‘Distant Relatives’
THERE is clearly a chemistry between these two artistes. It is more than just the son of the reggae king, vibing with one of hip hop’s young princes. There bond is more than friendship between reggae act Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley and US rapper Nas… it’s like family — Distant Relatives.
Having performed together at Reggae Sumfest last year, their on-stage vibe appears in sync, however, this bond becomes abundantly clear when one sees the pair off stage. Splash had the opportunity to interview the artistes in no better setting than that of 56 Hope Road in Kingston — The Bob Marley Museum.
It is late evening and the scorching sun has set over Kingston and long shadows are being cast against the walls of the two-storey building which was once the residence of the King of Reggae. The two were taking a break from the tour promoting their collaborative project, Distant Relatives, and were in town to film a video for the track Land of Promise, which feature the Crown Prince of Reggae Dennis Brown.
It has been a long afternoon of interviews for both so they venture under the portico of 56 Hope Road and make themselves comfortable on the marble steps which lead to the main door, sitting beneath the gleaming brass door knocker which hangs from the mouth of a lion. The scent of ‘inspiration’ floats on the early evening air and both artistes are relaxed and clearly at home.
But what is it that drew these to collaborate musically. “I have always respected Nas as a lyricist and poet. Furthermore, the thoughts and ideas expressed in his music have always run parallel to mine. Therefore it was an easy fit,” Junior Gong reflects. For Nas, there is nothing but high praises for his ‘brother’. “His vocal talent is awesome. He can spit out the rhymes on rapid, and he can slow it down. That versatility you don’t find in many artistes. Musically, he pushes me on every verse and line to do something outside my comfort zone.”
Speaking of Distant Relatives, Junior Gong says the critically-acclaimed project was always in the making ever since they recorded Road to Zion for his 2005 Grammy Award-winning album, Welcome to Jamrock. However, he says the difference is that the album is completely collaborative. “While we never sit down and say this is not going to be a reggae or hip-hop album, the fact that this has never been done by any artiste before — where every track is both of us together, sometimes line after line — we knew that it was not going to be something typical. The only thing we were sure of, is that there would be a strong African influence in the music,” the young Marley explains.
And with the album out, tour in motion, describe the experience. Nas chimes in. “It’s just getting started. The album has been out for less than a year and it has been really great since.” Their connection is even more evident when they describe performances. “Everything rehearsed goes out the window once we hit the stage. We give a different show every night,” says Nas.
“He cracks me up on stage,” Junior Gong adds.
Nas jumps in, “we just go out there and create messages on the spot.”
Speaking of the shows, Junior Gong reflects on a performance in the UK, Birmingham to be exact. “The energy was really high. Before the show started, they were breaking down the doors and backstage to get into the venue… that was really good commotion before the show… good energy, and we just fed off that in our performance.”
The duo plan to take the show all over the world, with Nas noting that markets such as Australia, parts of Europe, Hawaii, Africa and of course Jamaica are yet to experience a Distant Relatives performance. Speaking of Jamaica, Junior Gong says he would have hoped that his Welcome to Jamrock series would have returned this year after a three-year break, however discussions are still taking place with potential sponsors.
As for favourite tracks on Distant Relatives, both are hesitant. Junior Gong gives in highlighting Despair. “There is an energy, a fiery energy which this song has, but mi love nuff of the tune dem…all a dem. Nas is not as giving and starts to name all of the 13 tracks which comprise the project.
In wrapping the interview, the Distant Relatives were asked to comment on the state of their particular genres — reggae/dancehall and hip hop, both artistes are of the opinion that good things are taking place for the music, and critics should go easy and allow for the creative talents of particularly young acts to flourish.
Splash understands that production work is currently underway for the music video which both artistes shot in sections of Trench Town. The video was directed by Ras Kassa.