Troubadour - K’naan

Somalian born, Canadian raised, and U.S. proliferated conscious rapper and poet, K’naan, has released “Troubadour”, his sophomore album which arrives a few years after his debut LP “The Dusty Foot Philosopher” (2005).

K’naan comes from war-torn Mogadishu, Somali, a very dangerous country where bazookas are common-place. K’naan later grew up in Ontario and is now an international star, as a gifted lyricist (deserving of comparisons with Eminem) and poet, with thought-provoking messages about the strives of Somalia life. He also has doses of Bob Marley reggae positivism (as exemplified on “Fire In Freetown”). K’naan’s artistic words extend beyond just deep and intelligent meaning and with his flow and vocal play, rap would be well served to celebrate him.

K’naan’s storytelling of his homeland is epitomized on the lead single “ABCs”, in which his direct lyrics deal with the daily priority of surviving over education and the learning about guns instead of books. Later Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammet comes in with a rock & roll flavor on “If Rap Gets Jealous” and Mos Def and Chali join in with lyrical energy on “America”, as K’naan spits in Arabic.

For a great example of K’naan’s flow, look no further than “I Come Prepared”, where K’naan is at his inventive vocal best, contorting and combining words to skillful effect and even occasionally in comical ways. Adding to this, “Troubadour” gets very positive in “Dreamer”, which features a funky beat and a cheerful message of a tale of teenage love.

“Troubadour” was released February 24 on iTunes, giving us the opportunity to have our eyes and ears opened while not feeling guilty for seeking the pleasure it will bring at the same time. It’s simply K’naan’s artistic ability and fusing of genres that make this album one of the best released so far this year (listen here).

Rating: 5/5