"I think a lot of it has to do with marketing groups, statistics—what works and what doesn't. If peace began to sell, that would be the norm. But right now the consumer is getting really smart. Extreme exposure no longer equals selling records, which I think is a very good scenario for music. Not so much for record labels." - K'aan on why mainstream rap is often violent
"Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, K'naan spent his childhood in the district of Wardhiigleey ("The Lake of Blood") during the Somali Civil War, which began in 1991. His aunt, Magool, was one of Somalia's most famous singers. K'naan's grandfather, Haji Mohamed, is a poet. K'naan is also a Muslim. His name, K'naan, means "traveller" in the Somali language."- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K'naan
I recently stumbled upon this up-coming rapper from Africa. His is a messege of generosity, freedom, and peace. I would love to see kindred artist to K'aan stand up and be heard in mainstream hip/hop cutlure more. K'aan is a true 'hood survivor if there ever was one. In his recent interview on www.motherjones.com he talks of regularly running with friends from gunmen at the age of nine. His early influnces include Eric B. & Rakim. He now lives in Canada after fleeing his home country with family at age 13. He now tours North America with artist like the Marely Brothers. His sophmore albuum is titled "Troubadour" and futures earthy, rythmic ecos of his motherland, Somali. Read the article by MJ @ http://www.motherjones.com/media/2009/02/straight-outta-mogadishu and snatch up some of his tracks from itunes today! Support the future leaders of hip/hop. Artist like this are true voices for their generation , speaking out tirelessly agianst the poverty, crime, and injustice his native land still struggles in today.
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