K'naan Gets Co-signed by Polaris Prize, Maroon 5, Nas and Damian Marley
- Posted on Sep 21st 2009 1:30PM by Bryce Seefieldt
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It's been three years since K'naan was first shortlisted for the coveted Polaris Prize -- a best Canadian album honour for which he'll once again compete Monday night -- and much has happened in the rapper's life during that time. The steady buzz brewing in 2006 has escalated to a healthy roar and his second Polaris nod is just one of many recent reassurances that his music is being heard around the world."[Polaris] is definitely one of the exciting things on my mind," the Somali-Canadian rapper/musician tells Spinner, likening it to the UK's Mercury Prize. "It's a big deal in that it's an artistic award. It's not about Billboard and how much you sold. This is about your peers and people in the field getting together and listening to your songs against other great artists and deciding based on the merit and the beauty of it. That's a cool thing."
This past weekend's Toronto concert, which saw his local fans coming out in full force, was a much-cherished homecoming. After performing at Polaris, he'll soon set off again, hitting the road with Lenny Kravitz and 'Troubadour' contributor Adam Levine on Maroon 5's 'Back to School' Tour over the next few months.
Among the many collaborations in the works, K'naan proudly speaks of his contribution to 'Distant Relatives,' the highly anticipated project from Nas and Damian Marley. K'naan's appearance on multiple tracks is a huge cosign from two artists whose music he's always found influential.
For K'naan's most recent release, he's partnered with NYC DJ/Producer J. Period to create 'The Messengers,' a tribute to three musical greats: Fela Kuti, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley. These musicians were not only responsible for molding K'naan as an artist, but have all been pivotal in creating social change.
"I think they've changed the climate of music [and] changed the social fabric," says K'naan, who has already been compared to Dylan and Marley during his short career. "I wouldn't speak as if I'm akin to them. I'm a fan of them. I would say I'm more of a student than I am one of them. I hope that my music is affecting in the way their music has been."
As testament to their influence, he describes this project as, "not the product of ego but of passion. Far from a marketing tool, it is an honest musical offering. Nothing gives a better window into the root and concept of my own sound than 'The Messengers.'"
Inspired by the greats, motivated by a love for his craft and blessed with a positive mindset, K'naan has won over fans and critics worldwide without comprising the values of the 'Dusty Foot Philosopher' who first captivated listeners only a few years back. Tonight's Polaris is just another proud landmark in what is looking to be a long and exciting career.
"I think they've changed the climate of music [and] changed the social fabric," says K'naan, who has already been compared to Dylan and Marley during his short career. "I wouldn't speak as if I'm akin to them. I'm a fan of them. I would say I'm more of a student than I am one of them. I hope that my music is affecting in the way their music has been."
As testament to their influence, he describes this project as, "not the product of ego but of passion. Far from a marketing tool, it is an honest musical offering. Nothing gives a better window into the root and concept of my own sound than 'The Messengers.'"
Inspired by the greats, motivated by a love for his craft and blessed with a positive mindset, K'naan has won over fans and critics worldwide without comprising the values of the 'Dusty Foot Philosopher' who first captivated listeners only a few years back. Tonight's Polaris is just another proud landmark in what is looking to be a long and exciting career.
