Common as Coates in Street Kings Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Grammy award winning hip hop artist Common was first seen on screen in the action-packed Smokin' Aces. He was one of Denzel's crew in American Gangster and you can catch him in Wanted soon opposite Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie. This week, Common pops up giving grief to rogue cop Keanu Reeves in the tough action thriller Street Kings. Common's poetic lyrics are spread over six albums including a co-op with Kanye producing "BE" which won four Grammys in '04. Last summer the artist/actor won another Grammy for album #7 "Finding Forever".

Not many fans know that Common also writes books for kids and supports youth organizations. We sat down with the artist/actor recently to talk about his many projects including his music and we appreciated his hot little goatee, shaved head and a black leather jacket played down all friendly-like with a cute pink and white stripe tee.

TeenHollywood: What was your audition like for this film?

Common: I went to audition at [director] David Ayer's office. I remember the lights went out that day; some type of blackout. I went in there and I just gave it my all. We got a good callback, say, 'Hey, you got the part.' So it was a great experience. I love the process of auditioning because it's such a humbling experience.