Ok, Soulswede and frederisco hit it on point, I can't argue. I feel like Common's messages are very very good and very inspiring, but I'm more inspired by the tracks and the way his voice flows over the tracks. I tend to view what Mos Def and Talib Kweli have done as more on the revolutionary side. Especially when I see how Michael Jordan was inspired to make that commercial using UMI says! When I think of revolutionary artists I think of Bob Marley. Strong message, great delivery, great music, not too heavy, not too light:

"The power of philosophy floats through my head, light like a feather, heavy as lead" -Bob Marley
I just think that's the tightest line I've heard in any song!

Another thing too is that common just like any one of us is human and an artist in his own right, so I appreciate what he has to say because of his motives. I also really respect common because of his directions that he's been going in. No one really seemed to appreciate the one day it will all make sense album, but I loved it. He's doing what he wants to do, making his political statements when neccessary and having fun while doing it. It is difficult to maintain a balance that will satisfy all critics and that is just not reality.

Revolutionary, not quite.. but definitely a figurehead in the revolution!

-RasPoetE
Enter the DREAD - http://www.geocities.com/coolpoete