Common has always been considered a thinking man's rapper, thanks to key releases such as "One Day It'll All Make Sense" (1997), "Like Water for Chocolate" (2000) and "Be" (2005).

But with his latest effort, "Universal Mind Control," the Chicago native wanted to shake some butts for a change.

"I wanted it to feel like fun music that can take you to a place that's not your reality at the moment," he says. "A lot of people are dealing with economic problems, and I wanted to create music to make you feel like you're in another part of the world, having a good time."

Some consider "Universal Mind Control" Common's most fun album. He counters by saying that his first two albums had fun elements to them. And his says his favorite CD to date, "Like Water for Chocolate," came at a really fun time for him.

"It was the first time my music got to a certain audience I'd never reached before. People were dancing to 'The Light,'" he says of that hit.

But Common concedes that "Universal Mind Control" has caught some fans off guard.

Common often is seen as serious, a rapper with a conscience and one more likely to talk about conditions in his community than having a good time.

"Some of that is my responsibility," he says. "Just because someone is gangsta, doesn't mean that's all he is. He might still take care of his family and go to church. That's what happened to me. I have lots of records about love and spirituality, but I can have fun, too. It gives me balance."

Reactions to "Universal Mind Control" have been mixed. Some of Common's truest fans can't get into to it. Others embrace him for switching things up.

"The most important thing is that the music comes from an honest and creative place. You just gotta do your best and put it out there," he says. "And you have to have enough heart to know they're going to throw darts at you. You can't take it personal."

Common is actually on top of a trend of urban artists making music that's not expected of them. Other examples include Kanye West's "Love Lockdown" and John Legend's "Green Light."

"This is the way to keep the music interesting for ourselves and for the audience," he says. "They get tired of the same thing, too. Pushing the envelope and challenging the ears and imagination is important."

The first single on the set is the Neptunes-produced title track, a throwback to '80s hip-hop that's linked to the classic "Planet Rock." The production on the track, and throughout the CD, is a marked difference from Common's two prior CDs, "Be" and "Finding Forever" (2007). West produced the bulk of both of those.

"Kanye and I have known each other for a long time, and he's definitely no holds barred, and I love that about him," Common says. "Pharrell (Williams of the Neptunes) does his thing, too, but in a more refined way. But both are effective and talented in helping create the song. They're not just making beats. They have great vision."

The rapper finds himself sandwiched between neo-soul veteran Maxwell and newcomer Chrisette Michele on tour. It's not the most expected of bookings for Common, but when Maxwell's people called, he didn't hesitate.

"I bring a different edge to the tour," says Common, who is known for his high-energy concerts that stress old-school hip-hop ideals and pure emceeing.

"You can expect some great artistry and musicianship, and some soul with a progressive sound," he says. "You'll hear a ride through music, but through the voice of a hip-hop guy with instruments and a DJ."