Written by Sason Bishope Parry
San Francisco
April 24, 2025- It was a night where two worlds collided, not in chaos, but in harmony. A genre-defying performance unfolded on a beautiful Thursday night at the iconic Davies Symphony Hall. Grammy and Oscar-winning rapper, actor, author, activist, and cultural visionary Common teamed up with the San Francisco Symphony for a truly once-in-a-lifetime concert experience. The show, part symphony, part hip-hop masterclass, blurred musical boundaries with elegance, heart, and power. The crowd reflected the diverse beauty of the Bay Area, an A-list mix of artists, activists, hip-hop heads, music lovers, and fans of all generations. From dapper suits to flowing gowns, the Symphony Hall radiated with both refinement and rebellion. It was a night where sneakers met symphonies, and gold chains danced alongside violins.
From the first chime of the hall’s signature bells, excitement buzzed through the air like static. A formidable musical alliance stood on stage: the excellent SF Symphony under the baton of the magnetic Conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush, backed by Common’s elite touring band. And what a band it was. DJ Andre Smith, better known as DJ Dummy, served as Common’s longtime musical director and sonic architect. He was joined by a dream team of musicians, including: Muhsinah Abdul-Karim (Background Vocals), Elena Pinderhughes (Flute & Background Vocals), and a proud alum of the SF Youth Orchestra! Burniss Travis (bass guitar), Mark Colenburg (drums), Clayton Sears (guitar), and Johnnie Smith (Keys).
The opening notes of “Dreamin” rang out, and when Common stepped onto the stage, the response was explosive. His presence, cool, commanding, and charismatic, captivated the room immediately. The orchestration added cinematic depth, swelling and soaring beneath his bars like waves beneath a surfer. He rolled effortlessly into “The Corners,” an anthem of street life and resilience, its lyrics landing heavier and more profound with every string and horn that punctuated them.
Between songs, Common did what only Common can do: he turned the concert into a dialogue. Pausing the music, he recited “My People,” a deeply personal spoken word piece celebrating Black heritage and cultural pride. He cracked jokes about wearing glasses to look cool, then flipped the mood to introspection, showcasing his ability to oscillate between humour and depth like few others in the game. If that wasn’t enough to showcase Common’s deep-rooted lyrical genius, what came next took the night to a whole other level. In a once-in-a-lifetime moment, he brought one lucky female fan on stage for an unforgettable one-on-one meet and greet. Then, without missing a beat, Common launched into a non-stop freestyle straight off the top, with no
rehearsal and no safety net. It was pure magic, a masterclass in raw talent, and a bold reminder of why he’s still considered one of the best rhyme MCs in the game.
More exciting moments came with “Get Em High,” a Kanye West-penned classic that turned the room into a sea of nodding heads and waving hands. And just when the energy peaked, he cooled it down again for the stunning, poetic and powerful piece “Young, Gifted & Black,” a tribute to the power and brilliance of Black identity. It was a moment of grace,
introspection, and pride. The pace stayed fluid as he launched into “BE,” the intro from his iconic 2005 album. The setlist unfolded like a storybook of Common’s evolution and influence, with songs such as: “The Food,” produced by Kanye West, who appears on the chorus, delivered with a rawness that shook the walls. Another number was the unexpected yet brilliant interpolation of Prince’s “Darling Nikki,” a tribute that fused funk and hip-hop in a swirl of seductive grooves and emotional weight.
Then came one of the night’s most electrifying moments, a high-voltage medley that lit the stage on fire and paid tribute to some of the best architects of hip-hop. Common, channeling pure magic with every bar, wove together a sonic tapestry of legends, honoring the greats who laid the foundation. He kicked it off with the smooth seduction of “Bonita Applebum” from none other than A Tribe Called Quest, one of hip-hop’s most revered collectives. Then came the laid-back West Coast bounce of “Nuthin’ But a G Thang” by Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg, dripping with G-funk nostalgia. Without missing a beat, Common rolled into “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu-Tang Clan, hip-hop royalty if there ever was, before closing the medley with “Juicy,” the iconic anthem from the late, great Notorious B.I.G., giving the Brooklyn legend a soulful salute. It was more than a performance. It was a living hip-hop history lesson wrapped in rhythm, a heartfelt homage to the trailblazers who turned the mic into a movement.
All throughout the night, Common made it a point to shine a light on not only the SF Symphony players but also his incredibly talented band. With genuine love and respect, he gave shoutouts to each band member, not just by name but by city, honouring the unique places they came from to join him on this epic journey. It was a reminder that this wasn’t just a performance. It was a family affair, a gathering of world-class artists brought together by passion, purpose, and rhythm. One by one, each musician stepped into their spotlight, delivering jaw-dropping solos that showcased just how deep their artistry runs, from soulful keys to ripping guitar licks, thunderous basslines to slick flute runs, amazing vocals, and kickass drum fills. Every moment felt like a masterclass in live performance.
But when the spotlight hit, one man and his two turntables, DJ Dummy, owned the show. With no strings, horns, or backup, he took center stage and lit the room on fire. His DJ set was a full-blown explosion of raw energy, pure beats, turntable wizardry, and decades of hip-hop mastery, flipped and spun into a sound storm that had the whole symphony hall bouncing. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a throwback, and a sonic time machine rolled into it. DJ Dummy didn’t just play records. His set was the kind of fire that turned heads, raised hands, and reminded everyone why the DJ is still the heart of the culture.
At one point during the second half, Common literally took the party off-stage. He leaped into the aisles, rapping through the crowd, shaking hands, and sharing love. Fans reached out for selfies, hugs, and high-fives. It was hip-hop communion. Then, as if the night couldn’t get any better, one of the biggest highlights came with “Glory.” The Oscar-winning song he originally performed with John Legend took on new meaning as Common’s surprise guest, his partner, the incomparable Jennifer Hudson, joined in. She stood from an orchestra box seat and let loose her thunderous, gospel-powered voice to end the song with pure grace. Her rendition of the song’s soaring refrain lifted the room into euphoria. The audience stood, cheered, and cried. It was that kind of moment—pure, transcendent magic.
As the night drew to a close, Common, the SF Symphony, and his band gave us a few final blessings before closing out the night with the awesome “Be Alright,” leaving the crowd floating on a hopeful note, heads held high and hearts full. When the last note faded, the standing ovation felt less like applause and more like gratitude. Common didn’t just perform. He ministered through music. With unrelenting presence and grace, he reminded us why he remains a titan of hip-hop, art, truth, and social conscience. His band was flawless. The SF Symphony, once again, showed why it’s one of the most innovative musical institutions in the country, fearless in its genre-bending, unafraid to meet the moment.
Common proved that a microphone and a baton aren’t so different after all. They’re both tools to lead, to unite, and to inspire. For a night, hip-hop wore a tuxedo, and classical music rocked a fitted cap, and it worked beautifully. Bravo!
For more info and upcoming shows at the SF Symphony, visit www.sfsymphony.org
