A few postings ago, I wrote about K’naan’s and J. Period’s first installment of The Messengers without too much praise; I felt their renditions did not give Fela’s work its proper due (Don’t test I’m Nigerian by birth). However; Episode 2 their tribute to Robert Nesta Marley, is a different story. To some extent I am sure this is somewhat because deep down inside, my spirit (for lack of better words) was yearning for the voice and sounds of the Third World’s first international superstar. Ultimately transporting me to a time when I saw the world differently; you know? love, peace, happiness and all that B.S. Well that was then, this is now and the now finds K’naan successfully channeling Bob Marley’s spirit in sense of what he stood for as an artist while simultaneously educating the masses about the beauty found in his Somali culture and spitting Viagra so hip-hop can get hard again. Additionally, J.Period brilliantly remixes Bob Marley classics to match the commendable diligence found in K’Naan’s introspective words as well as those found in the lyrics of the stellar features including Kardinall Offishall, Steele of Smif N’Wessun and Nectic the Rebel to name a few. The latter has an illustrious verse on Johnny Was (Messengers Remix). All in all, whether you enjoy K’Naan’s music or not, you cannot help but be inspired by his story and the valor it exudes.
TURN OFF THE RADIO!
J. Period & K’Naan feat. Kardinal Offishall, Steele and Bajah – Belly Full (Messengers Remix)
J. Period & K’Naan feat. Netic the Rebel – Johnny Was (Messengers Remix)
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