“I just want you to know
Your whole being is beautiful
I’ma do the best I can do
Cause I’m my best when I’m with you“
—Common featuring Mary J. Blige, “Come Close”
I love hip hop music and culture! The raw passion of some of the artists, their lyrical finesse and swagger is what ultimately captivates me. I’ve had a tumultuous relationship with rap music from the days of Pre-K to present day; however, one attribute has remained constant: the love!
As I continue my month long tribute of the best rap “love” songs, I must acknowledge that I’ve had a multitude of crushes on different artists, but one that continues to persists is my enamored feelings for Common. I have been following his career since he appeared in The Source under “Unsigned Hype,” seen him in concert on numerous occasions and am still an avid fan. It’s not just his urbane look or swagger that attracts me but his humbleness and sincerity that comes across in his lyrics. Common has released many rap “love” songs over the years, but one that I really resonate with is “Come Close” featuring Mary J. Blige.
Though Common is a strong man, his song displays his gentleness and vulnerabilities as he exhibits the necessity to have a strong woman by his side. Wow, how often does a rapper do that? He acknowledges that this woman of interest is not a mind reader by explicitly stating, “I just want you to know your whole being is beautiful.” Sometimes a woman needs to hear what her man is thinking and not just assume. Such a statement also helps to make her feel wanted, that is considering that the comment is sincere. Furthermore, Common does not simply say, “You are beautiful,” but “Your whole being is beautiful.” When is the last time you complimented someone of were complimented on your whole being not just your looks alone?
In two months I will be starting the chapter of marriage in the book of my life. Quite frequently people say, a relationship or marriage is a lot hard work and requires dedication and some give and take. Common also provides some terrific advice by stating, “I’ma do the best that I can do.” Do people really put forth their best efforts in relationships or just get comfortable…maybe too comfortable over time?
When you “Come Close” to experiencing love or are immersed in it, do you think about what makes your relationship so sacred or special? Have you thought about what that special person has done or will do for your life? The media often uses the term “power couple” to describe the hollywood elites, but cannot common day people be power couples. The ideal situation is to be in a relationship where you both bring out the best in each other. Can say to the person you’re with, “I’m my best when I’m with you?”
Please feel free to share your thoughts
~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris
Bonus English Lesson:
Common often incorporates poetic techniques such as slant and assonance rhymes, and this song is no exception.
“I just want you to know
your whole being is beautiful…”
In this instance, Common uses the “Oh” sound as part of his rhyme. Some people may argue that this is not a rhyme; nevertheless, this is a common practice among past and present poets and allows that writer to manipulate and play with the language.
Journey of Anonomz 
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