Released 34 years ago this October
Can I Borrow a Dollar?
Common · 1992
49 min · 13 tracks · contemporary R&B
A vibrant blend of jazzy beats and introspective lyrics that define early '90s conscious hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Penny for My Thoughts Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its reflective lyrics and smooth jazz influences, showcasing Common's storytelling abilities right from the start.
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Take It EZ — With its laid-back groove and relatable themes of youth and self-discovery, this track exemplifies the album's casual yet profound vibe.
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Soul by the Pound — This song highlights Common's lyrical dexterity and serves as a manifesto of sorts, addressing issues of identity and social consciousness prevalent throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazzy beats with introspective lyrics, establishing a unique voice in early '90s hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album features jazzy samples and live instrumentation, creating a rich backdrop for the lyrics.
- Tracks often incorporate spoken word elements, blending rap with narrative storytelling.
- The sequencing includes interludes that provide thematic transitions between tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- thoughtful introspective moments
- smooth background listening experience
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut album established Common's unique style and presence in hip-hop.
- Moods
- Introspective· Chill
- Career context
- Released on October 6, 1992, Can I Borrow a Dollar? marked Common's debut album, introducing his unique style in the burgeoning Chicago hip-hop scene. At this point, he was still an emerging artist, seeking to carve out a space within the genre dominated by more commercial sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Q-Tip· Anderson .Paak· Erykah Badu
Tracklist
- 1 A Penny for My Thoughts Start here 4:23
- 2 Charms Alarm 4:30
- 3 Take It EZ 4:08
- 4 Heidi Hoe 4:30
- 5 Breaker 1/9 4:02
- 6 Two Scoops of Raisins 5:28
- 7 No Defense 1:14
- 8 Blows to the Temple 4:39
- 9 Just in the Nick of Rhyme 2:30
- 10 Tricks Up My Sleeve 3:22
- 11 Puppy Chow 4:01
- 12 Soul by the Pound 4:20
- 13 Pitchin’ Pennies 1:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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