Common talks using the N-word on ESPN's 'Outside the Lines'

Conscious rapper Common recently appeared on ESPN's Outside the Lines and while visiting the show, the Windy City rhymer shed some light on a controversial issue: the use of the N-word in his music.

When asked about his use of explicit lyrics, Common had this to say:

"I told my mom this is the way we talk, this is part of the language, when I'm speaking to the people that need to receive the word."

Common went on to explain that the use of the N-word is not a major issue in the African American community.

"These kids are not fighting each other because of the N-word, those kids are shooting somebody because they don't have love for themselves, and they express the anger because they have pain. That's not coming from the N-word, it's bigger issues than that."

Common appeared on the show alongside Michael Wilbon and Jason Whitlock in the wake of the NFL's  recent move to criminalize the term and penalize players for the use of the N-word.

John Wooten, chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation commented on the league's lack of tolerance for the word saying, "We want this word to be policed from the parking lot to the equipment room to the locker room. Secretaries, PR people, whoever, we want it eliminated completely and want it policed everywhere."

According to Okay Player, the NFL's competition committee is expected to enact an official rule banning the use of the N-word at an upcoming owner's meeting in March.