Common, formally known as Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., is a man of many talents. He has impacted the world through music, acting, and activism. Being one of the most respected faces in Hollywood was no easy feat for this former young rapper. In this article, we will be taking an in-depth look at Common’s net worth as well as his salary, career highs and lows, and everything else about him from his early days until now.
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Common Net Worth and Salary
- As of 2024, Common’s net worth is approximately $45 million. He has earned that wealth from having a successful career in many areas, including music, film, television, and even activism.
Common tends to have varied levels of salary as it depends on what projects he is directed at, his music, and brand endorsements. - Most likely his largest slice of earning comes from his music and acting roles, but due to the vastly different sums this brings in, it can be hard to find an exact figure on either.
- On average throughout the year, based on touring, album sales, acting roles, businesses, and other chances, Common will likely bring in between $2 and $5 million.
Net Worth Milestones
- 1990s: Common’s first job was as a rapper in Chicago. He made a name for himself on the underground hip-hop circuit, and by the late ’90s, his debut album Can I Borrow a Dollar? was doing just that, helping to put his name on the map.
- 2000s: Common experienced financial success when he signed to MCA Records and released his commercial breakthrough Like Water for Chocolate (2000). The album was well received by critics and hip-hop fans alike and put Common on the mainstream music industry’s radar.
- 2010s: With each release since 2005’s Be, the musically adventurous Finding Forever (2007) included, it became apparent that not only has Common sustained his underground base but also expanded it while still achieving bookshelf space in suburban backyard grills stocking periodicals like People magazine.
- Today: Common’s career is continuing to be successful with his music, acting, activism, and entrepreneurialism. This has led him to work with many big brands and build a strong following on social media.
| Category | Examples | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Assets | ||
| Liquid Assets | Cash, checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts | Assets that can be easily converted into cash. |
| Investments | Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, retirement accounts (401(k), IRA) | Assets held for investment purposes and wealth growth. |
| Real Estate | Primary residence, rental properties, land | Tangible properties owned. |
| Personal Property | Vehicles, jewelry, collectibles, artwork | Tangible assets with value, often subject to depreciation. |
| Business Interests | Ownership in private businesses, shares in partnerships | Equity in businesses or partnerships owned by an individual. |
| Other Assets | Life insurance cash value, royalties, patents, copyrights | Miscellaneous assets that contribute to net worth. |
| Liabilities | ||
| Short-Term Liabilities | Credit card balances, personal loans, unpaid bills | Obligations due within a short period, usually less than a year. |
| Long-Term Liabilities | Mortgage loans, auto loans, student loans, business loans | Obligations with a repayment period extending beyond one year. |
| Net Worth Calculation | ||
| Net Worth | Assets – Liabilities | The value of an individual’s or entity’s total assets minus total liabilities. |
Common’s Net Worth Today
Besides his successful musical career, Common has made a name for himself in the world of acting, endorsements, and real estate. As he continues to expand his empire, you can expect him to add even more zeros to his net worth. Luckily for him, diversifying his portfolio has kept his pockets full and secure.
Early Life and Early Success
Common was born Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr. on March 13, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were divorced when he was six years old, and resulting from the split, his mother moved Common to Denver, Colorado, for a year and then to her hometown of Winnetka, a suburb north of Chicago. Common’s father remained in Chicago, but after retiring from professional basketball, he became an avid photographer and opened up a camera store.
Growing up in Winnetka as the only African American kid in his school class for most of the time shaped Common quite profoundly. The rap artist once said, “I found myself being fascinated by white America.” He also mentioned that during his teenage years he used to watch box office hit movies like E.T., Sixteen Candles, or Breakfast Club multiple times because “as an African-American child, I wanted to relate so badly because I wanted to get what’s cool.”
