5.13.2010

Distant Relatives Background Look

With the album from Nas and Damian Marley days away which it drops May 18, 2010. I wanted to do a post on how it started and other parts before the album drops. This is not an album review as it aint drop yet. Its more of background information and my views on the album. Nas and Damian Marley first work together back in 2007 on a track called Damian Marley feat Nas - Road to Zion.


The album first got heard about at the Grammys in 2009 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," he said. "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.

Marley told Rolling Stone, "We're trying to have a sound that's reminiscent of both of us, but not exactly like either," says Marley, who adds they cut the disc with a live band. Proceeds will go to a project in Africa — possibly building a school in the Congo — and songs like "Count Your Blessings" reflect on the plight of the continent. "A lot of charity albums come off corny," says Marley. "We want this to be something you'd play in your car." 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
These were both the artist views on the album when it first started and it seems they both could not wait to get in the studio with each other. Its a match duo of two great music artist. The album's content will heavily revolve around Africa, from ancestry and poverty. The duo worked to maintain the theme, which will contain samples from African music. The album will offer their social commentary of the United States and Africa. The art work for the album is below.
Recording and production of the album began before they even said about the album at the grammys in 2009. Mixing hip hop and reggae, Nas and Marley began recording in 2008, recording sessions took place in Los Angeles, California, and Miami, Florida. So many locations they were at recording at which was because getting artist in the album and on tour as well. Damian Marley and his brother, Stephen, produced a majority of the album which show this just shows the talent of Damian Marley. Which he is know for to be a good producer as well. Also the great hiphop producer Erick Sermon will be on the album.

The artist who are going to feature on the album are Stephen Marley, Dennis Brown, Joss Stone, Lil Wayne and K'naan. Which is a mix of artist from hip hop, reggae and vocals from the late Dennis Brown. First track which drop from the album was "As We Enter", was released on iTunes on February 23, 2010. It has so far peaked at #10 on the iTunes Hip Hop/Rap charts and #41 on the iTunes Music charts.


"Strong Will Continue" was the second track off the album to drop and it was out on April 13, 2010. Track is below.


In recent weeks there has been some over tracks leak on the internet. First track is
Nas & Damian Marley - Patience.


Nas & Damian Marley feat Joss Stone & Lil Wayne - My Generation


The album drops May 18, 2010. Make sure you get the album I cant wait.

Peace

2 comments:

Nas Holston said...

never posted the album cause i wanted ppl to go out and support like i will.

Raphii said...

your blog is nice