Nothing common about him

Lonnie Rashied Lynn, commonly known as Common, recruits some heavy hitters for his records. Guest artists have included MC Lyte, Cee-Lo, Mos Def, D'Angelo, jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, and Femi Kuti - and someone named Kanye West has executive produced the Grammy winner's albums, including last year's "Universal Mind Control." The rapper, actor, businessman, and activist started the Common Ground Foundation, which uses hip-hop to promote justice, education, health awareness, and fights poverty in underserved communities in the United States. Kid Cudi opens tonight's show. 7 p.m. $29.50, $39.50. House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston. 800-745-3000. www.livenation.com JUNE WULFF