Common Market
Soulful, piano-driven hip-hop from the rainy Pacific Northwest. Thoughtful lyricism meets classically-inspired beats for deep focus and urban reflection.
Soulful, piano-driven hip-hop from the rainy Pacific Northwest. Thoughtful lyricism meets classically-inspired beats for deep focus and urban reflection.
Common Market sounds like the intersection of a classical conservatory and a smoke-filled basement cypher. Sabzi's production is defined by elegant, often melancholic piano melodies and crisp, organic drum patterns that feel grounded and intentional. It is hip-hop that breathes, leaving space for the listener to absorb the weight of the music without being overwhelmed by unnecessary noise.
What truly sets them apart is the synergy between Sabzi's sophisticated arrangements and RA Scion's baritone delivery. Scion avoids the typical tropes of underground rap, opting instead for a dense, poetic exploration of faith, labor, and social justice. His flow is steady and authoritative, delivering complex internal rhymes that reward multiple listens and deep attention to detail.
Start with their self-titled debut for the definitive introduction to the Seattle 'new school' sound. It captures a specific moment in the mid-2000s where underground hip-hop reclaimed its soul through live instrumentation and socially conscious storytelling. It is the perfect companion for a rainy afternoon or a long, contemplative walk.
Common Market is an American hip hop duo based in Seattle, Washington, active from 2005 through 2009 and from 2019 to present. Both members, DJ/Producer Sabzi (Saba Mohajerjasbi) and MC RA Scion (Ryan Abeo), had been active hip hop artists in the Pacific Northwest for three years before they combined their talents in 2005 to form Common Market. Together they have released two albums, three EPs, and have gone on several tours.
Shares conscious hip-hop, boom bap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); contemplative, soulful, empowering (moods)
Shares conscious hip-hop, boom bap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); analog warmth, sample based, minimalist (production style)
Shares conscious hip-hop, boom bap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); rap, deadpan, baritone (vocal style)
Shares conscious hip-hop, boom bap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); baritone, rap, deadpan (vocal style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); baritone, rap, deadpan (vocal style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); baritone, rap, deadpan (vocal style)
Shares conscious hip-hop, boom bap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); analog warmth, sample based, minimalist (production style)
Shares conscious hip-hop, boom bap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); analog warmth, sample based, minimalist (production style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); analog warmth, sample based, minimalist (production style)
Shares conscious hip-hop, boom bap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); rap, baritone, narrating (vocal style)
Shares conscious hip-hop, piano, jazz fusion, abstract hip-hop (signature)
Shares conscious hip-hop, jazz fusion, abstract hip-hop, boom bap (signature)
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