seconds to share with the audience and with common their skills. I want to give you a moment, and I don't want you to steal a mom from someone else. So this isn't messing around. It's someone who truly has. I see the yellow shirt. I see one up there. I love that hustle. That hustle. I love it. What's his name? Oh, you don't know? Oh, wow. Okay. That's amazing. That's great. You know, I really feel like there's moments like this. We got you in the seat.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
To give someone a moment, to give someone an opportunity, to put someone out there, to put someone on. I chose the hardest person to get downstairs. Now he's lost, trying to find his way while we're waiting for him. I want to 1. Oh, here we go. You want to come through? Want to say hello before?
Common
Respect, my brother. Bless you. Bless you. Bless you. Thank you. Thank you.
Jay Shetty
All right. So your name is Daniel. Daniel. Where are you from?
C
I'm from Chicago.
Jay Shetty
From Chicago. Love it.
C
I'm from here.
Jay Shetty
You're rapper, spoken word eyes. Poet.
C
I'm a poet, and in all honesty, I taken kind of a backseat from the spotlight. I don't have any socials. I go and perform at open mics occasionally. But, yeah, my heart is pumping.
Jay Shetty
I love it. Well, this is what we wanted to do tonight because you running down it. We saw you hustle, so you take a breath just to catch your breath. But that was the point of tonight. I want to make it known that you can do it. It's not a. You know, I think we often feel like we have to wait for our moment. We got to work for it, but we want to give it to people right here. So I want to give you 60 seconds to share with us the words, the work, whatever you want to read to us. Common will give us a zero out of ten rating.
C
You good?
Jay Shetty
Dennis, you ready?
Common
Yeah. You got it, bro. You got it, bro. You got it. You got it.
C
Okay, so I'm going to give you something that's relatively new, and it's about the lady that pushed me to come up here. She's. She's up there. Real quick. Cause I don't want to waste any of your time.
Jay Shetty
You're not wasting anyone's time.
C
God, I'm nervous. Why am I up here?
Jay Shetty
Yes.
C
It's called my new favorite color.
Jay Shetty
Before we dive into the next moment, let's hear from our sponsors. This episode of on purpose is brought to you by Chase Sapphire reserve. I believe that travel is one of the greatest gifts that we've ever been given, and Chase Sapphire reserve has been my gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When I use my Chase Sapphire reserve card, I get eight times the points on all the purchases I make through Chase Travel and even access to one of a kind experiences. Experiences like music festivals and sporting events. And that's not even mentioning how the card gets me into the Sapphire Lounge by the club at select airports nationwide. Travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Trust me. Discover more@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA Member FDIC, subject to credit approval terms apply. Thanks for taking a moment for that. Now back to the discussion.
C
If I asked any of you what's your favorite color, it would come without a second guess. You might even attribute some colors to different moods. Green might be the envy in a mean girl whose burn book would burn looks through sky blue retinas like our heavenly ceiling riddling with the beauty of God's creations. But not a single star burns brighter than the patron my eyes behold. After all, they say that's where her beauty lies. So my answer is red. That's my favorite color. It's something about the way it massages her cheeks before they form that rose that reminds me of Aretha's declaration. A dedication to the strongest flower in concrete jungles Never meant to grow but defying all odds God's peculiar creation Sending sensations where you hear, see and touch vibrations I love to make her blush just to see a smile from those red lips. I'd re educate the inner child in me that was deceived to believe that synesthesia couldn't be achieved. But who knew the color red could taste so sweet Scent like strawberries harvested solely by God's worthy. I'll happily trick for this treat and I'm gonna leave it there Cause I am dying. I'm a rhyme, I'm a relic.
Common
That was dope. Real dope. Yo I know it's kind of hard to handle but everybody give it up for Daniel.
D
Yo, I say it like this I say it like this. In God we trust. I see his shirt and I tell MCs they not like us. What can you do yo? You know the whole outcome. I see Martin and of course I see Malcolm. We know right now I keep my mind heavy I I keep it all ready When I'm with Jay Shetty it's like this Constance yo, I guess you know me. I gotta say rest in peace to that brother Kobe. This is how it is yo. We at your service. We right here in Chicago and this is about purpose. It's on purpose, yo. I'm telling you these words is my man J. Yo, I told you he's a word Smith comm since I'm coming I got my brother from London this is how it be I got a hundred styles and running I, I can let you know My mind's like a encyclopedia when I come to the Chicago theater letting you know it's time for me to climb we talk about the spirituality it's divine and I'm coming straight for shot off the head. My man Daniel said his favorite color is red. Yo, I read through books this how we look we got to understand Cam, since I never been shook, I been hanging in places where we hang outside side. I'm talking about the west and of course the south side. And that's how it be When I known to go off and shout out to my people. That's even from the north comm sense it's like this, yo, I guess I live in it. I was cruising up and down the street called Michigan Avenue grabbing new things that I need to do. Comm says, yo, I told you I believe in you and believe in me as I'm receiving these things. Earlier we was talking, Jay, about dreams and. And that's how it be the style of be free. I just got to say respect to God.
