Common looks back on “The Light” music video for ‘Vevo Footnotes’

Common is walking down memory lane in a recent installment of Vevo Footnotes. As part of the platform’s exclusive content celebrating 50 years of hip-hop, the rapper revisited the visual for “The Light,” off his 2000 album, Like Water, Like Chocolate.

Common credited J. Dilla for the track’s production and Erykah Badu for inspiring the song, which is about the “different dimensions of love and what partnership is.” 

Ultimately, Common said, “‘The Light’ was one of the greatest videos I have ever been a part of.” He’s proud that so many people have used the song at their weddings, and hopes that it continues to inspire more love and authenticity in hip-hop.

“I think that’s a beautiful thing about hip-hop,” he said. “This was just one of those songs that allowed us as males to feel like we could express love in a pure way — say what we’re feeling and not be afraid. It took me a long time to understand that.”

In a statement accompanying his episode’s release, Common thanked Vevo “for always supporting my work.” “This is dope to be a part of Vevo Footnotes. This is the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, and man … hip-hop has changed my life in ways that I can’t even fathom,” he said. “I thank God for hip-hop, and thank y’all for celebrating ‘The Light’ and including it in Footnotes for the celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary.”

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