Looks like Common has finally got his shit straight for real. No half-hippy experimental junks this time around, Be returns us to prime time Common- the one who has just the right mix of fire, emotion (aka that soft shit), politics, and regular old raps. Kanye produced the hell out of this too (everything except for two tracks- which are Dilla's, not a bad handoff). If you aren't a fan of either of these guys, this record certainly isn't going to convert you, but if you're even mildly into them, Be is something of a pinnacle combination. It's thankfully concise at 11 tracks (fuck a double album), and every track on here has merit. Here's more than half of em: lead singles "The Corner" and "Go," the live version of "The Food" from The Chapelle Show, throwback favorite "Chi-City," "Faithful" and the Jay Dee-produced "It's Your World." The whole thing just comes off as super clean, and damn near flawless. Recommended.

• black double vinyl pressing
• original release year: 2005
• music label: Geffen 2023

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2005