Pitchfork

R. Kelly isn't the only performer comparing himself to a modern-day Muhammad Ali. Common intends to compete for the honor through the final round, as the video for "The Game", from his forthcoming Finding Forever, reminds us. "I never kissed the ass of the masses," the Chicago rapper asserts with an intense but steady flow. "They tried to box me in like Cassius/ Clay, hey, I'm like Muhammad when he fasted/ Opposing the fascists."

Produced again by Kanye West-- whom Common calls "the new Primo" on Finding Forever's "The People"-- "The Game" also features scratching from the old Primo, DJ Premier. First in front of the mirror, then in the tunnel from the locker room, and finally on a small club stage, Common promises he "ain't fazed by fame." The hook: Like lotto, "You gotta be in it to win it." Pow.

[from Finding Forever; due 07/10/07 on Geffen]