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- Summary: The Somalian-born rapper releases his second album, which features Chubb Rock, Damian Marley, Adam Levine (Maroon 5), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Mos Def, and Chali 2na as guests.
- Record Label: A&M/Octone
- Genre(s): Rap
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 11 out of 13
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Mixed: 2 out of 13
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Negative: 0 out of 13
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After what K'naan has been through, bless him for trying--the ebullience he extracts from a life much tougher than North Americans can know is worthy of soukous, mbaqanga, the highlife of Ghana's most punishing inflationary spiral.
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K'Naan's singular take on the parallels between Africa and America is the strongest thread running through this diverse, socially alert and frequently brilliant sophomore disc.
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Troubadour, the Somali-born artist's follow-up to his great debut, is a smart fusion of influences.
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Those elements ring so true for K’naan that it feels like a distraction when he turns to high-profile guests like the Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett (on 'If Rap Gets Jealous') and the Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine (on 'Bang Bang').
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Whether he’s lamenting immigration hassles or imagining himself a depressed American kid fighting in Iraq, this Muslim fan of Biggie and Bruce Lee has a common touch. He’s a universal soldier, not an exotic novelty.
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Like M.I.A.'s two CDs, Troubadour is Westernized but never compromises its heritage.
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Some songs work. He makes great use of Ethiopian-sounding jazz samples and M.I.A.-style children’s chants on ABCs, and excels while rapping over some of the album’s otherworldly beats.
Score distribution:
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Positive: 8 out of 8
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Mixed: 0 out of 8
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Negative: 0 out of 8
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Nov 15, 2010
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AdonisMMar 5, 2009
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MikeMFeb 25, 2009
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ChewMar 3, 2009A great album, some of the best in the conscious rap years.
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ScottSMar 1, 2009
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Jan 10, 2016
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DanieMFeb 28, 2009
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