(AllHipHop News) Emcee/actor Lonnie Rashid “Common” Lynn has always strongly represented his hometown of Chicago. He has also taken center stage in confronting the social, political, and economic issues troubling the city.
Last year Common suggested that Hip Hop artists play a bigger role in combating the violence in Chicago. While his own Common Ground Foundation has established a mentoring program for the city’s public school students and the Common’s Dreamers & Believers Summer Youth Camp.
[ALSO READ: Common Wants Hip Hop Artists To Help Stop Chicago Violence]
Common is now speaking about the state of Chicago in the new CNN program Chicagoland. The eight-part non-scripted series serves as an examination of the changing politics and policies taking place in America’s third most populated city.
Chicagoland is produced by Sundance Productions’ Robert Redford and Laura Michalchyshyn as well as BCTV’s Marc Levin and Mark Benjamin. The series covers members of the community trying to create innovative ways to address social policy, education, and public safety. Current mayor and former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel also appears on the program.
“The vibrant culture and opportunities inherent in this 21st century, world-class city run alongside profound daily challenges,” said Redford. “Much of it falls on the shoulders of its tough, visionary mayor, his team and people doing heroic work in neighborhoods throughout the city.”
[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Chicago OG Noonie Ward Weighs In On Common, Kanye, Violence In Chicago; Calls On Rappers To Act]
Chicagoland premiers tonight (March 6) at 10 pm on CNN. Watch the trailer featuring Common’s The City” below.