Background In 1991, a feature was written about Common in the
Unsigned Hype section of
The Source.
Relativity Records soon signed Common, and prepared to release three singles for his debut album. The first and best-charting single was 1992's "
Take It EZ". It reached #5 on the
Hot Rap Singles chart while his next two singles, "
Breaker 1/9" and "
Soul by the Pound," reached #10 and #7 respectively. All of these singles combined to give Common a strong underground reputation prior to the album's release.
Content Can I Borrow A Dollar? shows Common's early style of rapping; namely a sing-songy and inflection-heavy vocal delivery, as well as lyrics packed with
word play and
popular culture allusions. The album's production, utilizing samples, keyboards, and drum breaks prominently, tends to be minimalistic, jazzy and laid back. ==Critical reception==