'We spent hours together': Rapper Common discusses new book with Stephen Colbert as he recalls individual who inspired his writing

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: Rapper and actor Common, who was spotted with Jennifer Hudson hand-in-hand in November 2023 made a guest appearance on the 'Late Show With Stephen Colbert' to discuss his upcoming book, 'And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self.'

Scheduled for publication next week by HarperOne, Common's book advocates for self-care, covering aspects such as fitness, nutrition, mental health, and spirituality.

Common credits poet Maya Angelou as his inspiration for becoming a writer

The conversation between Colbert and Lonnie Rashid Lynn, known by his stage name Common, delved into the profound themes of love, forgiveness, and the influential presence of the legendary Maya Angelou in Common's life.

The conversation began with Common reflecting on the practice of love and the importance of not keeping a record of wrongs, with Common eloquently stating, "You keep no record of wrongs, that's love is kindness."

The conversation took a poignant turn as Colbert brought up Common's long and fruitful relationship with Maya Angelou, "a giant of American letters."

Common fondly reminisced about a serendipitous moment in 2009 when his mother, without personally knowing Maya Angelou, reached out to her for a benefit.

This initiated a lunch meeting at Angelou's Harlem apartment, where the two spent hours in deep conversation.

"I was sitting with the giant of American letters," Common mused, reflecting on the profound impact Maya Angelou had on his life.

He revealed his appreciation for poetry as a source of peace, a sentiment shared by Angelou, who played a pivotal role in shaping Common's perspective through her poetic wisdom.

Reflecting on that experience, Common expressed, "We spent hours together, and it struck me that I was sitting with the individual who ignited my passion for writing. In elementary school, Dr Maya Angelou was the writer who inspired me to start writing."

Common shares memorable experiences with Maya Angelou 

Colbert, ever curious, asked Common about the poetic exchange between him and Maya Angelou.

Common chuckled, admitting, "Oh man, we definitely got bars. She'll give you bars and bars."

He acknowledged the vast gap between his lyrical prowess and Angelou's poetic mastery but shared a memorable experience of freestyling at one of her birthday parties.

"I gave her some bars there, you know what I mean," Common quipped, highlighting the unique and creative bond they shared.

As part of his commitment to promoting self-love, Common introduced the "Make One Change" campaign. Colbert inquired about the initiative, prompting Common to explain its essence.

As per the American rapper, actor, and activist, 'Make One Change' serves as a call to action, reinforcing Common's message of self-improvement and positivity, not prescribing radical shifts but encouraging individuals, especially within the African-American community, to take one small step towards bettering themselves.

Common emphasized that 'Make One Change' isn't about imposing strict rules, saying, "It's not like, 'Yo, you gotta be a vegan, you gotta...' It's just take one step towards bettering yourself."

He provided examples like drinking more water or reducing phone use upon waking up, illustrating that meaningful change can begin with simple, achievable steps.