Common brings house, Hyundais and 50-piece hip-hop orchestras to MBE


Want dope musical guests on MBE? Want them to perform at KCRW dope events as well? Alright guys, you got it. Hot on the heels of Ambar Lucid’s DJ MBE set and Summer Nights kick-off show this week, sound and screen fixture Common graced the MBE studio today ahead of his stacked performance on Saturday at the Starlight Bowl, presented by KCRW and JABM.

It’s been a busy and busy week for Morning Becomes Eclectic, and today’s visit from Common ahead of his orchestral performance tomorrow night at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank gives us everything we need to prepare for whatever the weekend will bring. -end reserves us.

From the moment his mic is on, the game-changing rapper, actor, and activist gets the good feelings flowing. Join hosts Novena and Anthony as Common digs deeper into Roe, incarceration, activism and the relationships that literally changed his life with fans.

There are also plenty of lighter moments to savor. You already know Anthony comes in with 100% correct sonic surprises, and even across the airwaves you can see the happy look on Common’s face when Chicago house classics enter the chat. The artist also reflects on his first headlining tour (to 2002’s “Electric Circus” album), through Chicago in his classic red Hyundai to De La Soul and Stereolab, and the litmus test taste: Cake or pie?

Of course, the main event is tomorrow’s star-filled party – which kicks off at 3pm – which you can (and should) still grab tickets for. Double G’s Stardust Symphony is the 50-piece hip-hop orchestra that will accompany Common’s full ensemble, which our guest assures us will be laced with the spirit of the likes of Donald Byrd and Zapp. Throw in one of the most famous funk bands in existence, Lettuce, soul-funk queen Nikka Costa and royal DJ Novena Carmel (heard of them??), and it all adds up to a perfect Saturday night. ‘summer.

Fire up reading for today’s full MBE experience – which also includes brand new cuts from Hot Chip and The 1975 – and get into the weekend mood.

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