Download Distant Relatives by Nas and Damian Marley - The Album that Fuses Hip Hop and Reggae

Nas and Damian Marley: Distant Relatives

In 2010, two of the most influential artists in their respective genres, American rapper Nas and Jamaican reggae singer Damian Marley, released a collaborative album called Distant Relatives. The album was a fusion of hip hop and reggae, with lyrical themes revolving around ancestry, poverty and the plight of Africa. In this article, we will explore the background, content and impact of this remarkable project.

Nas Damian Marley Distant Relatives Zip File

Introduction

Who are Nas and Damian Marley?

Nas is one of the most acclaimed rappers of all time, known for his storytelling, wordplay and social commentary. He rose to fame in 1994 with his debut album Illmatic, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums ever. Since then, he has released 12 more studio albums, earning multiple Grammy nominations and platinum certifications. He is also a successful entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist.

Damian Marley is the youngest son of the legendary reggae musician Bob Marley. He followed his father's footsteps and became a reggae artist himself, winning four Grammy awards for his albums Halfway Tree, Welcome to Jamrock and Stony Hill. He is also known for his collaborations with other artists, such as Mick Jagger, Bruno Mars and Jay-Z.

What is Distant Relatives?

Distant Relatives is a collaborative studio album by Nas and Damian Marley, released on May 18, 2010, by Universal Republic and Def Jam Recordings. The album is Nas' tenth (third for Def Jam) and Marley's fourth studio album, respectively.

The album title derives from Nas and Marley's relationship, their shared African ancestry, and the shared ancestry of the entire human race; which musically and lyrically inspired each recording.

The album features 14 tracks, with guest appearances from Knaan, Stephen Marley, Dennis Brown, Junior Reid, Joss Stone and Lil Wayne . The album was produced primarily by Damien and Stephen Marley, both sons of Bob Marley.

Why is it relevant today?

Distant Relatives is more than just a musical collaboration. It is also a social and cultural statement that aims to raise awareness and funds for Africa and its people. The album's proceeds were donated to various charities that support education, health and development in Africa.

The album also addresses some of the most pressing issues that affect Africa and the world today, such as war, corruption, poverty, disease, climate change and human rights. The album's message is one of unity, solidarity and hope for a better future.

The Making of Distant Relatives

How did Nas and Marley collaborate?

Nas and Marley first met in 1996 at a concert in New York City. They became friends and mutual admirers of each other's work. They later performed together at several events, such as Rock the Bells in 2007 and Jamrock Reggae Fest in 2008.

News of the album first came at the 2009 Grammy Awards, when Nas told MTV reporters \"Right now, I'll tell you first, I'm working on an album with Damian Marley. We tryin' to build some schools in Africa with this one and trying to build empowerment. We're tryin' to show love and stuff with this album. So, the record's all about really the 'hood and Africa also as well.\"

Leftover tracks from Nas and Marley's previous albums were originally planned for an EP based on Africa. After working together, the duo decided to record a full album together.

Nas and Marley began recording in 2008; recording sessions took place in Los Angeles, California, and Miami, Florida. Marley and his brother, Stephen, produced the majority of the album, using live instrumentation in the recording process.

What inspired them to create the album?

Nas and Marley were inspired by their common interest in African history, culture and politics. They wanted to explore their roots and celebrate their heritage through music. They also wanted to use their platform to educate and empower their listeners about the challenges and opportunities that Africa faces.

Nas said in an interview, \"We're both passionate about our music and what we believe in. We're connecting with our ancestors through this music. We're showing love to our distant relatives.\"

Marley said in another interview, \"We wanted to make an album that was not only entertaining but also educational and inspirational. We wanted to show people that Africa is not just a place of suffering but also a place of beauty, richness and potential.\"

How did they fuse hip hop and reggae?

Nas and Marley successfully blended hip hop and reggae musical elements, creating a unique and diverse sound that appealed to fans of both genres. They used live instruments, such as drums, guitars, keyboards and horns, as well as samples from African music, such as Amadou & Mariam's "Sabali" on the track "Patience".

The album showcases Nas' rap skills and Marley's reggae vocals, as well as their chemistry and harmony as a duo. They also experimented with different styles and flows, such as the fast-paced "As We Enter", the mellow "Friends", the upbeat "Nah Mean" and the epic "Africa Must Wake Up".

The Content of Distant Relatives

What are the main themes of the album?

The album explores various themes related to ancestry, poverty and Africa. Some of the themes are:

• The connection between Africans and African Americans, and their common struggles and aspirations.

• The history and culture of Africa, and its influence on the world.

• The challenges and opportunities that Africa faces in the present and the future.

• The role and responsibility of artists and leaders in creating positive change and empowerment.

• The importance of faith, friendship, gratitude and resilience in overcoming adversity.

How do they address ancestry, poverty and Africa?

Nas and Marley address these topics with honesty, insight and passion. They use their personal experiences, historical references, cultural knowledge and social commentary to convey their message. They also use metaphors, analogies and rhetorical questions to engage the listener and provoke thought.

For example, on the track "Tribes at War", they compare the violence and corruption in Africa to the gang wars in America. On the track "Land of Promise", they envision a prosperous and peaceful Africa that fulfills its potential. On the track "In His Own Words", they quote Haile Selassie, the former emperor of Ethiopia and a revered figure in Rastafari. On the track "My Generation", they encourage the youth to be optimistic and proactive.

What are some of the standout tracks and features?

