Music
Common Performs ‘Say Peace’ On ‘The Tonight Show’ With Black Thought And PJ
Common and his friend Black Thought appeared in a pre-shot set with a green screen for a colorful celebration of ‘A Beautiful Revolution.’ …
Common, who recently released this 13th studio album A Beautiful Revolution (Pt 1), appeared last night on The Tonight Show to perform the album’s lead single “Say Peace” alongside Black Thought and PJ. Set in front of a green screen, the colorful performance saw the two rappers trade verses as scenes of protest played in the background. Guest singer PJ also appeared on the screen, while a number of solo shots of Common himself cut across the footage.
Common released the Afrobeats-influenced track a week before the album after having another of the album’s tracks used in Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote campaign. Common also headlined the Life Every Voice Juneteenth live stream concert sponsored by When We All Vote in July. Before that, he spoke with Charles Thorp for Uproxx’s “Quarantine Kit” series, detailing his lockdown essentials which included shooting hoops outdoors, bodyweight training indoors, and, of course, a healthy dose of self-help books.
Black Thought, meanwhile, recently delivered a spirited performance of his own for COLORS, while PJ recently released her “I’m Forreal” video with fellow North Carolinian Lute.
Watch Common’s Tonight Show performance above.
A Beautiful Revolution (Pt 1) is out now on Loma Vista Recordings. Get it here.
PJ is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Album Review
R3b3l I explores self-discovery through sound on “A Different Frequency” album
In a music scene often ruled by lyrics, R3b3l I proves that you can tell a powerful story without a single lyric. “A Different Frequency” is a twelve-track instrumental hip-hop and rap-inspired album inviting you into a deeply personal journey of growth, self-discovery, and purpose, speaking its message purely through mood, rhythm, and expression.
“Dance Before the Throne” opens the album, immediately establishing the tone of reflection and reverence. From here, “Elevate” and “The Wave” continue, adding momentum and a sense of movement and change. Each piece is a chapter in a larger story, allowing you to interpret the music with your own experience.
Songs like “I AM Power,” “Level Up,” and “Awaken” seem to be a big part of the progression of the album. The energy is one of empowerment and inner evolution. “The Jazzy Hop” is a nice change of pace in style, with a smooth, groove-flavored taste that shows R3b3l I’s versatility. Meanwhile, “Carousel,” “Raindrops,” and “Heartbeat” are moments of introspection that balance uplifting themes with emotional depth and openness.
The project wraps up on an emotional high with “Ancestors,” a heartfelt tribute to the forebears and the invisible forces that still influence us on our journeys. It’s a fitting way to close out an album about connection, growth, and purpose. “A Different Frequency” is more than a collection of tracks with carefully constructed instrumentals and thoughtful sequencing, and it’s a rewarding journey for those who want immersive instrumental hip-hop with heart, imagination, and substance.
Artist Spotlight
“Signalling Signatures” finds Mr Pigeons exploring dreams, truth, and hidden meanings
While the first look at an upcoming project usually sets the expectations, Mr Pigeons does something more ambitious with “Signalling Signatures.” With this release, the hip-hop artist opens up a portal into “Shining Arras,” inviting you into a world where dreams, symbols, and hidden meanings collide.
“Signalling Signatures” is an exploration of the thin veil between reality and imagination, based on themes of altered consciousness and shifting perspectives. The song is a mix of mythology, film, and spiritual symbolism and encourages you to look beyond the ordinary and find the messages in everyday life. Mr Pigeons delivers with purpose and swagger, blending introspection with crisp storytelling. He also renders the abstract ideas of the song accessible.
The thing about “Signalling Signatures” that is so compelling is its sheer audacity to challenge you. There are no easy answers in this song, only a quest for truth, perception, and uncertainty. A good opening chapter to “Shining Arras,” and it manages to build up suspense as well as showing Mr Pigeons’ artistic vision. “Signalling Signatures” is a good introduction to what could be an interesting new creative phase for the artist.
Connect with Mr Pigeons on | Website | Spotify | X | FB | TikTok | IG |
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