Distant Relatives
by Nas And Damian Marley
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: May 18, 2010
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Q Magazine
    40
    Reggae-rap soundclash fails to catch fire. [July 2010, p. 136]
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  2. Spin
    60
    At times, the results are a bit aimless; even a cute kids' chorus can't save "My Generation" from Joss Stone's wailing or Lil Wayne's awkward motivational turn. When the two principles catch a groove, though, it's impressive.
  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    The live-band reggae sometimes feels sleepy, but Nas is there to slap the track awake--as on "Land of Promise."
  5. cokemachineglow
    59
    Still, as much as the warped good intentions of the album can get exhausting and embarrassing, Nas and Damian's creative side remains pure enough to carry one through the lunkheaded didacticism.
  6. NOW Magazine
    40
    Nas isn't as passionate or well-informed about Africa's issues as he is about his own, a problem on an album that's supposed to be all about... Africa....Meanwhile, Marley dutifully toasts over the record's limp, rootsy production but really only wakes up for the harder beats, which are few and far between.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    It all adds up to something that is far less than a great record, but those who approach Distant Relatives can expect at least a handful of keepers for the summer months.
  8. Uncut
    60
    Sadly, Nas brings self-importance to "Strong Will Continue," that's encumbered his latter career, but it's the exception on a broadly fruitful collaboration. [Jul 2010, p.115]
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Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Most Shared Album of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 98 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 98
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 98
  3. Negative: 7 out of 98
  1. Ouas
    Oct 3, 2012
    10
    I had to register and write a review for this CD because anyone who heard this and understood what they were trying to do on this one wouldn'tI had to register and write a review for this CD because anyone who heard this and understood what they were trying to do on this one wouldn't have gave this CD lower then a 9 out of 10. No filler tracks, the songs go well together, they keep the CD going. Bad Meets Evil,Jay-Z and Kanye West etc. No one is going to make this good of a mainstream Collabo CD.… Full Review »
  2. ghostfacekillah
    Dec 17, 2010
    10
    This is defintely one of the best albums of the year. Nas and Damian Marley are one of the two greatest living artists I know. The lyrics areThis is defintely one of the best albums of the year. Nas and Damian Marley are one of the two greatest living artists I know. The lyrics are mind blowing and the production is great but not excellent.… Full Review »
  3. sosa
    Nov 27, 2010
    10
    It's better than I expected, and I had high hopes for Nas and Damian Marley. Great production and lyrics from both seemed to complement eachIt's better than I expected, and I had high hopes for Nas and Damian Marley. Great production and lyrics from both seemed to complement each other very well.… Full Review »
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