Nas and Damian 'JR. Gong' Marley release their collaborative studio album, Distant Relatives (IDJ/Universal Republic) today, MAY 18th, 2010. Featuring the signature instrumentation and musicianship of Damian "JR. Gong" Marley with the hard-hitting beats and lyrics of Nas, the album title refers not only to the bond between the artists, but the connection to their African ancestry, which inspired the album both musically and lyrically.
The pair will kick off a nationwide tour immediately following the release of the album in Arcata, CA on May 21st. The US leg of the tour will also incorporate late night TV appearances including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (May 19th), Jimmy Kimmel Live! (May 24th), Last Call with Carson Daly (May 27th), FUEL TV's "The Daily Habit" (June 2nd) and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (June 10th) before heading overseas for the European dates.
The collaboration is sure to amaze with an album encompassing 14 tracks including the first singles "As We Enter" and "Strong Will Continue." The album was produced by Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and also features several guest appearances including Lil Wayne, who appears on the track "Generation," K'NAAN on "Africa Must Wake Up" and "Tribal War," and Stephen Marley on "Leaders" and "In His Own Words."
