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Patience & Friends on repeat!!!
Nas & Damian Marley - Distant Relatives - April 20, 2010
- Thread in 'Music' Thread starter Started by neighb0rh00d,
- Start date
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just copped the album from best buy today and getting ready to listen to it right now.
haven't listened to any songs yet but as we enter and strong will continue
haven't listened to any songs yet but as we enter and strong will continue
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So, I tried not to put any expectations on the album before I listened to it. I was hoping to hear ill production, sick lyrics, and overall, a great piece of work, but I kept my hopes to a minimum. Well...*sigh*
....THIS CD is EXACTLY what I wanted and more!! If you don't like this CD, I can respect your opinion, but I think you're really missing out on greatness. Going to give it several more listens, but I fully expect few, or none, albums to top this this year. Will definitely be in the changer for the next few weeks ...
....THIS CD is EXACTLY what I wanted and more!! If you don't like this CD, I can respect your opinion, but I think you're really missing out on greatness. Going to give it several more listens, but I fully expect few, or none, albums to top this this year. Will definitely be in the changer for the next few weeks ...
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Is this album comparable to Untitled in terms of lyricism and insight?
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I literally haven't listened to anything else this week. I usually mix it up a couple times a week but not this week. I haven't even listened to J. Cole which is like a weekly ritual. NaS The Goat
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and then some
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yo, this @%+$ is dope.
the album has strong themes and concepts and its delivered in a classic style. Nas and Damian complement each other well, and of course the lyricism is on point.
Nas = the greatest rapper of all time
the album has strong themes and concepts and its delivered in a classic style. Nas and Damian complement each other well, and of course the lyricism is on point.
Nas = the greatest rapper of all time
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I usually try not to comment on any new Nas album for a couple weeks after they drop to allow time for processing but I will say this... this album is exactly what I expected in the best way possible.
I will have more feedback as I give the album more spins...
I will have more feedback as I give the album more spins...
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Wow, I'm thoroughly impressed with this album. I've only listened through it once but damn this is money well spent. I have to say that this is more Damian's album than Nas's album but there is nothing wrong with that because they BOTH make the album what it is. I hope they continue to make more music together.
Here's a review from rapreviews.com that I feel adequately sums up what the album is really about.
Nas & Damian Marley :: Republic Records
as reviewed by Jesal 'Jay Soul' Padania
http://www.rapreviews.com/coverart/distantrelatives.jpg[/img]
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. 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. 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). The Marley family, Jamaica, are footie mad, so releasing it a few weeks before kick off is no surprise. 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. 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?
Cheeky 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. 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. 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. 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. "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. 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). The first couple of spins are undoubtedly uneven, but persist and all manner of hidden treasures begin to catch a glint of the sunlight. 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).
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. You could even dare to dream that they do this every few years, or whenever the inspiration calls – there is a natural affinity present, it is something to behold. As is the music: this isn't an individualistic or opportune melee of "hot riddims" but a carefully constructed, yet more or less organic, live show. It snakes at will, switching to accommodate (more frequently) Nas, meaning you get almost double the amount of "instrumentals". There is very little that doesn't work, with both Marley (obviously) and Nas (surprisingly) meshing flawlessly into practically everything. Live instrumentation suits Nas, it's strange to think now just how little it has peppered his career thus far - it could prove a stunning addition to his future arsenal.
The grandiose melodrama of "Dispear" possesses a myriad of subtle brushstrokes, such as how the snares are triple echoed to resemble the automatic gunfire that Marley describes. "Land of Promise" is the closest we get to "Jamrock" - it's certainly not a universal banger in precisely the same vein, but Marley (in his comfort zone) rips it to shreds, imagining Ghana to be California, or wondering if Lagos was Las Vegas. It is also worth mentioning that DR works equally well in the car, on your headphones, zoning out in your room, wherever… Hell, your girl will probably like it too. One track in particular that reflects this is "In His Own Words" which comes across initially as slightly too saccharin, but it is transformed once Nas opens with: "Two steps away from death, a vest and a holster/I detest detectives arresting us over/Weapons possession, they was checking the Rover/Inspecting the tattoos on my neck and my shoulder…"
"Nah Mean" is the possibly the most "hip hop" track, with a sick beat and kicks deep enough to wind your abs (one can imagine that almost all of these would work brilliantly at their live show). All the while, Marley manages that beautiful balancing act that his father perfected: enlightening without didactic bombast; detailing despair but somehow still inspiring you that everything can work out; crafty hooks that combine genius with simplicity. Saying all that, "My Generation" is the only potentially cloying moment on the album. Joss Stone, sorry to say, doesn't deserve her place at the table (a poor guest, she doesn't bring anything to it). As a rule, most of us tend to dislike "kids on choruses" but after a few listens it's actually not that bad, ending up quite likeable. The verses, for once, aren't quite up to the rest of the album, whether from Nas, Marley or Lil Wayne – not bad, just a touch above average (no one "walks away" with the track). The closer "Africa Must Wake Up" has a haunting melancholy, yet Damian somehow manages to extract warmth from it all (he could probably read the lottery numbers out, he'd still be entrancing).
