Common/Maimouna Youssef

It's an indisputable fact that rapper/actor Common is one of the most highly respected elder statesmen in hip-hop. After he debuted back in 1992 with his first album, Can I Borrow a Dollar, it has been quite the journey for the Chicago native. The rapper shared some of that journey last year at the State Theatre as the headlining artist at Tri-C Jazziest in an engaging 90-minute set. He returns to town tonight in support of his forthcoming album, Let Love. (Emanuel Wallace)