COMMON: The Untold Story of How Heartbreak, Rejection & Self-Doubt Almost Derailed His Success (And How He FINALLY Found His Purpose)
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
iHeartPodcasts
4.8 • 28.5K Ratings
🗓️ 23 July 2025
⏱️ 66 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Do you struggle with self-doubt sometimes?
What helped you get through a tough emotional season?
Today, Jay sits down with award-winning rapper, actor, and activist Common for a deeply moving live conversation recorded at the legendary Chicago Theater. Known for his poetic lyrics and conscious artistry, Common opens up about his journey from a young boy on the South Side of Chicago to becoming an Academy Award, Emmy, and three-time Grammy winner. In this intimate conversation they explore the emotional and spiritual work behind his success. From heartbreak and rejection to healing and purpose, Common shares what it really took to become the man he is today.
Common shares personal stories of growth and transformation, starting with his childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player and how he eventually found his voice through writing and music. He reflects on the moments that shaped his purpose, including the story of Emmett Till, which moved him to live with more intention. Common also opens up about the heartbreak that forced him to confront the ways he was dimming his light, and the daily spiritual practices that help him stay grounded today, like reading scripture, praying, practicing gratitude, and staying active.
Jay and Common also dive into what it means to be vulnerable in hip-hop, why self-love is the foundation for every other kind of love, and how trusting the divine plan can turn disappointment into direction. They explore how trusting a bigger plan can help turn setbacks into clarity, and share personal insights on setting boundaries, building real friendships, and staying connected to your highest energy.
In this interview, you’ll learn:
How to Transform Pain into Purpose
How to Stop Dimming Your Light in Relationships
Why Vulnerability is a Superpower in Creativity
How to Build Daily Practices for Spiritual Alignment
How to Trust God’s Plan, Even When It’s Painful
How to Attract Friendships that Match Your Frequency
Whether you're moving through heartbreak, looking for direction, or trying to reconnect with your purpose, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your story matters and you're right where you need to be.
With love and gratitude,
Jay Shetty
What We Discuss:
00:00 Introduction
01:13 Live In Chicago
02:15 Common Before the Fame
06:11 Jay On His Childhood & Upbringing
06:44 Pain As A Catalyst for Creativity
09:01 Proximity To Greatness Is A Motivation
10:11 Living Our Dreams To The Fullest
13:49 How to Trust God's Plan
16:46 Trust That There’s a Bigger Plan
22:19 Transitioning Between Careers
30:15 Attracting & Building New Friendships
36:18 Everyday Routine For Body & Mind Care
40:40 A Poem From the Audience
43:21 My New Favourite Colour
48:49 Pushing Through Fear As A Motivator
53:33 Letting Go and Letting God
55:26 Common On Final Five
Episode Resources:
Common | Website
Common | YouTube
Common | Instagram
Common | X
Common | Facebook
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcript
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| 0:34.5 | One of my greatest lessons has been in one of the greatest pains I had, and that was a heartbreak. |
| 0:40.8 | Hip Hop Icon Common is an Academy Award Emmy and three-time Grammy-winning artist. |
| 0:46.8 | What was the hardest part about learning to love yourself and take care of yourself? |
| 0:52.2 | Sometimes I can bring that little Rashid into the present |
| 0:56.0 | and those feelings of being rejected |
| 0:58.0 | and make this new rejection greater than what it really is. |
| 1:03.0 | Heartbreak, therapy, you're talking about, the trauma you've been through. |
| 1:06.0 | These are not themes that hip-up's known for. |
| 1:09.0 | All I was doing was telling my truth. |
| 1:12.0 | How have you learned in the moment to deal with that emotion and to learn how to trust? |
| 1:16.7 | You understand what energy you want in your life and who deserves to be in your life. |
| 1:23.7 | I usually wouldn't seize the moment. |
| 1:25.8 | The thought came to me like, I'm going to call John Legend. |
| 1:28.7 | And I tell him, hey, man, I'm part of this movie Selma. |
| 1:31.7 | They don't want a song from us, so we're submitting it. |
| 1:34.2 | But will you do this song? |
... |
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