Common's music is often referred to as conscious hip-hop -- he isn't afraid to make and perform music dissecting the world around him.
It's refreshing in a time where so much so-called "hip-hop" focuses on the female form and the riches of superstardom, instead of world issues.
Common and support act Talib Kweli are no strangers to New Zealand, having already performed here a number of times.
This time around, Wellington fans were disappointed when the ASB Arena show was cancelled in favour of a second Auckland gig.
Wellington's loss was Auckland's gain though.
After 20 years in the game, creating a setlist can't have been an easy feat for Talib, but he got through a slew of his most popular tracks -- including Get By and Hot Thing -- while incorporating some of his lesser-known but equally impressive tunes. He also managed to sneak a couple of covers into his set, paying homage to Prince and Bob Marley, to the delight of the crowd.
The 40-year-old has been associated with a number of high profile acts across his career, including Black Star, Busta Rhymes, Kanye, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Mary J. Blige, Pharrell, The Roots and Kendrick Lamar.
He may not be a spring chicken, but his experience shows.
It's not often that an opening act is almost as impressive and well-known as the headliner, but tonight was one of those times. Talib's talent set the stage perfectly for the main performance.
During the brief intermission, the audience was treated to an incredible haka to welcome the rap duo.
Common and his five-piece band then opened with the crowd-pleaser People before powering through his back catalogue.
The hits kept coming, ranging from his early days in the 90s right through to some of his more recent music.
He also pulled an unsuspecting fan on stage, and began a long-winded freestyle about her, showcasing his incredible rhyming skills and sharp intellect.
Between songs he engaged the audience with politically driven speeches about the Black Lives Matter movement -- weaving in aboriginal culture and Maori affairs.
And what would be the point in getting two such big names under one roof if they weren't going to collaborate? So it wasn't long before Talib Kweli was back onstage alongside Common.
The only disappointment of the night? The poor turnout from fans, despite the reasonably priced tickets. The small crowd at the Auckland Powerstation was a reminder why other artists don't make the trip to New Zealand, even when they're performing just across the ditch.
Perhaps a Wellington gig would've been a better idea after all.
Newshub.
