Smokin' Aces

Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr. is definitely one of hip-hop's good guys. He has taken aim at the more cynical trappings of gangsta and wrapped his own beats in themes of community and conscience, and wound up building critical and commercial success without deserting those ideals. His ... morecollaborations with fellow Chicagoan Kanye West haven't exactly cramped his style, and Common has also added acting credits (in "Smokin' Aces" and "American Gangster") to his resume. (Sara De Boer / Retna)