JustJared scored an exclusive interview with rapper Common — and delved into some great topics like the singer’s charity work and food habits. Some highlights below:

JJ: Why’d you decide to give yourself dietary restrictions?

C: I just decided to be more aware of my health and well-being. I felt that beef and pork wasn’t good. I did my own tests and found that beef and pork weren’t really good for my system. So I’ve been a lot clearer by not eating those meats, and also chicken. Turkey was good, I like turkey, bacon and all that, but I just went vegan at one point. So when I decided to go back the other way, I just needed fish and I feel balanced with that. You’ve got to eat the right things. It’s not just about not eating meat. You’ve got to find out what your body needs, what’s healthy for you. What’s good for life.

JJ: How should people should get involved with the important issues this country is facing?

C: First, you have to find out what’s important to you, what you’re passionate about. And then you can find out in your community where you can help at. It may be as simple as being a good person and doing right by society. Finding a job and taking care of your family. That’s gonna help society. You may find some issues in your community, where it be homelessness or it could be child abuse, HIV. Whatever it may be that you’re passionate about. But it all starts with you. First and foremost, get on that path to correcting yourself, and then making sure you’re taking care of your home.

For the rest of the great interview, jump over to JJ here!

Common recently told The University Daily Kansan, “Yeah, I eat fish, man. I needed some protein. I’ve been eating fish for like two years now, two and a half years. It’s great too. I’m glad to be eating it. It was tough being a vegan. I salute all vegans and vegetarians”

Red Rover, Red Rover bring Common back over. Ya’ll this is bad news on the veg front!! In case you’re a little late to the party, Common has done some really awesome things for the animal rights movement which makes his fall off the boat, so to speak, an even bigger downer. But wait — is Common still a vegetarian if he eats fish? I kinda say no, but what do you think? Chime in Ecorazzi readers and tell us if you think you can still call yourself a vegetarian if you nosh on that stuff from the sea. 

Oh and check out this video that was filmed back when Common was still veggie. It brings tears to my little vegan eyes.