Common Defends Drake, Says He's Hip Hop, Despite Yasiin Bey's Opinion

Even though Common and Drake had issues with each other in the past, and the Chicago rapper has been friends with Yasiin Bey for years, he disagreed with the Black Star rapper that Drizzy isn't Hip Hop.

"Drake is pop to me," said the man formerly known as Mos Def earlier this month. "If I was in Target in Houston and I heard a Drake song it feels like it's compatible with shopping.  Or as you know, shopping with an edge, in certain instances."

Common was asked about those words during a stop at Hot 97, and he explained why Drake really is a Hip Hop artist. [Jump to the 24:57-mark]

"To me, I think Drake comes from Hip Hop," said the Resurrection writer. "When I first heard him rhyming,  I was like, 'Yo, this dude rhyming.' And if he goes out and makes songs that are popular, then that’s what it is. He’s still an MC."

"The dude is an incredible songwriter, he’s an incredible artist," Common continued. "This man has touched different aspects of culture and been able to continue to do it. You gotta have some respect and know that this dude is a very talented artist."

When do you say a rap artist has turned into a pop artist? Does it have to do with sale numbers or sound?