Nobody's Smiling is the tenth studio album by American hip hop recording artist Common.

In 2013, he returned to the studio and began working his tenth album and later revealed that the production, much like his previous effort, would be handled entirely by his longtime collaborator and record producer No I.D.

The title and concept of the album was inspired by the violence and high crime rate in Common's hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

The album features guest appearances from G Herbo (formerly known as Lil Herb), Big Sean, Jhené Aiko, Snoh Aalegra, Dreezy, Elijah Blake, Vince Staples and Cocaine 80s.

[2] Later on September 8, 2013, he gave an update to his projects saying the previously announced EP would be released soon, and would feature a song with new Def Jam signee Vince Staples.

[3] On January 6, 2014, Common announced the title of his tenth studio album to be Nobody Smiling and revealed it would be produced entirely by his longtime collaborator No I.D.. Common also revealed the album would feature Vince Staples, James Fauntleroy and "some new artists from Chicago."

During the interview he spoke on the concept behind his tenth studio album, working with Vince Staples, why the track he and Chance the Rapper made didn't make the final cut, "Chi-raq" and the efforts he and fellow Chicago-bred rappers (Twista, Rhymefest, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West) are making to improve life in Chicago.

[22][23] The album's first single, titled "Kingdom", features his fellow new Def Jam label-mate Vince Staples and was released to iTunes on May 27, 2014.

[28] On July 8, 2014, "Diamonds", featuring Common's former GOOD Music label-mate Big Sean, was released as the album's third single.

The rapper/actor's geographic and economic distance can be cited as a reason to approach Nobody's Smiling with a cocked brow.

"[41] Jay Balfour of HipHopDX stated, "Nobody’s Smiling is defiant, as full of commanding musicality as it is of Common’s own provocation.

said, 'While not flawlessly executed, Common arguably regains some of the relevance he may have lost from his last couple of albums with the focus of Nobody's Smiling.

"[34] Stephen F. Kearse of Paste said, "In the end, Common is just too good of a rapper: he is most poignant when he is rapping and writing about himself.

"[42] Simon Vozick-Levinson of Rolling Stone said, "Nobody's Smiling, again produced by old Chi-town friend No I.D., features plenty of younger artists – check rising Cali rapper Vince Staples' blunted musings on the gospel-laced "Kingdom."

That means nostalgia often shines through in his lyrics, especially on the heartfelt "Rewind That," which serves as a tribute to his late great friend and old roommate J. Dilla, as well as No I.D.

On it, he rhymes, “For the future of the, Chi we gon’ bring it back home.” One thing that we’ve learned from Common over the years is that, even with its flaws, there’s no place like home.