Artist: K'Naan
Album: The Troubadour
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop
Release Date: Jan 13, 2009
Qualities: Catchy, Chorus Based, World Fusion
Mood: Aggressive, Party, Somber
Rating: ***
Born in Somalia, rapper, K'Naan's lyrics often reference his struggles as a child living in a war torn country, boasting that he comes from a true street life. And although this album is packed with guest musicians, it appears not a single African musician is credited (perhaps some contributed as numerous songs such as "Somalia" are African fusion). One can't help but wondering if K'Naan is so proud of his roots don't you think you could have hired at least one great musician from your home continent to replace the likes of at least one of the ridiculous guest stars such as Kirk Hammet (Metallica)?
One of K'Naan's strengths is his unique voice, which is, of course, a valuable asset for any rapper to have. K'Naan is instantly recognizable. Unfortunately this is countered by hit-and-miss flow and lyrics. It can go from downright awful (as on "I Come Prepared" where he is vastly overshadowed by pop dancehall heavyweight, Damian Marley) to good but rarely impressive.
This album is incredibly chorus based, every song has an attempt to be a hook. And although, this fails on a few songs (most heavily on "15 Minutes Away" where the chorus is repeated too many times even though K'Naan is delivering some of his most interesting rhymes in between each recital). Regardless, ultimately the choruses are the album's saving grace, as a good fourth of the songs end up being quite catchy bringing the listener back for numerous replays, at least to the good stuff (as about half of it is quite forgettable).
- T.I.A. *****
- ABCs *****
- Dreamer ****
- I Come Prepared *
- Bang Bang ****
- If Rap Gets Jealous *
- Wavin' Flag ****
- Somalia ***
- America ****
- Fatima ****
- Fire in Freetown ****
- Take a Minute ***
- 15 Minutes Away ***
- People Like Me ****
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