Common joined director/screenwriter Nelson George on stage on April 23, for a Tribeca Talk themed, “Storytellers Conversation.” A never-before-seen extended version of Letter to the Free from director Bradford Young debuted prior to the conversation. Common closed out the sold-out event with a live performance, during which the renowned hip-hop artist and actor debuted a new song, “Black Kennedy,” in front of a standing room only crowd.

The conversation spanned musical influences of the 80s and 90s, social justice flash points, Common’s first acting gig, (Tracee Ellis Ross & Mara Brock Akil’s hit television show Girlfriends), his respect for director, Ava DuVernay, and activism in hip-hop today. He managed to name-drop Chance the Rapper and Kendrick Lamar as well.

Photo Credit: Carolyn Amaro for Street Dreams and Getty for Tribeca

Video Credit: Tribeca Film Festival