Nas & Damian Marley – Distant Relatives (B – 6.4/10 M – 8.1/10)

You can easily acknowledge the underlying themes: roots, unity, African pride, championing tomorrow’s leaders, etc. (topics they certainly don’t beat around that bush about).  I don’t doubt that the duo are very passionate about the subject matter. Unfortunately, my impression is that Distant Relatives was recorded with only those common interests in mind, without taking into serious consideration how the two artistic styles would mesh.

Nas & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – Distant Relatives (6.4 out of 10)

Maybe my expectations were too high; I mean, Damian Marley, spawn of my favorite musician ever (Robert Nesta Marley), and Nas, tied for my favorite rapper ever (big ups to Biggie Smalls).  What’s not to get excited about?!  I’ve already seen the duo live and I thought the show was great.  Something gets lost in translation on the album though.  You can easily acknowledge the underlying themes: roots, unity, African pride, championing tomorrow’s leaders, etc. (topics they certainly don’t beat around that bush about).  I don’t doubt that the duo are very passionate about the subject matter. Unfortunately, my impression is that Distant Relatives was recorded with only those common interests in mind, without taking into serious consideration how the two artistic styles would mesh.  Frankly, it all just sounds a little contrived.  And, while I do feel like Nas is (glaringly) the more talented of the two, neither artist can solely take the blame for the lack of cohesion in the album, because, in their own individual way, they both show up.  Frequently, the two simply don’t fit together within the confines of the songs (when Nas starts rapping over the top of some of the pure reggae tracks, it just sounds, for lack of a better word, silly).

– B.

Second Opinion -  Sorry King B.  I’ve gotta disagree on a few points.  I didn’t get to check out the Nas/Marley set at Rothbury, but I heard good things.  I’m also not the biggest hip hop head in the world, but Nas is the man.  Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock was a killer album, so I also had high hopes for Distant Relatives.

The vibe isn’t overly reggae, nor is too hip hop driven.  The Afrocentric album is in your face, and it works for the most part.  The pair trades off vocally in a primarily seamless fashion, though some tracks seem a bit off.  The use of Stephen Marley’s smooth delivery is an excellent (and IMO, underused) compliment to the album.  There are a few spots where the lyrics are kinda half-assed.  You’ll know it when you hear it.

As a whole, I’ve really enjoyed Distant Relatives.  Albeit a few lyrical cringes, I’ve been rockin’ this album out a lot since we got our hands on it.  I have a feeling that the crowds will be flocking to their sets, especially since people can be more familiar with their music through the album.

(8.1 out of 10)

- The Train

Related articles:

• Q&A: Nas and Damian Marley on Distant Relatives (arts.nationalpost.com)
• Singer Kelis and rapper Nas finalize divorce in LA (pbpulse.com)