Making Sense: Hip-Hop Star Common Raps About Rev. Jeremiah Wright

Posted Mar 23rd 2008 4:11PM by Jawn Murray
Filed under: BV Buzz

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

Rap star Common has always been lauded for his conscious lyrics. Last April, the Chicago-bred artist was the only rapper featured on the 'Oprah' show during a town hall meeting on hip-hop after the fallout from Don Imus calling the Rutgers women's basketball team 'nappy-headed hos.'

Now the rapper is on the front line again, this time defending his pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

Unless you've been under a rock, you know by now that Wright, pastor and spiritual advisor to presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama, has come under fire for some of his more "controversial" sermons.

Mainstream media outlets have deemed the messages "anti-American" and have overused words like "inflammatory" and "explosive" all while accusing Wright of being a "racist."

The 36-year old rapper, who has been a member of Trinity United Church of Christ since he was eight years old, said he wasn't shocked about the tone of Wright's sermons.

"I am a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ, which is the church of Pastor Reverend Wright who has now become a national figure and I'm very proud of that. As we can see, as Barack has spoken, he said he has learned a lot from Reverend Wright. I can say that I've learned a lot from Pastor Wright. A couple of weeks ago I was in Chicago and it was his retirement ceremony and I wanted to go up and speak, but I didn't. I have rapped in the church which shows how progressive this church is that they let me rap there. I wanted to go up and speak and say how well he had raised me. I grew up with my mom and my step-father, but I felt in many ways that I was raised by his sermons also. His sermons always endorsed God and promoted God and believing in God and spirituality and being proud of who you are as a person and dealing with the Black community," Common told me during our interview at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills last week.

Common believes that Rev. Wright is preaching self-love and not hatred and his sermons were attempting to empower a disenfranchised race of people.

VIDEO: The "controversial" clip of Rev. Jeremiah Wright's sermon that is receiving backlash

"I think it's something important that we can acknowledge and say we're proud to be who we are. It's not an anti anything. It's about love for your culture also. I think many other cultures do it. Italians love their culture and Mexicans and Jewish people love and respect their culture. I think it should be okay for Black people to say, 'We love our culture. We love everybody else too, but we love our culture too.' That's the message that I got from Pastor Wright," he explained.

The rapper, who stars in the upcoming film 'Street Kings,' said that the attack on his pastor is just below-the-belt politics at his finest.

"I see what's going on," he smiled. "It's American politics. They try to twist and turn and find something wrong when things are going right. They have to try and find something negative. I can't say that I've seen all of the clips, but it's nothing surprising because I've been in that particular church since I was 8 years old. I know what Pastor Wright speaks and I think another thing that we're learning as people in this country is that as much as I look to Pastor Wright or Barack Obama as a leader and a great person or my mother as a leader and a great person, I have to make decisions for myself and what fits and what is gonna work well with me so no matter what speaker I listen to, I take what I get from it and say, 'okay, this is what I believe and this is what sits right with me and this is what I would use to apply to my life.' I think that's a lesson that we all can get from this."

According to Common, the national uproar over Wright's sermons isn't the first time the Chicago minister has come under fire.

"Even before it got bubbling nationally, it was going on locally," he shared. "[There were] petitions that we signed. There were certain newspapers in Chicago that were really trying to bash the church and it was like a petition that was asked of me to sign and other members of Trinity saying that we weren't in support of that newspaper for that and that we know Reverend Wright is not what they are portraying him to be."

Common said he is proud to be a member of Trinity United Church of Christ and does not intend to back away from Rev. Wright because of the criticism he is receiving. "I think now I'm getting an opportunity to say I'm a supporter of Pastor Wright and he has done some great things for our community and for people. He's a man of God and I love what he's saying. I'm not here to judge anybody 'cause I got my own problems. I say, let he who is without sin throw the first stone. We all got something going on with us and this guy has been an overall great speaker and a very intelligent man who has helped so many people across the world," he offered.

