Who is Common?
Common debuted in 1992 with the album Can I Borrow a Dollar? and maintained a
significant underground following into the late 1990s, after which he gained notable mainstream success
through his work with the Soulquarians. His first major-label album, Like Water for
Chocolate, received widespread critical acclaim and tremendous commercial success. His
first Grammy award was in 2003 for Best R&B Song for “Love of My Life (An Ode to
Hip-Hop)” with Erykah Badu. Its popularity was matched by 2005’s Be, which was
nominated in the 2006 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album. Common was awarded his second Grammy
for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, for “Southside” (featuring Kanye West), from his July
2007 album Finding Forever.
His best-of album,Thisisme Then: The Best of Common, was released on November 27, 2007. Common
has also initiated a burgeoning acting career, starring significant roles in such films
as Smokin’ Aces, Street Kings,American
Gangster, Wanted, Terminator Salvation, Date
Night, Just Wright, Happy Feet Two, and New Year’s
Eve. He also narrated the award-winning documentary Bouncing Cats, about one
man’s efforts to improve the lives of children in Uganda through hip-hop/b-boy culture. He
currently stars as Elam Ferguson on the AMC western television series Hell on
Wheels.
What does it cost to book Common?
Fees vary based on the celebrity or speaker, travel needs, performance type, and event location. Most
bookings include an appearance fee, travel costs, and production requirements. SME Entertainment Group
provides detailed estimates before any commitments.
Are they available for my date and location?
Availability depends on Common’s travel schedule, tour dates, and filming or
corporate
commitments.
We
confirm availability quickly so you can lock in your event plans.
What exactly will they do at the event?
Common can deliver keynotes, performances, meet-and-greets, Q&A sessions, or
custom
programming. We
outline all options and help tailor the experience to your audience.
What technical or production requirements do they have?
Most of our talent requires specific AV setups, hospitality needs, and travel accommodations. We translate
every rider into clear, manageable steps so there are no surprises.
How will their involvement elevate my event?
Hosts often look for increased attendance, deeper engagement, or added credibility. We share relevant case
studies, past events, and positioning guidance to ensure the talent supports your goals.
What is the booking process and timeline?
The process includes inquiry, availability check, offer submission, contract execution, and event
coordination. Timelines vary, but many bookings finalize within one to three weeks.
Can Common customize their message or performance?
Yes, many speakers and performers can tailor content to your theme, audience, or organization. We help shape
and refine requests to ensure a seamless fit.
What is their reputation and professionalism like?
We provide background, reviews, and insights from past events. Our recommendations focus on reliability,
audience response, and how well the talent collaborates with hosts.
Will they support event promotion?
What happens if plans change or Common cancels?
Contracts include clauses for refunds, rescheduling, substitutions, and unexpected circumstances. We guide
you through all policies to protect your event.
