Nas and Damian Marley Drop Hot Record, Then Drop Into Arcata

On May 18, Nas and Damian Marley will release their first collaborative album, "Distant Relatives." Three days later, they will kick off a summer tour to promote the record at  the Arcata Community Center. 

Nas and Marley share a history of lyrics that cover themes of social justice and equality. Nas' first solo album, "Illmatic," debuted in 1994. Marley released his first album in 1996 and has two Grammys under his belt, including best reggae album in 2005. The duo collaborated on the song "Road to Zion," from Marley’s 2005 album "Welcome to Jamrock." The album surprised critics with its originality, soul and spirit.

Their bond grew. Audiences can feel and hear the bond in the new track, "Friends." According to www.distantrelatives.com, “This album refers to the bond between the artists, as well as a connection to their African ancestry, which inspired the album both musically and lyrically.”

Both come from musically gifted fathers. Nas is the son of Olu Dara, a jazz musician. Marley is the youngest son of reggae artist Bob Marley.

"Strong Will Continue," the third track on the upcoming album, sends a powerful message to audiences. The chorus, sung by Marley, acts as an epitaph for the type of artists Nas and Marley strive to be:

"When the Armageddon start get dread/A lot of weak heart a weep and moan/Only the strong will continue/Do you have it in you?/Cause we’ve got a journey to go/And when the battle get sour and dread/A lot of weak hear a wither and moan/Only the strong will continue/I know you have it in you/I know you have it in you."

Four of the tracks on the new album are available online before the album hits stores. You can find "As We Enter," "Strong Will Continue" and "Land Of Promise" at www.distantrelatives.com. You can find "Friends" at www.tagged.com/distantrelatives. 

Carol Bruno, the local promoter of the show, said, “Damian loves coming to Arcata and chose this location because of its special relationship with the reggae culture.”

You can purchase tickets at People's Records or The Works in Arcata. Jessie at The Works in Arcata said, "All tickets will eventually run out so you should get them as soon as possible."


 

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1 comments

silly gooses

Wed May 5 2010 07:56

hahaha FIRST!

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