Never before in either genre has there been such a deeply successful collaboration album. Ever. This wasn't supposed to happen. That it has is a testament to talent, hard work and luck. The musical/lyrical talents of the artists and producers; the sheer effort and attention that has gone into practically each individual kick and snare, (reminiscent of the meticulous late great Dilla); and the sheer cosmic luck of a focussed Nas actually turning up. If that seems facetious, understand that this hasn't happened much over the last dozen years - on fire Nas plus brilliant music. But really, the star of the show is Marley. This feels like his baby, and he is a proud father that has nurtured "Distant Relatives". Nas is the close family friend that you're brought up to call "Uncle" and the backing band, your brothers. The mother? Africa. It is easy to forget, at times, the message of this opus - simply because everything else surrounding it is executed so wonderfully. But for those of us that KNOW Africa, have visited there, lived there, worked there, been the guest, servant or the master, there is a tremendous amount of emotion attached. Whilst Nas steers clear of any real analysis, he pays his own tribute, whilst Damian invokes the Marley knack of making your spirit soar – they both tap into societal emotion by looking inward. Many a heart bleeds at the plight of generations of downtrodden Africans, from Ethiopia to Sudan, Zimbabwe to Zaire; yet it is rich and diverse continent that shouldn't always be treated as the sickly child of the family. To their credit, neither Nas nor Marley come across too preachy, sure; yet they also manage not to patronise Africa, which in today's world is no mean feat. They have brought into our lives a beautiful album, a historic one that deserves - for only the second time in my career – a perfect score.
Music Vibes: 10 of 10Lyric Vibes: 10 of 10TOTAL Vibes: 10 of 10
Here's a review from rapreviews.com that I feel adequately sums up what the album is really about.
Nas & Damian Marley :: Republic Records
as reviewed by Jesal 'Jay Soul' Padania
http://www.rapreviews.com/coverart/distantrelatives.jpg[/img]
Cheeky 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. 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. 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. 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. "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. 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). The first couple of spins are undoubtedly uneven, but persist and all manner of hidden treasures begin to catch a glint of the sunlight. 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).
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. You could even dare to dream that they do this every few years, or whenever the inspiration calls – there is a natural affinity present, it is something to behold. As is the music: this isn't an individualistic or opportune melee of "hot riddims" but a carefully constructed, yet more or less organic, live show. It snakes at will, switching to accommodate (more frequently) Nas, meaning you get almost double the amount of "instrumentals". There is very little that doesn't work, with both Marley (obviously) and Nas (surprisingly) meshing flawlessly into practically everything. Live instrumentation suits Nas, it's strange to think now just how little it has peppered his career thus far - it could prove a stunning addition to his future arsenal.
The grandiose melodrama of "Dispear" possesses a myriad of subtle brushstrokes, such as how the snares are triple echoed to resemble the automatic gunfire that Marley describes. "Land of Promise" is the closest we get to "Jamrock" - it's certainly not a universal banger in precisely the same vein, but Marley (in his comfort zone) rips it to shreds, imagining Ghana to be California, or wondering if Lagos was Las Vegas. It is also worth mentioning that DR works equally well in the car, on your headphones, zoning out in your room, wherever… Hell, your girl will probably like it too. One track in particular that reflects this is "In His Own Words" which comes across initially as slightly too saccharin, but it is transformed once Nas opens with: "Two steps away from death, a vest and a holster/I detest detectives arresting us over/Weapons possession, they was checking the Rover/Inspecting the tattoos on my neck and my shoulder…"
"Nah Mean" is the possibly the most "hip hop" track, with a sick beat and kicks deep enough to wind your abs (one can imagine that almost all of these would work brilliantly at their live show). All the while, Marley manages that beautiful balancing act that his father perfected: enlightening without didactic bombast; detailing despair but somehow still inspiring you that everything can work out; crafty hooks that combine genius with simplicity. Saying all that, "My Generation" is the only potentially cloying moment on the album. Joss Stone, sorry to say, doesn't deserve her place at the table (a poor guest, she doesn't bring anything to it). As a rule, most of us tend to dislike "kids on choruses" but after a few listens it's actually not that bad, ending up quite likeable. The verses, for once, aren't quite up to the rest of the album, whether from Nas, Marley or Lil Wayne – not bad, just a touch above average (no one "walks away" with the track). The closer "Africa Must Wake Up" has a haunting melancholy, yet Damian somehow manages to extract warmth from it all (he could probably read the lottery numbers out, he'd still be entrancing).
