Rapper/actor Common has become more inspired to get involved with social and political causes since he began dating activist Angela Rye.
The Glory hitmaker only went public with his relationship with the attorney in September (17), but seeing Rye, who runs a political advocacy firm and works as a pundit for CNN and NPR, be so engaged in various causes is making Common want to step up his work regarding issues close to his heart.
“I feel like I have a lot more work to do… I feel like I have to be more intelligent with the work and strategize more,” he told the New York Post’s Page Six. “I have to listen more and go out and do more work. It is no time for sitting back, now. This is the time to stand up, more than anything.”
And the 45-year-old is hoping he can do more to help his hometown of Chicago, Illinois combat its high crime rates.
“There is so much violence going on,” he added.
Common is already known for his own activism, and has been working to raise awareness for issues including criminal justice reform and women’s rights in recent years.
