How do I book Common to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Common for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Common, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Common or any other speaker of your choice.

What are the speaker fees for Common

Speaking fees for Common, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Common are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Common, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Common speak about?

Common is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Acting, Anti-Racism, Authors, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Business, Cancer, Celebrity, Civil Rights, College, Commencement, Culture, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Entertainers, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Inspirational, Liberal, Literary, Motivational, Music, Personal Growth, Political, Social Activism, Social Justice, Technology, Television & Film, Virtual

Who is Common's agent?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Common for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Common for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker's or celebrity's engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event's completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Common or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you're looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you're in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

Common | Speaking Fee | Booking Agent

Common Biography

Common is a hip-hop artist, actor, and activist who became a mainstream success in the early 21st century, known for intelligent and positive lyrics that were performed in a spoken-word style. He was the first rapper to win a Grammy Award, an Academy Award, and an Emmy Award. He first gained attention in the 1990s as one of the leading voices in the "conscious rap" movement, delivering insightful lyrics that tackled social issues, love, and personal growth. His 1992 debut album, Can I Borrow a Dollar?, laid the foundation for his career, but it was his 2000 album, Like Water for Chocolate, that propelled him into mainstream recognition with hits like "The Light."

Throughout his music career, which now totals 15 studio albums, Common has been celebrated for his lyrical depth and collaboration with notable artists, blending hip-hop with elements of jazz and soul. His 2014 song "Glory," co-written with John Legend for the film "Selma," won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy, marking a major highlight in his career.

Common's acting career has been equally impactful. He made his mark in films such as "American Gangster," "Selma," and "John Wick: Chapter 2." He also appeared on the television series "The Chi," "Hell on Wheels," and "Never Have I Ever," among many others. His roles often align with his socially conscious public persona, emphasizing themes of justice, equality, and empathy.

A three-time author, Common has penned the memoirs “One Day It’ll All Make Sense,” “Let Love Have the Last Word” and "And Then We Rise."

For the past several years, Common has dedicated countless hours and has been deeply engaged in social justice and advocacy work around mass incarceration, mental health and voting. After the success and impact of his Imagine Justice concert in 2017 and his Hope & Redemption Tour to eight different prisons, Common decided to establish and launch Imagine Justice as a new nonprofit in 2018. Centered at the intersection of art and activism, Imagine Justice is dedicated to leveraging the power of art to advocate for communities around the country, to fight for justice and equality and to stand united against injustice wherever it appears.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Common and other top speakers and celebrities.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 04/10/2025.

Common Speaking Topics

An UnCommon Journey

In this conversation, Grammy-winning rapper, actor, and activist Common explores his remarkable journey as shared in his candid memoir. From growing up on the South Side of Chicago to becoming a globally recognized artist, Common's path was never easy. He faced challenges, including doubts about his career after his first album’s lackluster sales, but his perseverance and deep connection to his roots fueled his rise to stardom. Central to his story is the powerful influence of his mother, who shaped his understanding of love, family, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Common reflects on how his journey—from struggling artist to conscious rapper and beloved public figure—serves as an inspiring testament to how resilience, love, and self-reflection can lead to a life of purpose, understanding, and success.
And Then We Rise: A Journey to Health, Wellness, and Fulfillment

In this inspiring and empowering speech, award-winning artist, author, and activist Common shares his personal journey to achieving holistic wellness—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Drawing from his book And Then We Rise, Common explores the transformative power of self-care and how prioritizing health has fueled his success in music, acting, and life.

With personal stories, practical insights, and wisdom from the experts who have guided him, Common breaks down wellness into four key areas:
- The Food – How nutrition fuels the mind and body.
- The Body – The importance of movement, fitness, and self-discipline.
- The Mind – Strategies for mental resilience, mindfulness, and emotional health.
- The Soul – Spiritual growth and finding deeper purpose.
Common’s speech is not just about individual well-being—it’s a call to action for communities, especially Black Americans, to take charge of their health and uplift one another. Through heartfelt storytelling, actionable tips, and a message of empowerment, Common inspires audiences to create the best version of themselves—one step, one habit, and one mindset shift at a time.

Let Love Have the Last Word: A Path to Healing and Connection

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Common shares how love and mindfulness can transform our lives and communities. Drawing from his book "Let Love Have the Last Word," he explores self-love, family, relationships, and the role of love in overcoming division. Through personal stories and deep insights, Common challenges us to embrace love as a daily practice—using our words and actions to heal, unite, and create lasting change.

Authentic Belonging: The Art of Being You

Embracing intersectional identities takes courage. You must be a seeker. As part of our moral inventory, we must ask, if we aren’t being our authentic selves with the people in our lives, are we fully living? We must then ensure we are fostering an environment that allows others to show up as themselves.

It may seem easier to go along with what you think people want to hear or act how we think people want us to. But what if it is your authentic and unique voice that someone is waiting to hear? What if the people in your life have been waiting for the true you to show up?

Studies have shown that when people feel they have permission to be more authentic, they are less afraid of being judged negatively. When we approach life with a spirit of discovery, we inevitably show more compassion…to ourselves and to others. This is a journey that will continue throughout our lives, but it will look different every time.

Common Videos

Common freestyles during a Maverick Speakers Series

Award winning rapper Common freestyles during a Maverick Speakers Series on Feb. 11 at College Park Center. During his freestyle he mentioned...
Common Interview W/ Cappuchino

Rapper Common stops by the studio to talk about his new album, his role in the film The Kitchen, and his current tour.
Rapper Common Responds To Jay Z: He's Socially Conscious Too | MSNBC

In the wide-ranging interview, Common discusses dealing with childhood abuse, speaking up for marginalized people in the Trump era and reacts to...

See All Videos »

Common Books

And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self
Let Love Have the Last Word: A Memoir
One Day It'll All Make Sense

Speaker Lists Featuring Common

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FAQs on booking Common

How do I book Common to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Common for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Common, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Common or any other speaker of your choice.
What are the speaker fees for Common

Speaking fees for Common, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Common are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Common, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Common speak about?

Common is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Acting, Anti-Racism, Authors, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Business, Cancer, Celebrity, Civil Rights, College, Commencement, Culture, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Entertainers, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Inspirational, Liberal, Literary, Motivational, Music, Personal Growth, Political, Social Activism, Social Justice, Technology, Television & Film, Virtual.
Where does Common travel from?

Common generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
Who is Common’s agent?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Common for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Common for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Common or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

Common is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as An UnCommon Journey, And Then We Rise: A Journey to Health, Wellness, and Fulfillment, Let Love Have the Last Word: A Path to Healing and Connection and Authentic Belonging: The Art of Being You. The estimated speaking fee range to book Common for your event is available upon request. Common generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Daymond John, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Yara Shahidi, Van Jones and Issa Rae. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Common for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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