Electric Circus is a vibrant musical wonderland fertilized by the ripe nectar of bold innovation and individuality. It is anchored by an uncommon and refreshing air of open-mindedness, both musically and lyrically. The album was recorded in Jimi Hendrix's legendary Electric Lady studio and the majority of the tracks were produced by The Soulquarians ù a collective of musicians that includes Roots drummer Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, beat-maker Jay Dee and keyboardist James Poyser, as well as Common.

Electric Circus stretches the limits of hip-hop by reflecting Common's appreciation of rock artists such as Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison and John Lennon. It features appearances by Prince, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab), Bilal and boasts production by The Neptunes, Jay Dee, ?uestlove, among others.