Nas and Damian Marley have an album coming out on May 18th and a globe-trotting tour to support it. The album, Distant Relatives, was produced by Marley and includes the singles “As We Enter” and “Strong Will Continue,” and appearances from Lil Wayne, K’NAAN, and Stephen Marley. The artwork was also unveiled today, and was shot by Nabil Elderkin and designed by Nesta Garrick.
Nneka will be opening.
Tickets on-sale April 2nd via Ticketmaster. Plans to tour Africa (!!!) will be announced this summer.
Given their striking similarities, it seemed inevitable that roots rocker Ben Harper and reggae-dancehall artist Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley would eventually link. This summer, the duo crosses the country together for their first joint tour. “He was the only choice,” said Harper. “Otherwise, I probably would’ve done a solo tour.”
Despite sonic differences, the pairing of the two musicians is one of this summer’s most natural fits. Their combined catalogs read like a history of American and Jamaican roots music, with both artists blending and exploring various genres as they see fit. Lyrically, both musicians focus on socially conscious, uplifting lyrics dealing with struggle and empowerment.
With Harper’s admiration for Bob Marley’s catalog at near-obsessive level, (Harper routinely covers Marley songs live) it’s only fitting that he met the reggae legend’s son at a Bob Marley tribute concert in 2000. …
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