In the age of Obama, mainstream rap could really use a facelift. To be certain, rap music is not wholly negative or debasing, but the genre — as a whole — has developed a bad reputation. Luckily, the scent of “change” is in the air.
Far across the Atlantic in the nation of Somalia, Kaynaan Warsame was introduced to hip hop through the lyrical stylings of Eric B. and Rakim. Even though K'Naan could not understand English at the time, his heart thumped along with the pulse of Paid in Full. As fate would have it, music proved itself to be the universal language that transcends all cultures. Soon enough, K'Naan would hone his rapping skills, master the English language, and gain respect across the globe as the “dusty foot philosopher.”
Minute by minute, as the world grows smaller, K'naan's narrative puts an international face on the burgeoning hip hop movement. Upon review of Troubadour, his sophomore release, K'Naan managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry, reflecting on Bob Marley, Illmatic, and his infamous U.N. performance.
Anyone who is familiar with your life story has seen that God has shown tremendous favor over your life. Do you ever sit back and wonder, "Why me?"
I used to. That used to take up a lot of my time. Right now, I just let things be as they are. I learned to just appreciate it and go along for the ride rather than beat myself up over the why's and so on. I'm fortunate. Sometimes, people are just fortunate.
When translated, your first name means "traveler." Do you feel a sense of destiny that your craft has given you the chance to travel over the world and share your talents?
Yeah. I think names are great identity pointers and how we name children is important. I feel that that's relevant to me.
In regards to your professional life, what do you consider to be the ultimate experience on your life journey so far?
The ultimate probably being my return to Africa, after having been appreciated in Europe and North America for the music that I have made, and being shown an even stronger appreciation for the things that I've written about in my life experience. The amount of love that I was shown was humbling. It was the most defining moment of my life.
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