Personal Life and Career Beginnings
- Common began his musical career in Chicago’s hip-hop scene, where he gained a large and devoted underground following but remained little known to the larger commercial rap audience. He came to public notice in 1992 with the album Can I Borrow a Dollar? after signing a recording contract with the Relativity Records label. Common quickly developed a reputation for lyrics that eloquently and often angrily delved into various social issues, including those of race, politics, and poverty.
- As he became more well known, Common’s romantic relationships also made headlines. The rapper dated actress Taraji P. Henson and went on to date singer Erykah Badu, with whom he fathered a son and whose neo-soul sound would continue to have a significant influence on the emerging artist.
- Common’s career has taken many turns over the years. Though first recognized as a rapper, he ventured into acting, appearing in films such as Smokin’ Aces (2006), American Gangster (2007), and Now You See Me 2 (2016). It was his acting that won him critical acclaim, particularly for his role as civil rights activist James Bevel in the film Selma (2014).
- Outside of music and acting, Common also delved into activism and philanthropy, shining a light on topics like racial equality and criminal justice reform.
Luxury Lifestyle
Being a successful celebrity, Common enjoys a luxury lifestyle, and he does not hesitate in flaunting his wealth through his clothes, cars, and real estate. He is known for his love of high-end fashion, as he actively takes part in red carpet events and also supports black-owned fashion labels.
Cars and Houses
Common’s love of the finer things in life extends to his automobile garage and property portfolio. He has been seen in some of the best rides on the market, with a Tesla Model X and Range Rover reaffirming that stance while also accentuating his environmentally-friendly side and sense of style.
His real estate portfolio includes several stunning properties. In 2017, Common purchased a $2.3 million home in the prestigious Los Angeles area. The mansion boasts a minimalist design with large windows, offering sweeping views of the city. He also owns several properties in his hometown of Chicago.
Music Career
- Common’s music has always been a mixture of artistry and commerce. His first album Can I Borrow a Dollar? (1992) was an interesting debut, but it was not until he released Like Water for Chocolate (2000) that his work became meaningful to me as a fan.
- He would continue with some amazing releases, such as Be (2005), produced by Kayne West, and Finding Forever (2007). The hit “The People” from this album alone is self-explanatory of his lyrical assault on all things destructive in hip-hop, all while growing into a renaissance man of sorts.
- Can I borrow a dollar? (1992) Can I Borrow a Dollar? is the debut studio album by American rapper Common. It was released on October 6, 1992, by Relativity Records.
- Be (2005) is a South Korean television series starring Kim Seung-woo, Kim Yunjin, Daniel Henney, and Han Jung-soo. It aired on Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation from March 19 to May 22, 2005, on Saturdays and Sundays at 21:40 for 20 episodes.
- Finding Forever (2007)
- The Dreamer/The Believer (2011)
Financial situation and other ventures
- Outside of his music and acting career, Common is also known for his various hobbies. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and practicing yoga. He is also an avid reader and has written several books himself. Common is a fan of the Chicago Bulls basketball team and often attends their games.
- Outside of his professional career, Common is an avid reader, and he enjoys reading philosophical and spiritual texts. He practices meditation as well, and it helps him to have a balanced lifestyle.
White House Controversy
- In 2011, Common courted controversy when he performed at the White House for a poetry event held by then-President Obama. Some conservative pundits took issue with his past lyrics, and a minor media firestorm ensued. But through it all, Common never wavered in his insistence that art can be an agent for change.
- Common is heavily involved with charity work, such as for cause’s related to education, social justice, and the empowerment of communities. He created the “Common Ground Foundation,” which awards scholarships to youth and whose mission is to empower youth in urban areas.
Real Estate
Besides his primary residence, the rest of Common’s real estate investments seem to indicate a taste for luxury. He seems to make some good decisions in terms of both residential and commercial property investments to continue growing his fortune.
FAQs
1. What is Common’s current net worth?
As of 2024, Common’s net worth is estimated to be around $45 million.
2. How did Common first get into music?
Common began rapping in the early 90s in his hometown of Chicago, releasing his first album Can I Borrow A Dollar? In 1992.
