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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

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LAist Interviews Common

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

Last week when we were at the MTV VMAs we got to spend a quick minute with Common backstage at the Palms. We not only got to ask him about what he thinks is the reasoning behind his single "The People" making it to the top of the charts, despite it being nothing like 50 Cent, but we also got to ask him about Britney Spears' opening performance.

What's interesting is we also got to talk to some of the fans who watched the Brit performance right there with us on the tvs above the red carpet. Without any outside influence, both fans and stars agreed that she had had better nights.

We apologize for the delay in this video. We at LAist may be many things, but we are not video editors, however we just lucked into meeting one who offered to volunteer some of his time to help cut this for us. So now look out... LAist has a video editor so get ready for some original video reports in the near future.

Video by Tony Pierce, edited by Scott Draper for LAist

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