Distant Relatives

Lore & Background

News of the album first came at the 2009 Grammy Awards, when Nas told MTV reporters, 'Right now, I'll tell you first, I'm working on an album with Damian Marley. We tryin' to build some schools in Africa with this one, and trying to build empowerment. We're tryin' to show love and stuff with this album. So, the record's … all about really the 'hood and Africa also as well.' The album title derives from Nas and Marley's relationship, their shared African ancestry, and the shared ancestry of the entire human race. Leftover tracks from Nas and Marley's previous albums were originally planned for an EP based on Africa. After working together, the duo decided to record a full album together. Recording sessions took place in Los Angeles, California, and Miami, Florida. Marley and his brother, Stephen, produced the majority of the album, using live instrumentation in the recording process. Marley told Rolling Stone, 'We're trying to have a sound that's reminiscent of both of us, but not exactly like either... A lot of charity albums come off corny. We want this to be something you'd play in your car.'

In Their Own Story

Smoke curled from the studio vents as the bassline kicked in—heavy, rhythmic, like a heartbeat you could feel in your teeth. Nas leaned into the mic, eyes closed, letting the vibration travel through his ribs. Across the room, Damian nodded to the engineer, tapping out a syncopated rhythm on the desk with his knuckles. The air smelled of old wood and fresh coffee, a sanctuary where two worlds fused without friction. Outside, the city slept, but inside, history was being rewritten in real-time—sound waves that would echo for decades, carrying the weight of shared bloodlines.

Reader's Guide

Distant Relatives stands as a unique chapter in Nas's discography—his first full collaboration with reggae icon Damian Marley. The concept revolves around shared ancestry and the struggles of the African diaspora, blending Queensbridge grit with Kingston rhythms. Critics praised the seamless fusion, noting how neither artist compromised their signature sound for crossover appeal. Commercially, the project found significant traction upon release in 2010. It debuted strongly on major charts, reflecting the enduring power of both artists' fanbases. The production team included heavyweights like DJ Premier and Questlove, ensuring a sonic landscape that honored both hip-hop and dancehall traditions without flattening either. Key tracks defined the era's artistic evolution by pushing Nas toward more conscious lyricism without losing street credibility. Songs like 'Love' highlighted the album's melodic potential, while 'Distant Relatives' served as an anthem for unity across borders. This release proved Nas could navigate global sounds while maintaining his core identity as a storytelling rapper rooted in reality and history. It remains a touchstone for fans exploring the intersection of music and culture.

Did You Know?

• The album's proceeds were planned to go to a project in Africa, with the possibility of building a school in Congo.
• The first single 'As We Enter' was released on iTunes on February 23, 2010, and peaked at #10 on the iTunes Hip Hop/Rap charts.
• The track 'Strong Will Continue' was featured as soundtrack in EA Sports game, 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
• The album debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 57,000 copies.
• At a sold-out panel discussion on the African diaspora sponsored by National Geographic, Damian and Stephen Marley and Nas voiced their solidarity.