Some of the standout tracks and features on the album are:

TrackFeatureDescription

As We EnterN/AThe opening track and lead single of the album. Nas and Marley trade bars over a frenetic beat that samples Mulatu Astatke's "Yegelle Tezeta". A perfect introduction to the album's energy and style.

Strong Will ContinueN/AThe second single and one of the most personal tracks on the album. Nas and Marley reflect on their struggles and triumphs, both personal and professional, over a triumphant rock-tinged production. Nas addresses his divorce from Kelis and his son's custody, while Marley pays tribute to his father and his legacy.

Land of PromiseDennis BrownA homage to the late reggae legend Dennis Brown, who is sampled on the chorus. Nas and Marley rap about their vision of a prosperous and peaceful Africa, referencing historical figures like Haile Selassie, Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X.

PatienceN/AOne of the most acclaimed tracks on the album. Nas and Marley rap over a haunting sample of Amadou & Mariam's "Sabali", asking philosophical questions about life, history and spirituality. The track also features a spoken word outro by Amadou Bagayoko.

Africa Must Wake UpK'naanThe closing track and the longest one on the album. Nas and Marley deliver a powerful message of hope and empowerment for Africa and its people, calling for unity, action and awareness. K'naan joins them on the chorus, singing in Somali. The track also features a hidden bonus track called "Ancient People", featuring Junior Reid.

The Impact of Distant Relatives

How was the album received by critics and fans?

The album received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the chemistry between Nas and Marley, the production quality, and the lyrical content. The album holds a score of 74 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 20 reviews.

Some of the critics who gave positive reviews are:

• Andy Gill of The Independent, who gave the album five out of five stars and called it "a landmark collaboration that transcends genre boundaries".

• Jon Pareles of The New York Times, who wrote that "the music is as serious as the messages: finely made tracks that hold up to repeated listening".

• Jeff Weiss of Los Angeles Times, who gave the album two and a half out of four stars and said that "when hewing to upbeat burners ... Marley and Nas are at their best".

Some of the critics who gave mixed or negative reviews are:

• Tom Breihan of Pitchfork, who gave the album 6.1 out of 10 and said that "too often on Distant Relatives, Nas and Marley fall into a sort of middlebrow funk, kicking overripe platitudes over sunny session-musician lopes and letting their self-importance suffocate their personalities".

• David Jeffries of AllMusic, who gave the album three out of five stars and said that "the album is either a revolutionary meeting of the minds or a failed summit that's bogged down by its own good intentions".

The album also received positive feedback from fans, who appreciated the message and the music of the album. The album sold 57,000 copies in its first week in the US, debuting at number five on the Billboard 200 chart. It also reached the top ten in Canada, Switzerland and the UK. The album was certified silver in the UK for selling over 60,000 copies.

What were the social and cultural implications of the album?

The album had a significant social and cultural impact, as it raised awareness and funds for various causes related to Africa and its people. Nas and Marley donated all the proceeds from the album to charities that support education, health and development in Africa, such as Ghetto Youths Foundation, UNICEF and Africa Unite.

The album also inspired many people to learn more about their roots and heritage, and to appreciate the diversity and richness of African culture. Nas and Marley also performed at various events and festivals that celebrated African music and art, such as Rock the Bells, Bonnaroo and Womad.

The album also sparked a dialogue about the issues that affect Africa and the world today, such as war, corruption, poverty, disease, climate change and human rights. Nas and Marley used their platform to advocate for positive change and empowerment, and to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions that often plague Africa.

How did the album benefit Africa and its people?

The album benefited Africa and its people in many ways, such as:

• Providing financial support for various projects and programs that improve education, health and development in Africa.

• Creating awareness and empathy for the challenges and opportunities that Africa faces.

• Promoting cultural exchange and appreciation between Africans and African Americans.

• Empowering Africans to take charge of their own destiny and to realize their potential.

• Inspiring hope and optimism for a better future for Africa and the world.

Conclusion

Distant Relatives is a remarkable album that showcases the talents and visions of Nas and Damian Marley, two of the most influential artists in their respective genres. The album is a fusion of hip hop and reggae, with lyrical themes revolving around ancestry, poverty and the plight of Africa. The album is also a social and cultural statement that aims to raise awareness and funds for Africa and its people. The album received generally positive reviews from critics and fans, and had a significant impact on the society and culture. The album is a testament to the power of music to unite, educate and inspire people across the world.

FAQs

• Q: Where can I download or stream the album?

• A: You can download or stream the album from various platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music and Tidal.

• Q: Where can I find more information about the album and the artists?

• A: You can visit the official website of the album, www.distantrelatives.com, where you can find news, videos, photos and merchandise related to the album and the artists. You can also follow Nas and Damian Marley on their social media accounts, such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

• Q: How can I support the causes that the album supports?

• A: You can support the causes that the album supports by donating to the charities that they partner with, such as Ghetto Youths Foundation, UNICEF and Africa Unite. You can also learn more about the issues that affect Africa and the world today, and take action in your own community.

• Q: What are some other albums or artists that are similar to Distant Relatives?

• A: Some other albums or artists that are similar to Distant Relatives are:

• Black Star by Mos Def and Talib Kweli, a hip hop duo that rap about social and political issues.

• Kaya by Bob Marley & The Wailers, a reggae album that celebrates love, peace and spirituality.

• The Lion King: The Gift by Beyoncé, a soundtrack album that features various African artists and celebrates African culture.

• Q: What is the meaning of the album cover?

• A: The album cover features a photo of Nas and Damian Marley holding hands with a young African boy. The photo symbolizes the connection between Africans and African Americans, as well as the hope and empowerment that they share.