Common Market

Before coming together to form Common Market in 2005, Sabzi and RA Scion both staked a name for themselves in the Seattle hip-hop scene – the former as an up and coming producer and one-half of the groundbreaking duo Blue Scholars, the latter as a humble, well-traveled solo emcee. Their paths crossed through the Baha’i faith and their political and spiritual approach to hip-hop music. After collaborating on a couple tracks on RA Scion’s 2004 solo project, Live and Learn, the duo began work in the sweltering heat of an attic-based studio for what would eventually become the 14-track self-titled Common Market LP, released in October 2005. An advance copy caught the ear of KRS-One, who praised the album and RA Scion for “spitting in the Tradition of the conscious Hiphop movement.” The Blastmaster then flew up to rock Common Market’s album release party in Seattle, then taking the duo on the road with him on the Temple of Hip-hop tour. Distinguishing this album from his previous body of work, Sabzi showcases his versatility as a producer, custom-fitting his hard-knocking drums and melodic samples to fit RA Scion’s classic delivery. Like a true mic veteran, RA flips ... more...