In the opening track and first single from rapper Nas and reggae artist Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s joint project, Distant Relatives, Nas says, “I’ll bring the guns,” and Marley chimes in “I’ll bring the ganja.” This pretty much sums up their partnership perfectly.
While both rattle off socially conscious rhymes throughout the album, Nas brings the assertive pomp and Marley provides the more laid-back, reggae-marinated hooks. It’s a thoroughly listenable mix, if not earth-shatteringly innovative, but the pair get their message across effectively.

And they definitely have a message. Nas and Marley have made it clear that Distant Relatives is a work of activism. Not only will the album’s proceeds go toward a humanitarian project in Africa, but lyrically they take up the task of raising awareness, minus the subtle guilt trip that usually comes with songs about hardship.

The song “Count Your Blessings,” for example, doesn’t point fingers or use hyperbolic, politicized juxtapositions between consumerist excess and abject poverty. In the sunny chorus, Marley sings, “I’ve got love and assurance/I’ve got new health insurance/…/So I count my blessings.” “Not by force,” he and Nas are “suggesting” that we simply appreciate the little things.
Some tracks, like the string and African chant-infused “Dispear” paint a poignant portrait of our times, but the album is more about empowerment.

“My Generation,” which features Joss Stone, an effortless Li’l Wayne contribution and a children’s choir, is a solidly inspirational hip hop anthem. Stone sings, “This generation will make a change,” and, though what she’s saying might fall on the groundlessly optimistic side of things, her powerful voice certainly makes you believe it.