Jay Shetty
Give it up for Daniel, everyone.
Common
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Jay Shetty
That was. That was a surprise for me. Wow. Wow, wow.
Common
Having a little fun.
Jay Shetty
Wow.
Common
Having a little fun. Yeah.
Jay Shetty
Yeah, that was. I was not expecting that, man.
D
I kind of.
Common
I love. I love rapping, man. I love. I love mc. And once. Once we had the music a little bit and Daniel did his thing, I'm like, I'm at home. I'm on a J. I'm on the J City show. I'm like, I got. I want an emcee.
Jay Shetty
So, no, you just blessed us all out. I mean, that was straight off the dome. It was all the references. The what up T shirt reference. It's amazing.
Common
Keep it free, right?
Jay Shetty
It's. Oh, my God. Thank you. Thank you so much for that. And thank you, Daniel. Give it up for Daniel again, everyone. You took your moment. I love people taking their moment.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
And I love helping people have their moment and when those two things come together, because I feel like I spent my whole life waiting for someone to give me a shot, and often we can feel that way. We're just waiting for someone to open a door or just let us in or whatever it may be. And, you know, oh, there we go. He just made it upstairs. And it's just beautiful when you put yourself out there like that. And I hope that, you know, one of the things I Like, to do differently in these evenings is have moments like that. Because when you see someone who's sitting in the same place as you are, but takes their moment, I hope it's a reminder to you tomorrow when you're at the office, when you're talking to someone, when you're with your family, and you've just been avoiding that moment, I hope it gives you the courage and the strength to go. Daniel did that, you know, on stage in front of 2,000 people with Coleman and Yo, Jay.
Common
I gotta say, like, you made me think about, like, it was a point where I had to learn to take that moment. And this happened to me. This is further into my career. This is basically. I was in a movie called Selma, right? And I was an actor in Selma. Yeah. And directed by the great Ava DuVernay. And, I mean, it's incredible actors in there and actresses. But anyway, it was about the people of the Civil Rights movement. And we finished the movie. And the movie, it really moved my spirit because we were living in the shoes and the skin of the people of the Civil Rights movement. So we got to meet Ambassador Andrew Young and John Lewis, the late, great John Lewis. And it affected my life. I remember Ambassador Andrew Young, at our first meeting said, we. What are you willing to die for? Live for that. He said, we were willing to die for freedom and justice and equality, so we live for it every day. Right. Well, that all that affected me. We finished the movie, and I'm asking everybody that's a part of it, what are y' all gonna do for the, like, songs? Like, what's going. What's y' all got any music in mind? They was like, yeah, we got something in mind, but it's not you. Right? So I usually wouldn't seize the moment or take that moment, and, like, I would be shy about that moment. That's what I was talking about. Dimming my light at times. I was on the phone talking to my manager, saying, what are they doing with the song for Selma? He was like, man, they said they got some people they want to use, but they haven't locked it in. It hit me like, it was like the Creator speaking to me. God was speaking to me. I literally said, I'm going to call you back. The thought came to me, like, I'm going to call John Legend and see if he would be open to, like, working with me on a song for this. I hang up the phone with my manager and call John. John is in London. And I tell him, hey, man, I'm part of this movie, Selma, it's incredible, man. It's about Dr. King and the women and men of the civil rights movement. Let's do a song now. They don't want a song from us, so we submitting it. But will you do this song? He said, I got you, brother. I usually wouldn't ask like my friends, and I've worked with John before, but I wasn't the type to just ask for it. But something I listened to, what God said, look, called John. I did it. And John said, I'mma be over here for a few months on this tour, but I will go in the studio on Wednesday. I hung up the phone. I text him three titles. The last title I text him was Glory. He said he saw that, that. That name, Glory, and it sparked his thoughts. And he started coming with the melody, and he started coming up with the words for the hook. One day when the glory's, when I can't sing it, y'. All, I messed it up. But, you know, he did that, sent it back to me after that Wednesday. I remember getting the music. I was going to my father's memorial. I heard that music. I was overwhelmed. I ended up writing that song, and that song became the song that we ended up winning a Golden Globe, winning a Grammy, and winning an Oscar award for. And I'm bringing that up because it was that moment. It was that one moment where I decided to listen and not be afraid and just ask and seize the moment. And it happened. Yeah, that was.
