Common

In the July 2008 edition of "Elle" magazine, Lonnie Rashid Lynn (better known as Common) opened up about the lesson learned after his relationship with Erykah Badu ended.

That no matter how much you love somebody, you’ve got to love yourself first.

'Close friends' Serena Williams and Common were seen out and about in Hollywood yesterday. Serena spoke briefly about Common to "Ebony" magazine... "He's obviously a great artist who is timeless and classic.

Earlier this month a new listening session for Common's upcoming disc, "Invincible Summer" suggested that "Universal Mind Control (U.M.C)" would be his lead single.

Well the song in question has hit the music blogosphere. The up-tempo (re: different sound) "U.M.C" was produced by Pharrell so check the radio rip verison out...

Common held a private listening session for his upcoming eighth album, "Invincible Summer", BILLBOARD.COM reports.

The Chicago-based artist said his new material has a "feel good/summer time" appeal to it.

Serena Williams and Common were also seen at Villa nightclub over the weekend.

The twosome - who were linked together since last year - attempted to leave the popular West Hollywood night spot discreetly but not before the photographers got a hold of them.

Yesterday U-H reported that Andre 3000's ex-girlfriend Erykah Badu will be the face of Tom Ford's new fragrance. Today the Andre (one-half of Outkast) announced plans of a new clothing line called Benjamin Bixby.

The 4th Annual Peapod Foundation Benefit Concert bought out Natalie Cole, Nia Long, Corinne Bailey Rae, Natasha Bedingfield, Nicole Scherzinger, Ne-Yo, Common, Snoop Dogg, Questlove, John Legend, Taboo, Fergie, apl.de.ap, and will.i.am.