COMMON
Universal Mind Control
(Geffen)
Rating: 
Sound Check:
Between acting gigs, Chicago emcee Common mixed it up with the Neptunes for his eighth release.
Amplification:
His conversational flow makes him eminently adaptable to the gargantuan chunks of futuristic robo-funk thrown at him here by Pharrell & Co.—it’s old school in outer space.
Last Note:
Fans of Common’s experimental 2002 Electric Circus—all nine of you!—can seek solace in the hippie rap detour “Changes.”
Penthouse Pick:
“Gladiator”