Jay Shetty
I'm so glad you shared that story. Yeah, I'm so glad you shared that story. Because I think, you know, that was later in your career.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
And you still have that doubt where you have to listen in. And I think I love hearing that, because I think we all think one day we're going to get to a place from which we don't have to listen anymore. To God, to that inner voice, to that direction. But the truth is, it's always the case. You always have to go inward to find that outward direction. It's not going to happen by constantly looking around at where do I want to be and where do I want to go? And you've got to constantly look inside and hear the ask, hear the calling.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
Hear that question.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
Right. Because we're looking for the answer that you don't hear the ask.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
You know what I mean?
Common
Yes, man. Yes.
Jay Shetty
It's a really interesting thing, like God's trying to ask you to do something. You're like, God, tell me the answer.
Common
Right. Tell me the answer.
Jay Shetty
And God's like, no, no, no, I want you to do this.
Common
I want you to do this. And you have to be open to the experience and the journey too. It's a beautiful thing, but it's a thing where it doesn't stop. I mean, last week I was like, man, I want this. I want this. It didn't happen for me and I had to like really come to grips and do exactly what I told you. I work on. I work on, like just still staying in gratitude, still knowing what's for me is there for me and really being present and okay, I prayed for that. And I said, man, if it's in your will and I use my scriptures and that didn't happen for me, then I have to understand that I'm supposed to be here, wherever you have me and I'm going to be trusting in that and be present in that. And that's one of the things that I just. It doesn't stop. Like I was later in my career when I did that with John, when I said, hey, you know, I called him. But it's still moments where I'm like, should I say this to this person? Should I not? But I'm more leaning towards, because I've worked on it, to say I'm gonna speak up for the things that I want or just say my truth. Like if it's something that doesn't work for me, I know how to speak up on that too.
Jay Shetty
So I love that. I wanna take the last few moments to end every on purpose interview, as we always do with the final five.
Common
Yes.
Jay Shetty
These questions have to be answered with one word to one sentence maximum.
Common
Okay.
Jay Shetty
So come. And these are your final.
Common
This is a real challenge.
Jay Shetty
This is a real challenge. These are your final five. Question number one, which we ask to every guest who's ever been on the show. What is the best advice you've ever heard or received?
Common
To love others as you love yourself. I think that's the best. They're the best that I've received.
Jay Shetty
I agree. Question. Oh, yeah, give it up. Absolutely. Go for it. This is awesome.
Common
Question.
Jay Shetty
Usually when I'm doing the final five with someone like, I don't get this. So this is amazing. Like you don't know what a gift you're giving me by being here right now. You know, when we're doing this in the studio, it's beautiful. But we should do every episode with you guys here. Yeah, yeah. You know. Question number two. What is the worst advice you've ever heard or received?
Common
People say this they say the same shit every day. I asked them like, how you doing? And they say, man, same shit, new day. I don't subscribe to that mentality. So I looked at that as, like, bad advice, and I'm like, nah. So it's got to be something new happening today. Create something new.
Jay Shetty
So create something new.
C
Yeah.
Jay Shetty
Yeah. Question number three. What was the hardest part about learning to love yourself and take care of yourself?
Common
Which is the tagline of the hardest part about learning to love myself and take care of myself is learning to love myself when I'm being rejected. That is like a real. That's a. Because that is when it taps into little Rasheed and the things that I've been rejected or abandoned from before as a kid. And when I'm rejected now, you told me to keep this answer short.
Jay Shetty
That's a great answer. Carry on. It's a great answer. Carry on.
Common
But when I'm rejected now, sometimes I can bring that little Rasheed into the present and those feelings of being rejected and make this new rejection greater than what it really is. I'm not present in what is happening. So I think loving myself in those moments has been some of the toughest times. But I feel I'm worth it, so I strive for it.
Jay Shetty
Question number four. How do you show yourself self love every day?
Common
The things that I do for self love that I spoke about from every aspect, the prayer, meditation, foods. I make sure I'm diligent about it. And like, if my call time is at 5:30, if they coming to get me to go to set at 5:30, I'm still gonna get up and make sure I have enough time to do those things. Because that's me loving myself. That's me giving the time to myself that I need. And that has nothing to do with nobody else. But that's me and the Creator. And I think, you know, that's how I take time. And I also have boundaries now too. Like where sometimes if somebody is. I know is taking advantage of me or just asking for too much and I'm not able or willing to give that, I know how to speak up for that. So that's another way that I've learned to love myself every day. To speak up, beautiful.
