Absurdity reached new levels last May when when conservatives criticized First Lady Michelle Obama for inviting Common to the White House.
Sure, the 38-year-old performer born Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr. is a hip-hop artist and he's black, but he's about as close to the unsavory thug Fox News and others made him out to be as Herman Cain (well, maybe that's a stretch).
The whole debacle just brought more publicity to the Chicago rapper/actor who's known for being a positive and politically conscious force in the music industry — and, ahem, is pretty easy on the eyes, too.
As most half-conscious news watchers know, Common doesn't need notoriety to propel his fame. He's got enough good stuff going on, and he will be in Tampa tonight to talk about it all at the University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, at 8 p.m. the free lecture will take place at the Marshall Center ball room.
Common will talk about his memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense, an inspirational and highly personal tome that hit stores Sept. 13. He also may get into some details about his new TV drama, Hell on Wheels premieres on AMC on Nov. 6; and his album, The Dreamer, The Believer is scheduled to be released Nov. 22. Seating will not talk place until 7:45 p.m. but it is recommended you arrive early to get a spot. USF students and staff will receive preferential seating. For more info, visit uls.usf.edu.
