K'Naan dropping soon- get a preview

I have been singing the praises of the Somali rapper K'Naan for a couple of years. His last album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher was one of the best of 2006. It was re-released in America in 2008, but did not take hold.

However, his company is doing a much better job getting the word out this time around. Just check iTunes and you will see 3 singles and 1 video already released from the upcoming Troubadour, which is to be released February 10. 

You have a chance to get a taste of the new album by checking out NPR's Morning Edition and download his new single (which speaks of Somalia's pirates) or listen to 2 other songs. His sound is not like typical North American rap. I usually describe him as a cross between Eminem (nasal delivery), Spoken Word, African rhythms and conscious hip-hop (ala Mos Def, Tribe Called Quest, etc.). It is a unique and powerful listening experience.

If you like good music or care about an important African voice, you should listen.

Here is a quote from the piece:

"Where rocket-propelled grenades are fired around you on a daily ... a guy bragging on TV talking about how gangster he is?" K'Naan says. "For us, it's more a source of entertainment. It's more like a comedy or something we watch. Say, 'Oh wow, that's kind of cute of American gangsters.' But it isn't hardcore, it isn't that bad. Let's get things in perspective, you know?"