Letter to Kanye from Common
You've always been my brother. We're both from the Chi. We're both mama's boys. We both love this music. We've known each other for years, but we really became close at a critical time in my life.
I was coming off of a broken relationship, a disappointing album--a series of setbacks, both public and private. We started working together, and your confidence was contagious. Your belief in yourself--and in me--brought me back in tune with my potential.
I was stepping into manhood. I was beginning to see things clearly and beginning to feel who I was as an artist and as a man. At the same time, you were just beginning to flourish as an artist on your own terms. This was a wonderful time of development and discovery for both of us.
We spent hours in the studio. I was putting rhymes to your beats; the musical synergy was off the charts. But what I recall most were the conversations, bonding and beefing and airing our thoughts. That was golden. I really appreciated that time in my life, and you were there for me as a friend, as a buddy. We created some special music for the world to hear.
Back in the Chi, you used to come by Dion's basement when we were making tracks--a little dude talking crazy shit. "This nigga's wild," I thought, "Does he ever stop talking?" But I could tell that there was something special about you even then, a power you had and still have today.
I know I'm your older brother, but a lot of times, you've been my teacher. You never tried to tell me what I should do; you taught by example. What I appreciate most about you is your honesty. That honesty, that truth, is raw--straight, no chaser. You always speak the first thought on your mind, which can get you into trouble sometimes. But it's always coming from a pure place.
People sometimes ask me, "What's up with your boy?" They point to a telethon or an interview or an awards show. They look to me to explain or excuse what you do. I always tell them, "Look, I support him unconditionally. He's my brother." Those who don't know you find it hard to believe that you're as genuine as you are. They see calculation in your actions. I think that says more about them than it does about you. You know, I might not always agree with everything you say or do, but I know that whatever it is comes from a genuine place. That's one thing you should never change.
I don't know why I'm telling you this--you gonna do it your way anyway. I guess I just want to remind you that I am here. I want you to have all the happiness you can grasp in this life. You deserve it. You are a good-hearted brother. And as long as you keep your heart in a true place, guided by the right intentions and purposes, no one else's opinion should disturb your path.
I wish I had the courage and boldness to say what I feel all the time like you do. I once had it as a child, but life has a way of taking that from you. I always admired the fact that somehow you found a way to keep that childlike honesty. I really think that's how we're supposed to be as human beings: able to express ourselves in the purest possible way.
Ye, I learned a lot from you about how to believe more in myself and apply that belief to the benefit of others. From the very moment I met you, you never ceased to amaze me with the depth of your belief in yourself. Then to see that belief made real, to see your faith brought to fruition--it's a powerful lesson that I could carry with me throughout my life...
(find the rest of the letter in “One Day It’ll All Make Sense”)
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