Props to Brother Tom (too cultish?) for posting about K'naan. I'd never heard of him before, and well, I like him. Inconsistency and all. Some comparisons:
"Somalia" is amazing. K'naan sounds like the The Coup at his most focused and quasi-revolutionary. It's a journey through the dark streets of Africa that's somehow simultaneously dark and optimistic. It’s all about tightknit, poignant verses over swooning strings and choral na-na-nas.
"Somalia"
“If Rap Gets Jealous” is K'naan's nasally voice sounding nigh identical to Pigeon John’s. Thematically, the two generally diverge: K'naan is more third world realist, while PJ joyfully analyzes suburbia as microcosm. In other words, they should collaborate.
"In the Beginning," K'naan's potential breakthrough, is very Citizen Cope. K'naan is a little more tribal, Cope is a little more Dave Matthews Band. Not K’naan’s best song, but his best chance to be the “edgy” song of the week for adult contemporary radio stations across the country. “I Was Stabbed by Satan” is a better song with less crossover potential.
“The Dusty Foot Philosopher” is an offbeat Eminem impersonation. This song is not particularly strong. At least he’s tryin’ shit.
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