At 53, hip-hop legend Common has finally opened up about the most difficult and hidden chapters of his life, shocking fans and the music world with his candor.

Born Lonnie Rashid Lynn on Chicago’s South Side, Common grew up surrounded by strong influences—his mother was a teacher, and his father played pro basketball before becoming a youth counselor.

Early exposure to music led him to form his first rap group, CDR, which even opened for NWA. But after two years at Florida A&M, he left college behind to pursue music full-time, eventually adopting the name “Common” after a legal dispute over his original moniker, Common Sense.

Common’s career soared in the 1990s. His 1994 track “I Used to Love H.E.R.” was a poetic critique of hip-hop’s transformation, using the metaphor of a woman to represent the genre.

While East Coast fans loved it, the song sparked a major feud with Ice Cube, who felt Common was dissing West Coast rap. Cube responded with sharp lyrics on “Westside Slaughterhouse,” escalating tensions during an era when rap beefs could spill into real violence.

Common, initially hurt but flattered that Cube even knew him, eventually fired back with “The Bitch in Yoo,” a legendary diss track produced by Pete Rock.

The song called out Cube’s contradictions and hypocrisy, cementing Common’s reputation as a formidable lyricist. But as the East-West rivalry intensified and tragedies like the deaths of Tupac and Biggie shook the industry, Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam stepped in. In 1997, Farrakhan hosted a peace summit in Chicago, bringing together Common, Cube, and other rap heavyweights to quell the beef. The meeting ended with apologies and a symbolic hug between Common and Cube, marking a turning point for hip-hop.

Yet, Common’s struggles weren’t limited to industry drama. In his 2019 memoir, *Let Love Have the Last Word*, he revealed a deeply personal secret: as a child, he was sexually abused by a family friend connected to his godbrother.

The trauma haunted him for decades, resurfacing only recently as he worked through it with therapy. Common spoke about the stigma Black men face when discussing abuse and emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for healing.

In 2020, his reputation was rocked again when singer Jaguar Wright accused him of s3xual misconduct. Wright alleged on Instagram Live that Common had assaulted her while she slept. Common publicly denied the accusation, expressing disappointment and hurt, and reaffirmed his respect for survivors of abuse.

Common has also been honest about his battles with alcoholism and mental health. Growing up, he realized that drinking couldn’t numb his pain or help him reach his goals. Influenced by KRS-One’s “My Philosophy,” he adopted a healthier lifestyle, cutting out meat and focusing on wellness. He launched a YouTube channel, Calm and Well, to share his self-care journey, advocating for therapy, meditation, and writing as tools for emotional balance.

Despite the controversies and personal demons, Common remains a respected artist and activist. His openness about trauma, addiction, and healing has inspired fans to confront their own struggles. At 53, Common’s legacy is not just his music, but his courage to speak his truth and help others find theirs.