Yet, already by this early stage, trying to picture Nas without Marley or vice versa leaves a black hole: they work so remarkably well together that any naysayers have no ammunition. Bizarrely enough, songs like "Leaders" and "Friends" eventually become preferable to the more immediate ones the latter, in particular, is something that we can all directly relate to, but a subject matter that few rappers care to broach (in this context, real friends become family). The first couple of spins are undoubtedly uneven, but persist and all manner of hidden treasures begin to catch a glint of the sunlight. Yet, though he sounds enraged, a minute but clever effect: the heartbeat that pulses stays consistent (amongst any situation, he can keep that icy cool). "Strong Will Continue" finds a stunning final verse from Nas, spilling his thoughts out on wax with complexity, brutal honesty and, possibly a sprinkle of that typical Jones brand of hypocrisy. After a while, however, you start to notice the foundation of the album: the intricate attention to detail, with each and every number crafted individually. Next up, K'naan grabs his opportunity to shine with both hands, practically stealing the superb "Tribal War" with a sterling verse, although D's chorus is perfect too. That is the only time they go line for line, but it serves its purpose well, a warm welcome mat for "Distant Relatives" whilst also immediately proving that the chemistry isn't forced. But how does this long awaited collaboration with Nas work out? Can it even be called that in the truest sense of the word? And what kind of shape is Jones even in, given his recent travails?Ĭheeky album opener "As We Enter" gives practically no indication of what the LP is actually like, with Nas and Marley tag-teaming the funk, meshing perfectly. Damian's ode to the continent is likely to be the universal soundtrack to summer 2010 for thousands around the world, in every corner of the globe. The Marley family, Jamaica, are footie mad, so releasing it a few weeks before kick off is no surprise. Africa has waited a long time to host its very first one, and whilst, undoubtedly, a million things will go spectacularly wrong, it will all come together (and England will win). I'm talking about, of course, the World Cup that kicks off in South Africa on June 11th, a sporting event second only to the Olympics in popularity but more enthralling. Some things are worth waiting for – whether it leads to success or failure, its very existence defies belief, and you're just happy it is finally here. Its lead single, As We Enter, peaked at number 30 on the United Kingdom Singles chart.Nas & Damian Marley :: Distant Relatives :: Republic Records Distant Relatives was a minor hit in Europe where it entered several charts. Though it debuted at number five on the Billboard magazine Top 200 album chart and topped that publication’s R&B/Hip hop chart, it sold modestly. I think it helps to strengthen the bridge between the western hemisphere and Africa.” A fusion of reggae and hip-hop, Distant Relatives also featured diverse acts like Marley’s brother Stephen, British singer Joss Stone and American rap sensation Lil Wayne. But most of the people we’ve spoken to so far, yes, I embrace it as a great idea. “One of the things that’s left to do with this project is go to Africa and perform. He and Nas toured the United States and Europe but never ventured to Africa where Distant Relatives was reportedly well-received. Hopefully.” Marley said a tour of Africa to promote the album could also be on the cards. “This will be the last we’re doing in America for a while,” he said, before commenting on the potential follow-up: “That would be nice. In a recent interview with the Longhorn Hip Hop radio station, Marley said he felt great satisfaction doing the set which was jointly distributed by Universal Republic and Def Jam Recordings, and that a similar project with Nas is possible. DAMIAN ‘Junior Gong’ Marley has hinted that there may be a follow-up to Distant Relatives, the 2010 concept album he recorded with American hip-hop star Nas.
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