Common Market (band)

Common Market (band)

Common Market is a hip hop duo based in Seattle, Washington with members RA Scion and DJ/Producer Sabzi. The two members were individually active hip hop artists in the Pacific Northwest since 2002, but collectively combined their talents in 2005 to form Common Market.

Sabzi started his career as DJ and producer in another hip hop duo: Blue Scholars. RA Scion gained musical skill while in Zambia, but later began a solo career, playing a new style of hip hop with a spiritual message, inspired by his membership in the Bahá'í Faith. RA Scion and Sabzi's paths crossed through their Bahá'í contacts, and their political and spiritual approach to hip-hop music.

In an interview on Seattle radio station 107.7 The End, the duo stated that their new album is titled Tobacco Road and is scheduled for release "on your mom's 50th birthday." In preparation for the album, Common Market released the EP "Black Patch War" on May 20, 2008. Tobacco Road was released September 9, 2008, followed by a CD release party on September 11, 2008 at Neumo's in Seattle. In September 2008, Common Market released a music video for the single "Trouble Is". The video was shot by director Zia Mohajerjasbi and was filmed at sites around Monroe, Washington. Also RA Scion has his first solo album known as "Live and Learn" and his 2010 solo album known as "Victor Shade" with producer MTK is currently available at his own website, and other online music store. RA Scion announced on Twitter, he has a new solo project with a different producer, Todd Sykes, releasing either late 2012, or early 2013.

Common Market were winners in the 8th Annual Independent Music Awards for Rap/Hip-Hop Album.