Although Nas and Damian Marley operate in entirely different genres, the two artists share one thing in common, which is that both artists make socially conscious, soulful music.
That said, in 2010, the pair joined forces to release a collaborative album focusing on poverty, Pan-Africanism and the plight of black people worldwide. With socially conscious lyrics and political commentary, the project featured verses from the likes of K’naan, Dennis Brown, Junior Reid, Joss Stone and Lil Wayne.
Although the individual artists are of different nationalities, the two undoubtedly have similarities in their influences concerning black cultural icons. From Bob Marley to Fela Kuti and Prince, their collaboration sought to showcase the universality of music.
Entitled Distant Relatives, the body of work attempts to fuse reggae music with hip-hop as well as elements from traditional African rhythms. The album was discussed on a sold-out panel discussion about the African diaspora. The lead single ‘As We Enter’ peaked at number ten on the iTunes chart.
As a figure from one of hip-hop’s finest eras, Nas (real name Nasir Jones) was raised in the birthplace of hip-hop during its golden age. However, many of the genre’s pioneers had West Indian roots, with DJ Cool Herc born in Jamaica and Grandmaster Flash born on the island of Antigua.
As a New York artist, Jones has always stayed true to the gritty, unpolished sound of his hometown, and as a native Kingstonian, Damian Marley brought the authentic sound of Jamaica to the LP.
In an episode of the esteemed ‘Celebrity Playlist’ podcast, the two artists sat down to speak about some of their favourite songs of all time. Opening up about their selections, Jones began, “The new Drake ‘Over.’ That’s the record, it’s the truth I relate to that song, so that’s my newest favourite record.”
Following Nas, Marley disclosed, “Shabba Ranks ‘Roots & Culture.’ Shabba Ranks was one of my heavy influences growing up who influenced me to become an artist today, and that was one of my favourite songs of his.”
You can see a full list of Nas and Damian Marley’s favourite tracks below.
Nas and Damian Marley’s favourite songs:
- ‘Over’ – Drake, Thank Me Later, (2010)
- ‘Roots & Culture’ – Shabba Ranks, Just Reality, (1990)
- ‘Steady Mobbin’ – Lil Wayne ft Gucci Mane, We Are Young Money, (2009)
- ‘Sun Is Shining’ – Bob Marley & The Wailers, Kaya, (1978)
- ‘Babyfather’ – Sade, Soldier Of Love, (2010)
- ‘Look Into My Eyes’ – Bounty Killer, 5th Element, (1999)
- ‘Up Out My Face’ – Mariah Carey ft Nicki Minaj, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, (2009)
- ‘Praise Ye Jah’ – Sizzla, Praise Ye Jah, (1997)
- ‘I Want You’ – Marvin Gaye, I Want You, (1976)
- ‘Don Dada’ – Super Cat, Don Dada, (1992)
- ‘Use Somebody’ – Kings of Leon, Only By The Night, (2008)
- ‘Wavin flag’ – K’naan, Troubadour, (2009)
- Me and The Devil’ – Gil Scott Heron, I’m New Here, (2010)
- ‘No Man Is An Island’ – Dennis Brown, No Man Is An Island, (1972)
- ‘Change Is Gonna Come’ – Sam Cooke, Ain’t That Good News, (1964)
- ‘She’s Royal’ – Taurus Riley, Parables, (2006)
- ‘Exhibit C’ – Jay Electronica, Exhibit C, (2009)
- ‘Gin & Juice’ – Snoop Dogg, Doggystyle, (1993)
- ‘You’re Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)’ – Biggie Smalls, Life After Death, (1997)
