Watch Common Freestyle with a 'Dope' Street Musician in New Orleans

Common surprises a street performer by jamming with him. Their amazing freestyle showdown was caught on video and is truly an inspiring and entertaining moment to watch.

There’s nothing common about Common, not especially what he did recently on the streets of New Orleans. The rapper jammed with a street singer who’s still in disbelief. 

NOTHING COMMON ABOUT THIS DAY

It seemed like an ordinary working day for freestyler Ray Wimley who was performing for passersby in front of the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans. However, the day turned special when Common showed up to his surprise.

Last year, the famous rapper met Ray in the city and he admired his work. He lauded the artist for being “GOOD” at freestyling. So when this year’s Essence Fest led him back to the streets and he chanced upon Ray again, Common took things up a notch and decided to have some fun with the musician.

A video of their encounter was shared on the rapper’s IG where he told this story.  Likewise, Ray gushed about the amazing experience in his own IG account. 

“Rapping is my release, my art, my way of expression. It’s a desire that comes from my spirit, and whenever I can appease the desire to rap, I do."

AN IMPRESSIVE SHOWDOWN

The clip showed Ray and Common in a freestyle showdown and it clearly drew attention from those who happened to be there. According to Ray, it was “SIMPLY AMAZING,” in the caption he wrote to accompany the clip. 

“This dude is a amazing person and of course a God level MC. I’m forever grateful and high of life man @common thanks bro,” the young artist wrote. 

Meanwhile, Common had a nice thing to say about Ray too. 

“I’m telling y’all right now, he’s special!!” 

ON COMMON'S LOVE FOR RAP

Common’s gesture in highlighting Ray’s work is a clear example of his commitment to “Let Love Have the Last Word,” which is also the title of his new book.

In the memoir, he opens up about a lot of things including his experience being molested, his quest for love, and his relationship with his daughter. He also speaks about his love for rap and how he would do it anytime, anywhere. 

“I would rap for free. I would rap if I lived on the streets. I would rap if I was a preacher, a prisoner, or a politician,” he wrote. 

“Rapping is my release, my art, my way of expression. It’s a desire that comes from my spirit, and whenever I can appease the desire to rap, I do. And if I can’t do it in a studio, then I’ll go for a drive, alone, and do it there, happily and at peace.”

You can understand now why Common would be more than willing to take time out from his busy schedule to jam with Ray in the streets He is a rapper in his heart and his love for the art is powerful.