Common AIM Interview for 'American Gangster'

Common may not be the first rapper to act -- shoot, he might not even be the 30th -- but there's a case to be made for him being one of the most promising. Exhibit A: Winning a significant role alongside Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in 'American Gangster.' We rapped with the chart-topping musician-turned-actor about the career year he's enjoying.

CommonAMGangster: peace, what's up this is Common
MoviefoneKevin: what up Common?
CommonAMGangster: what up though
MoviefoneKevin: great to chat with you
CommonAMGangster: good to be here
MoviefoneKevin: man you're having a huge year... first you got to carry Alicia Keys in Smokin' Aces...
MoviefoneKevin: then your album hit #1 on Billboard
MoviefoneKevin: and now you're in a movie with Denzel Washington & Russell Crowe... how's the view from the top of the world?
CommonAMGangster: man it has been a monumental year in my career
CommonAMGangster: it's been an incredible year to be carrying Alicia Keys. as far as the hood goes, so many dudes come up and ask me about that
MoviefoneKevin: what do you tell 'em?
CommonAMGangster: she's real cool people
CommonAMGangster: one of the best parts of filming the movie and now she's starring in my video
CommonAMGangster: my album being no 1 was definitely a blessing
CommonAMGangster: i've never had an album no 1 on billboard
CommonAMGangster: and acting with Denzel is a dream
CommonAMGangster: but i can't say i'm at the top of the world just yet
CommonAMGangster: but when i get there i will let you know
MoviefoneKevin: congrats on American Gangster, its a great movie
CommonAMGangster: thanks
CommonAMGangster: i'm very grateful to be a part of it
MoviefoneKevin: tell me, whats the most Gangster thing about Denzel?
CommonAMGangster: he's one of the realist cats out there
CommonAMGangster: there was this one situation in Harlem where this guy came up to him and said why ain't you helping out the Harlem Theater group
CommonAMGangster: Denzel says man, when's the last time you went to the Harlem theatre group
MoviefoneKevin: haha
CommonAMGangster: and everyone laughed
CommonAMGangster: Denzel is cool
MoviefoneKevin: you ever get intimidated working with such major stars?
CommonAMGangster: i definitely was nervous originally
CommonAMGangster: but i got in the moment because when you're working with such good actors you can't help but react
MoviefoneKevin: were you nervous Russell Crowe might throw something at you?
CommonAMGangster: nah, Russell was cool and I can box so i'm alright
MoviefoneKevin: haha
MoviefoneKevin: and there's also an impressive number of rapper-actors in the movie with you, TI and RZA... were there many freestyle ciphers going on behind the scenes?
CommonAMGangster: no, we were all into our characters, acting and hanging out/talking to the real Frank Lucas
MoviefoneKevin: yeah what's Frank Lucas like? and what are your feelings on him?
CommonAMGangster: he's a funny, charismatic, southern real boss
CommonAMGangster: i like him
CommonAMGangster: he's a good cat
MoviefoneKevin: cool... so Jay-Z was so inspired by the film he wrote an album based on it
MoviefoneKevin: have you heard it?
CommonAMGangster: nah but i'm glad that Jay is associating himself with it
CommonAMGangster: it brings more hype to the project
MoviefoneKevin: for sure
MoviefoneKevin: you continue to outdo yourself with the album Finding Forever... looking forward to checking the "I Want You" video w/ Alicia
MoviefoneKevin: i hear its debuting here on AOL
CommonAMGangster: yeah, Alicia Keys is in it plays my girlfriend
CommonAMGangster: and Kerry Washington plays my xgirlfriend
CommonAMGangster: and guest appearances by Serena Williams and Derek Luke
CommonAMGangster: and Kanye West
MoviefoneKevin: AND its also directed by Kerry Washington
MoviefoneKevin: which means you're making history
MoviefoneKevin: hottest music video director ever
CommonAMGangster: i agree
MoviefoneKevin: there's a line from the song where you reference the breakup of Jen & Vince Vaughn...
MoviefoneKevin: you pay much attention to celebrity gossip?
CommonAMGangster: not a lot but of course i hear about the popular stuff
CommonAMGangster: i don't read the mags but i see the covers
MoviefoneKevin: ok phew, I couldnt picture you reading Us :)
MoviefoneKevin: do you go online much?
MoviefoneKevin: besides when you're on Moviefone.com?
CommonAMGangster: ha
CommonAMGangster: nah, not really i'm low tech
MoviefoneKevin: I hear ya
CommonAMGangster: so you saw American Gangster then?
MoviefoneKevin: yeah i dug it
MoviefoneKevin: its gonna do really well i think
MoviefoneKevin: everyone's talking about it
CommonAMGangster: i believe so too it really feels like a classic piece
CommonAMGangster: yeah it's cool, i haven't seen this much energy and attention on a movie in a long
CommonAMGangster: alright man, thanks for the time
MoviefoneKevin: thank you, it was a pleasure
CommonAMGangster: it was good talking to you - look out and i'll see you at the top of the world
MoviefoneKevin: haha, see you there. peace
CommonAMGangster: peace

MoviefoneKevin has been listening to Common since he was known as Common Sense.

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