Jay Shetty
Fifth and final question of the final five. We ask this to every guest who's ever been on the show. If you could create one law that everyone in the world had to follow, what would it be?
Common
We would have to go inside of ourselves to find the greatest love that exists. And in every daily activity we would have to acknowledge that love in ourselves and encourage it in others and see it in others. And that would be the law, to know that love within you and acknowledge it in others and treat them as such.
Jay Shetty
Carmen, we wanted to. I mean, beautiful answers. We wanted to do one last special thing with you because you kindly came out to Chicago to be here with us. I want you to take a look behind you in a second. When we have it up there, if we get it up there we go. If you could communicate with your younger self now, what would you say to your younger self?
Common
Well, you had hair then, brother. Well, I would say. I would say, man. I would say, man, no matter what you go through, you got everything you need to. To be what you purpose to be on this planet and go out there and do your duty and do it in the highest way and do it with joy, do it with love, do it with grace. And you will make some mistakes. You will go through pain. But God loves you more than anything and you love you. So show the world that love.
Jay Shetty
I love that. And, and second one. What do you, what do you need to hear? Oh, looking very dapper. It's like, you know, what would you say you need to hear most right now?
Common
The quest is still going. You still got a lot of growing to do, a lot more to give, be free. You're doing well. But, but, but you, you, you're going to be greater and you will do greater and all those things you envisioning, continue to be patient and be diligent and remember your purpose. And Jay will have you back on again.
Jay Shetty
Anytime. Anytime. Anytime. Anytime off. After this next one, I'll see if you want to come back on again. This is if we get a third one up. It's some AI AI from the team. When you look at that, what wisdom do you. What wisdom do you hope you will have realized? Well, in the next 10, 20 years.
Common
You finally stopped putting that dye in your beard. I would hope that I was still be enjoying, like music, creating music, enjoying acting. I would hope to be getting my Morgan Freeman on at that point. And I would hope that the work that I have done is penetrating people's lives and families and things are just better in the world because of me doing my part as we all do our part. And I hope that I'm just having fun and in a good, healthy relationship.
Jay Shetty
Beautiful. Come on, everyone. Come back anytime. If this is the year that you're trying to get creative, you're trying to build more, I need you to listen to this episode with Rick Rubin on how to break into your most creative self, how to use unconventional methods that lead to success, and the secret to genuinely loving what you do. If you're trying to find your passion and your lane, Rick Rubin's episode is the one for you.
Common
Just because I like it, that doesn't give it any value.
Jay Shetty
Like, as an artist, if you like.
Common
It, that's all of the value.
Jay Shetty
That's the success comes when you say.
Common
I like this enough for other people to see it.
Jay Shetty
This episode of On Purpose is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. I believe that travel is one of the greatest gifts that we've ever been given, and Chase Sapphire Reserve has been my gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. Every time I travel, I find a part of myself I didn't know was missing. I remember being in this small town completely unplugged, and for the first time in a while I felt, still, travel does that. It grounds you, expands you and connects you to something deeper. That's why I'm always looking for experiences that go beyond the typical. Chase Sapphire Reserve makes traveling a breeze, earning eight times points on all purchases through Chase Travel and granting access to Sapphire Lounge by the club at select airports nationwide. No matter my destination, travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Discover more with Chase Sapphire Reserve and at Forward slash Sapphire Reserve cards issued by Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.
Common
This is an iHeart podcast.
Podcast Summary: COMMON: The Untold Story of How Heartbreak, Rejection & Self-Doubt Almost Derailed His Success (And How He FINALLY Found His Purpose)
Podcast: On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Host: Jay Shetty
Guest: Common (Emil Jordan)
Release Date: July 23, 2025
In this deeply engaging episode of "On Purpose with Jay Shetty," the renowned hip-hop artist and actor Common joins host Jay Shetty to discuss his personal journey through heartbreak, rejection, and self-doubt. Common delves into how these challenges nearly derailed his career and how he ultimately discovered his true purpose. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, insightful reflections, and motivational advice, making it a compelling listen for anyone seeking inspiration to navigate their own struggles.
Common begins by reflecting on his upbringing on the South Side of Chicago, emphasizing the strong foundation provided by his family and community. He credits his mother and stepfather for instilling in him values of intelligence, survival, basketball, music, life, and love. A pivotal moment from his childhood was learning about Emmett Till in his English class, which profoundly influenced his sense of justice and purpose.
