Success in many worlds

For rapper Common, music and activism have always gone hand in hand. The Chicago native’s first major mainstream success came with his appearance on the 1996 AIDS benefit album America Is Dying Slowly, and his lyrics have often tackled social issues. Even as he’s branched out from music into acting, he’s kept political consciousness at the center of his work. As an author, he recently released his second memoir, Let Love Have the Last Word, which helped kick-start a conversation about sexual abuse among African-American men. “I felt I wanted to create a space for people who have experienced that to be able to share that,” Common told Good Morning America about revealing the story of his own sexual abuse in the book.

Common’s hip-hop hits include “The 6th Sense,” “Retrospect for Life,” “The Light,” “The Corner” and “Glory,” which won him an Academy Award for Best Original Song. “Glory” was featured in Ava DuVernay’s civil rights drama Selma, in which Common also co-starred as activist James Bevel. His acting career has nearly eclipsed his music career in the last decade, thanks to roles in blockbuster movies like Wanted, Suicide Squad and John Wick: Chapter 2, as well as serious dramas like The Hate U Give, The Tale and Megan Leavey. This year alone, Common has roles in three upcoming major theatrical releases.

Music remains his first love and his most personal project, though, and he recently released single “H.E.R. Love,” a sequel to one of his most well-known songs, “I Used to Love H.E.R.” It’s his first bit of new solo music since the 2016 album Black America Again. Common’s current tour promises new songs and old favorites, all with the thoughtful perspective that he has always brought to his music. –Josh Bell

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. July 20, starting at $39 plus tax and fee. 702.749.2000

Making You Blush

Magic Mike Live

Magic Mike Live

Ladies, get ready to get hot and bothered when 13 sexy men descend into the crowd as the fictional Club Domina is brought to life at Magic Mike Live Las Vegas. Choreographed dance routines and bedroom fantasies brought to life hit all the right notes, and with hottie Channing Tatum behind the creation of the show, you’re bound to be aroused. It’s shirts-off, pecs-out good fun. Are you in? –Kiko Miyasato

Hard Rock Hotel, 7:30 & 10 p.m. Wed.-Sun., 18+. 800.745.3000

Prim and Proper

Surroundings reminiscent of a Parisian home with a garden-style setting, Primrose is the perfect precursor to a night on the town, and the restaurant and bar recently introduced an evening dinner menu, till 9 p.m., in the bar and lounge and outdoor terrace. Items include filet mignon and frites, king salmon, grilled veggies, salads, sides and more. Don’t miss Primrose’s popular all-you-can-drink-rosé and brunch every day till 5 p.m. –KM

Park MGM, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 702.730.6600

Summer in Bloom

Looking for some great Instagram shots? Head to Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for its summertime display, La Dolce Vita. Sightsee through four of Italy’s gorgeous regions including Capri, Tivoli, Siena and Milan, made-up of 57,000 flowers and botanical materials. The displays include replicas of famous Italian landmarks and beautiful, lush gardens and countryside settings. –KM

Bellagio, open 24 hours daily. 702.693.7111