Damian Marley & Nas – Distant Relatives

Damian Marley and Nas

Distant Relatives Tour – Giving Hope and Help
By M. Peggy Quattro
Photo by Alex Markow
Miami, FL – Two brothers by different mothers, Damian Marley and Nas have set the summer concert season on fire. The Distant Relatives tour, touted by its stars as a family affair, is getting rave reviews while the dynamic duos CD by-the-same-name is charting worldwide.

Damian Marley and Nas in Pompano Beach, FL

The Distant Relatives CD debuted in May 2010 at #5 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling a reported 57,000 copies its first week. Reviews have labeled the lyrics inspiring and its production convincing. The CD also shot onto to Billboards Rap, Digital Album, R&B/Hip-Hop, and Reggae charts, where it sits at #1 today. The joint venture, two years in production, was produced by brothers Damian and Stephen Marley, with Stephen leading the way and leaving his indelible mark throughout the 13-track CD. A bonus iTunes track, featuring Reggae’s Junior Reid, is an added treat. Several singles have topped the iTunes and UK Singles Charts, and the song Strong Will Continue, is featured on the 2010 FIFA World Cup video game.
Distant Relatives CD

Musicians, playing on live instruments, include the Marleys long-time riddim team of Chris Meredith on bass and Squidly Cole on drums. Shia Coore, son of Third World guitarist Cat Coore, is featured on the CD as well as touring as bassist, and Reggae veteran Paul Fakourie is featured on keyboards. The CD is laced with Reggae and Hip-Hop influences, as well as some fundamental African rhythms. The two came together on behalf of Africa and to bring awareness to its condition. “It’s not Reggae… it’s not Rap,” says Nas, “it’s some different shit… it’s epic.” Proceeds from the project are being allocated to support a project in Africa, perhaps a school in the Congo.

Damian Marley and Nas came to South Florida as part of the sold out Bonnaroo concert series at the Pompano Beach Amphitheater, and featured Gyptian, raising Roots/Dancehall artist, asspecial guest. The high-energy set was mostly led by Nas, but together on stage, the duo generates a vibe of unity and hope, with Damian carrying on his famous fathers message of love, courage, and faith.

Future Distant Relatives concert dates include:
Tue 08/24/10 Charlotte, NC Fillmore Charlotte
Wed 08/25/10 Norfolk, VA NorVa
Fri 08/27/10 N Myrtle Bch, SC House Of Blues
Sat 08/28/10 Charlottesville, VA Charlottesville Pavilion
Mon 08/30/10 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Wed 09/01/10 Providence, RI Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
Mon 09/03/10 Mohawk, NY
Tues 09/04/10 Pittsburgh, PA Mr. Smallz
Wed 09/05/10 Chicago, IL

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.