Notable Quote:
Common (01:30):
"One of my greatest lessons has been in one of the greatest pains I had. And that was a heartbreak."
Common opens up about a significant heartbreak that left him feeling broken and struggling with self-doubt. This painful experience forced him to confront his vulnerabilities and work on self-love. He discusses how he battled feelings of rejection by drawing strength from his faith and spiritual practices, such as prayer and meditation.
Notable Quote:
Common (03:05):
"I was a young black boy from the south side of Chicago... I wanted to give something to the world."
Initially passionate about basketball, Common's trajectory changed after sustaining an injury in his sophomore year, which sidelined his athletic dreams. During his recovery, he turned to writing and realized his true calling was in music and later acting. This transition highlights the importance of adaptability and following one's passion despite unforeseen setbacks.
Notable Quote:
Common (12:10):
"I got injured in my sophomore year, and I was out for months. Those months of me not being able to play ball led me to wanting to write more."
Common emphasizes the significance of good habits in maintaining mental and emotional well-being. His daily routine includes gratitude practices, scripture reading, prayer, meditation, and physical exercise. These practices help him stay grounded, focused, and resilient in the face of challenges.
Notable Quote:
Common (21:42):
"The things that I do for self-love that I spoke about from every aspect, the prayer, meditation, foods. I make sure I'm diligent about it."
The conversation shifts to the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and positive friends. Common explains how his close-knit group of friends in Chicago allowed him to embrace his uniqueness and provided a safe space for genuine interactions. He underscores the role of discernment in building meaningful relationships that align with one's energy and purpose.
Notable Quote:
Common (26:13):
"I had a group of friends that allowed me to be me and allowed me to be unique... They embraced me."
A pivotal moment in Common's career was his decision to collaborate with John Legend on the song "Glory" for the movie "Selma." This collaboration not only earned him critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe, Grammy, and Oscar, but also reinforced his belief in seizing opportunities when they arise. Common shares how trusting his instincts and taking decisive action led to significant breakthroughs in his career.
Notable Quote:
Common (56:30):
"I decided to listen and not be afraid and just ask and seize the moment. And it happened."
In the concluding segment, Common answers Jay Shetty's "Final Five" questions, offering concise yet profound insights:
Best Advice Received:
"To love others as you love yourself." [58:58]
Worst Advice Received:
"People say the same shit every day... I don't subscribe to that mentality. Create something new." [59:33]
Hardest Part About Self-Love:
"Learning to love myself when I'm being rejected... I can bring that little Rasheed into the present and make this new rejection greater than what it really is." [60:04]
Showing Self-Love Daily:
"The things that I do for self-love... prayer, meditation, foods. I make sure I'm diligent about it." [61:17]
One Law for Everyone:
"We would have to go inside of ourselves to find the greatest love that exists... acknowledge that love in ourselves and encourage it in others." [62:26]
Additionally, when asked what he would tell his younger self, Common advises embracing love, purpose, and resilience:
"No matter what you go through, you got everything you need to be what you purpose to be on this planet..." [63:20]
Common's candid and heartfelt discussion with Jay Shetty offers valuable lessons on overcoming personal struggles, the importance of self-love, seizing opportunities, and building meaningful relationships. His journey from heartbreak and self-doubt to finding his purpose serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and intentional living. Listeners are left with a profound understanding of how embracing one's vulnerabilities and maintaining positive habits can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
Final Takeaway:
Embracing and overcoming personal challenges with self-love and positive energy can lead to discovering one's true purpose and achieving meaningful success.
Notable Moments and Quotes with Timestamps:
Emmett Till's Impact:
"The killing of Emmett Till was really the catalyst... his spirit was like something that I felt like I had to live for." [04:12]
Transition to Music and Acting:
"I usually wouldn't seize the moment... But the thought came to me like I'm gonna call John Legend..." [01:59 – 02:23]
Daily Habits for Self-Love:
"Wake up in the morning thanking God for the day... commit to gratitude and positive affirmations." [38:46 – 42:50]
Seizing the Moment with John Legend:
"I called John Legend and see if he would be open to working with me on a song for this... that song became the song that we ended up winning a Golden Globe, winning a Grammy, and winning an Oscar award for." [52:25 – 56:22]
Final Five Questions:
Comprehensive responses that encapsulate Common's philosophy on love, growth, self-care, and purpose. [58:36 – 65:11]
This episode offers a profound exploration of personal growth, resilience, and purpose, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating similar challenges or seeking inspiration to pursue their true calling.