Common Hails Triumph of Actual Style Over Bling

The world of hip-hop style is forsaking gaudy bling for refinement, to the delight of trendsetting rapper-actor Common. “It’s great that is gone,” he tells the Los Angeles Times of the pendant-and-Cristal days. “That really didn't exemplify style. It was just like, ‘I have the money to buy this.’” Common takes a more enlightened approach. “You gotta try things. You gotta be courageous.”

“Good style is about having an eye for quality things and putting them together so they have a feel and integrity and flavor,” Common continues. His icons are Miles Davis—“sharp and progressive”—and Malcolm X—“clean look” but “interesting.” Original, uncommon pieces are key, he says. Having your own distinct style “is almost like having a woman in your life who hasn’t been all over town.”