[5] The album features production from long-time collaborator Jae5,[6] along with guest appearances from MoStack, Mist, Tiggs da Author and Burna Boy.

Throughout 2015 and 2016, J Hus released a variety of singles, including "Lean & Bop", "Friendly" and "Playing Sports", along with the debut mixtape The 15th Day (2015), subsequently building a strong online presence.

In early April 2017, J Hus announced the track listing and release date for his debut album, Common Sense.

"[14] Ludovic Hunter-Tilney of Financial Times commented: "The music is a rich blend of styles, in which hip-hop, R&B, dancehall and Afrobeats suggest not only Hus's versatility but also a world of expanding horizons.

"[4] Paul A. Thompson of Pitchfork commented: "The shifting musical styles underscore Hus' own versatility; he flits from a lilting sing-song to something more gruff and guttural easily and without hesitation", concluding Common Sense is "an excellent debut from an artist on the cusp.