Obama, on the other hand, has had to distance himself from his spiritual advisor. Common feels as though the Democratic candidate and member of Trinity United Church of Christ should not be held accountable because of Rev. Wright.

"I think the comments that Reverend Wright said were his comments. They were not Barack Obama's point of view and I think Barack addressed it and I think he addressed it so well that the obstacles they put in front of him were stepping stones and that speech that he gave [last] Tuesday has impacted the world in a greater way than we ever knew. The things that they threw in front of him, he changed it into something good," said Common.

The rapper said despite spending a good portion of his time residing in Los Angeles and New York City , he does try to get back to Trinity United Church of Christ whenever he can.

Common attended the most recent New Year's Eve service at the church and was invited to rap a freestyle recap of the sermon in front of the congregation. As the base of his rap, he used the three principles from Rev. Wright's sermon: healthy evaluation, hopeful anticipation and holy affirmation.

VIDEO: Common Raps In Front of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago

Barack Obama Pictures

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., left, accompanied by former Pittsburgh Steelers NFL football players Jerome Bettis, centre, and Franco Harris, holds up a towel as they leave the Soldiers and Sailors Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh, Pa., Friday, March 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

AP
Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., speaks with the media about his endorsement of Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., Friday, March 28, 2008, at the Soldiers and Sailors Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

AP
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., left, accompanied by, from second from left, former Pittsburgh Steelers NFL football player Jerome Bettis, Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa. and former Steeler Franco Harris, leave the Soldiers and Sailors Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh, Pa., Friday, March 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

AP
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., waves prior to boarding his bus as he leaves the Soldiers and Sailors Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh, Pa., Friday, March 28, 2008.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

AP
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., shakes hands with former Pittsburgh Steelers NFL football player Franco Harris prior to boarding his bus, Friday, March 28, 2008, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

AP
PITTSBURGH - MARCH 28: Democratic U.S. presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) (L) waves to supporters as former Pittsburgh Steelers running backs Jerome Bettis (2nd-L) and Franco Harris (R), and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) (3rd-L) look on after an endorsement event at the Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and Memorial March 28, 2008 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Casey has endorsed Obama to be the Democratic nominee. Obama is starting his six-day bus tour through Pennsylvania to campaign for the upcoming presidential primary. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Getty Images
US Senator and Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama (L) walks out with former Pittsburgh Steelers players Jerome Bettis (2nd L) and Franco Harris (2nd R) and Pennsylvania Democratic US Senator Bob Casey (R) on March 28, 2008 at the Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania . AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images
US Senator and Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama (L) walks out with former Pittsburgh Steelers players Jerome Bettis (2nd L) and Franco Harris (2nd R) and Pennsylvania Democratic US Senator Bob Casey (R) on March 28, 2008 at the Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania . AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images
llinois Senator and Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama (L) meets with former Pittsburgh Steelers players Jerome Bettis (C) and Franco Harris (R) on March 28, 2008 at the Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images
US Senator and Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama (L) waves a towel and holds a football with former Pittsburgh Steelers players Jerome Bettis (C) and Franco Harris (R) on March 28, 2008 at the Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania . AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDA (Photo credit should read STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Reader Comments

1. Awesome comments from Common. love him even more!

lisa at 4:00PM on Mar 24th 2008

2. Hooray for Common...I love the fact that he spoke up and spoke out about a person who has poured into him...from near and far...
Let this be a message to the masses...Raise your voice and say something about the GREAT leadership that has given us balance, beauty and when necessary...righteous indignation! I salute Hillary and all that...but I KNOW she has never been through the mental, emotional and economic fight of being thought of as, or called a "N...r" ...so she CANNOT understand some things...no matter how hard she tries...Thank you Dr. Wright...some things must be SAID!