Never before in either genre has there been such a deeply successful collaboration album. Ever. This wasn't supposed to happen. That it has is a testament to talent, hard work and luck. The musical/lyrical talents of the artists and producers; the sheer effort and attention that has gone into practically each individual kick and snare, (reminiscent of the meticulous late great Dilla); and the sheer cosmic luck of a focussed Nas actually turning up. If that seems facetious, understand that this hasn't happened much over the last dozen years - on fire Nas plus brilliant music. But really, the star of the show is Marley. This feels like his baby, and he is a proud father that has nurtured "Distant Relatives". Nas is the close family friend that you're brought up to call "Uncle" and the backing band, your brothers. The mother? Africa. It is easy to forget, at times, the message of this opus - simply because everything else surrounding it is executed so wonderfully. But for those of us that KNOW Africa, have visited there, lived there, worked there, been the guest, servant or the master, there is a tremendous amount of emotion attached. Whilst Nas steers clear of any real analysis, he pays his own tribute, whilst Damian invokes the Marley knack of making your spirit soar – they both tap into societal emotion by looking inward. Many a heart bleeds at the plight of generations of downtrodden Africans, from Ethiopia to Sudan, Zimbabwe to Zaire; yet it is rich and diverse continent that shouldn't always be treated as the sickly child of the family. To their credit, neither Nas nor Marley come across too preachy, sure; yet they also manage not to patronise Africa, which in today's world is no mean feat. They have brought into our lives a beautiful album, a historic one that deserves - for only the second time in my career – a perfect score.
Music Vibes: 10 of 10Lyric Vibes: 10 of 10TOTAL Vibes: 10 of 10
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I might be the only one on here that is saying it but I think this album is horrible. I wish it had more of a Jamrock feel cause all of it is too slow for me. Even if I am just ear ******ed, I still don't think it deserves a 10 out of 10.
Still, I am an old Nas fan. I just bought the album but i got a wristband to go see him at a signing on Tuesday and get my old Illmatic poster I have signed.
Still, I am an old Nas fan. I just bought the album but i got a wristband to go see him at a signing on Tuesday and get my old Illmatic poster I have signed.
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- Oct 7, 2009
Classic............
First off, I want to say that Damian Marley is one of the strongest lyricists and best song-makers out there - his whole catalog is bulletproof, and this CD is no different. Every song musically is beautiful and harmonious, and lyrically both Nas and Damian Marley spit straight from the soul. But these guys are doing more than making positive music... they are broadcasting a strong, clear message to mankind that this is Our world, and through positive thinking, love, meditation, and hard work we can make improvements to ourselves and to the life around us. Now this statement would be powerless if the music didn't back it up, and I feel that the music backs it up almost 100%.
Fongstarr I think you should listen to it again, focus on the lyrics that Damian and Nas spit and I really can't see how U can't enjoy it...
Damian's verse on In his own Words
The song Patience
My Generation
Those 3 are my personal favorites but I can see how everyone can have their own favorites because every song on the album is quality...
I'd give it a 9/10 based on the quality of the work and the scope of the project... now if some of Nas's verses were a little more thought out then it very well could have been 10/10
First off, I want to say that Damian Marley is one of the strongest lyricists and best song-makers out there - his whole catalog is bulletproof, and this CD is no different. Every song musically is beautiful and harmonious, and lyrically both Nas and Damian Marley spit straight from the soul. But these guys are doing more than making positive music... they are broadcasting a strong, clear message to mankind that this is Our world, and through positive thinking, love, meditation, and hard work we can make improvements to ourselves and to the life around us. Now this statement would be powerless if the music didn't back it up, and I feel that the music backs it up almost 100%.
Fongstarr I think you should listen to it again, focus on the lyrics that Damian and Nas spit and I really can't see how U can't enjoy it...
Damian's verse on In his own Words
The song Patience
My Generation
Those 3 are my personal favorites but I can see how everyone can have their own favorites because every song on the album is quality...
I'd give it a 9/10 based on the quality of the work and the scope of the project... now if some of Nas's verses were a little more thought out then it very well could have been 10/10
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- Jun 12, 2006
this is money well spent i must say.
favorite songs:
as we enter
strong will continue
count your blessings
in his own words
my generation
africa must wake up
favorite songs:
as we enter
strong will continue
count your blessings
in his own words
my generation
africa must wake up
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I first heard Strong Will Continue on 2010 FIFA World Cup Souh Africa, loved it.
I just got the album today and I'm giving it my first run through right now and I'm currently on that song and so far its been
I just got the album today and I'm giving it my first run through right now and I'm currently on that song and so far its been
damu
Banned
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does anyone know when and if this will release on vinyl?
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Can someone PM me a link?
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I love this album!! Even went to spend 15 on it @ Target
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whoa...i just gave this album a spin yesterday, its not touchin da N_ album....
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C'mon man. For this album?
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#!%@ your link
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I love Strong Will Continue, my favorite song of this year so far. And I think it goes without saying this is the best album so far too. No skips
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Link is in the spoiler
Spoiler [+]
Spoiler [+]
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That concert vid looks good