teresa Hairston at 4:09PM on Mar 24th 2008

3. I'm a black man who's a member of a multi ethnic church with predominately black members.
Several years ago my pastor taught a series on race, religion and
racism; he made statements that many people initially had problems
with (particularly those who only were exposed to exerpts from his
complete series which stretched astoundingly over 80 weeks)! He has been my
pastor for many years and is far from being racially prejudiced. His
teaching traced how the racial problem in America started with white
Americans enslaving black people and mistreating them for hundreds of
years. He also exposed with specific documentation (authors, book
titles, copywrite dates, etc. publications that helped shape the
opinions of many people in the church and outside of the church about
the inferiority and superiority of certain people). Much erroneous
teaching is still widely taught & believed and has helped to perpetuate false
beliefs. A part of my pastor's teaching style includes making
shocking statements for "effect" and to get people's attention. Never
to insult and put down. By the end of the series, many people had a
better understanding of how the message was actual a scholarly and
superb message on "understanding" of how this country and
particularly the church (black and white primarily arrived at a place
of racial separation and turmoil)...A great deal of misinformation has
been passed down from generation to generation. Prejudice and racism
is taught, it's not genetic.

I might also add, at the end of the series white christians came
forth and verified that there were many untruths that were passed
down to them and that many of their family and friends used
derogatory terms referring to black people regularly.

As I recall, there were people who disagreed with the teaching and/or
the manner in which it was presented and decided to leave the
ministry. Others waited to hear the whole thing. Many, many others
stayed and many people actual began to follow the the pastor,
pointing out his boldness to stand up to tackle this sensitive issue
helped them.

This teaching has for a number of years now been available book form
(3 volumnes) but the same title Race, Religion and Racism and has
received wide spread acclaim.

It's dangerous and unfair to judge someone on "excerpts". Barak Obama
obviously remained loyal to his church for other reasons beyond the
comments and strong opinions about this country expressed by the Rev.
Wright.

It would be good to know and post some accomplishments of Rev. Wright
and his church in order to put things in proper perspective.

Keith at 7:48PM on Mar 24th 2008

4. Can anyone say the the reverend told a lie? He told it like it is, and the US can't stand it.

Carol at 8:22PM on Mar 24th 2008

5. Common Speaks the truth!!!
http://executees.net

Natalia at 9:35PM on Mar 24th 2008

6. I definately agree with common on his point of view and that is that Barack should not be held accountable for Rev. Wrights point of view. It seems to amaze me how now suddenly the mainstream media have focused their attention so tightly on the church this seems to have transcended full circle the question is what will we do with this lens will we as a body use this as an opportunity to reach millions and still be victorious in all of our dealings or will we fall victim to and become what "they" /the mainstream media want us to be perceived as and that is false witnesses, hypocrits, whores/whoremongers, divorcees and whatever else they see fit to justify their own lifestyles.

melonie wallace at 11:11PM on Mar 24th 2008

7. I am an African-American and I was scared and very discouraged by Rev. Wright's words. I say preach the Word and stick with that. That's what he gets paid to do...to me, preachers going down the political path is political. The same thing that Rod Parsley does is the same thing Wright did. Except Wright is now under fire because he's black. It's okay to have pride as black people, but after hearing his remarks against Hillary and the tough harsh tone he used on our country (I wouldn't curse a country for nothing)...I can honestly say that there are some bad apples in every bunch.

Pastors make mistakes...it would have been cool if Wright would have apologized. After seeing him on FOX when being questioned on Hammilty & Colmes, I saw someone that could be perfect for Tyler Perry's The Diary of a Mad Black Man.

As for Common's side to this...I don't forget easily. This is the same fella that also defended the culture and system of hip-hop on Oprah awhile back, but denounced totally the words of Don Imus on his radio show. I still think we shouldn't use the "n" word and call our women the "b" or "h" word. Let's not be hypocritcal, people.

J Matthew Cobb at 11:45PM on Mar 24th 2008

8. I love a truth speaker and people who stand straight and strong. I
though Oprah was a member of the Church?

Doreen at 1:56AM on Mar 25th 2008

9. Hip Hop Hooray for Common! He was raised by the church and he learned to speak his mind. I'm not ready to give anyone from this Church the Nobel Prize for Peace. Is this the same Church that supports the harsh criticism offered by Bill Cosby? I think it's a sad offering to look at a Brother in the gutter suffering before you decide to offer him a hand up. I think it's worse than the White man for a Brother to criticize a Brother before walking in their shoes. Certainly, Blacks are partially responsible for their plight in life if they make no effort to rise from their chains. Don't criticize the Brother until his chains are released. Open his mind to the many opportunities that exist through the love of the Church and the Community. Kicking a Brother as he suffers is a crime worse than what put him in the gutter. Cosby would keep them there and take pictures to blame us instead of help us. Would Dr. King agree with my words or the critical words of Cos? There is always time to be critical, but not when encouragement would serve us far more. That's real. The Church almost has it right. They have their hands out for other monetary reasons. The IRS is looking too.

Cecil Jones at 6:08AM on Mar 25th 2008

10. From Blacks4Barack....
CONTACT ALL MEDIA ! WE WILL NOT SUPPORT SPONSORED RACISM !

We are asking everyone in America to contact the media to let them know WE WILL NOT SUPPORT SPONSORED RACISM. ANY news network who is promoting racism, divisiveness and hate mongoring should be contacted. Let them know that we are making a list of the advertisers who are sponsoring this media racism.....and we will NOT SUPPORT THESE ADVERTISERS ! The hate mongoring via the media MUST STOP ! Together....we WILL Make A Difference....for the Re-Birth of America !

For contact links to Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, etc....visit www.Blacks4Barack.org.

Greg Jones at 11:54AM on Mar 25th 2008

11. Hillary Clinton started this race card game to divide us to give her a better chance to win. Majority of black americans supported the Clinton's. How do you think Jessee Jackson feel's about them now, they used him for their own agenda and cover-up. Rev. Wright, only stated what has been said hundreds of time's, but I wonder how he feel's now, after taking pictures, shaking hands with Bill Clinton when he was president? Why arent these pictures covered or plastered by the media for all to see? We all know the game, it's just a ploy to hurt Obama, but it will not work, because as black americans, we know the real deal. Our roots did not start in Africa, it started in Egypt, with kings and queens, who are even mentioned in the bible and were followers of Christ, long before they enslaved us. We are a strong people, blessed of God not cursed, and we will shine threw, with God's help.

WANDA RICHARDSON at 5:18PM on Mar 25th 2008

12. Awright for Common. I have NO PROBLEM with Rev.Wrights sermon, the man spoke the truth. But if I can quote Jack, some in America "can't handle the truth"! People need to listen to the sermon in its entirety, and not the 30 seconds provided by the great fox news network.

Jerry G at 9:53PM on Mar 25th 2008

13. Common always has been and continues to be right on the money. He like Barack have stood up for what they believe like real men should do. Neither Common nor Barack are racists, they are however realists and realists tell it like it is even when it's unpopular. I've loved Common's music for a long time (even when he was Common Sense), pre-Kanye West and I had a huge crush on him for the same amount of time and I'm not the kind of girl that gets crushes. He is the kind of man that thinks globally and acts locally, this is evidenced by the wide array of collaborations he has done with underground artists and artits abroad.

Sprituality, looks, a sense of humor, intellect and a strong sense of self and community? That's the real definition of grown and sexy. I am prould of my people not losing sight of the prize despite the Clintons continual lying, backstabbing and underhanded tactics. We can all see that the Clintons, like the emperor has no clothes. Barack is not only who Black America needs but he is what the working man/woman needs and what all of America needs. Keep it up Common, hopefully I'll get to see you next lifetime.

Rena Jones at 9:56PM on Mar 25th 2008

14. I was wondering if Common was gonna sit back and not say anything or if he was gonna speak out about the situation? Then, I remembered, this is Common we're talking about. He's never been afraid to speak out on anything. That's why I love him, even more now.

Shay at 12:29AM on Mar 26th 2008

15. The pastor was way out of line with his statements. Second of all he was preaching in a church that right there is wrong. Third he was saying I am stricly speaking out of the bible that was dumb and wrong. I think Obama should be held for what his pastor but also at the same time he shoundt be held but oh well

Darius at 12:57AM on Mar 26th 2008

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