Nas and Damian Marley Gig Review

 Real Revolution Rhymers

Following the success of their collaborative album “Distant Relatives”, Nas and Damien Marley touched down in Glasgow for a sold out show at the 02 Academy.

After having my back searched within an inch of its' of its life and being accused of having too much to drink (I WAS SOBER), I was finally granted entry to the what was sure to be an exciting night.

Opening with the victorious “As We Enter” the packed crowd are hyped and ready to bask in the innovative musical fusions of one hip hop visionary and his reggae counterpart.

As Marley announces “I got the GANGA”, it dawns on me, the vigorous vetting at the door must have been in case I had my own personal stash of the green stuff. Gig goers are visibly lighting blunts (haha I have never used that word before) and an overpowering stench of weed starts to engulf the academy.

Marley slips into the background as Nas takes centre stage to perform an array of hits. The classic “If I Ruled the World” proves to be a big crowd pleaser as the predominantly male crowd sing along to Lauryn Hill's unforgettable chorus. Followed by “Got Yourself a Gun”, “Made You Look” and the controversial “Hip Hop is Dead” the crowd, almost duty bound, affectionately recite every word back to the New York native.

 

The “Welcome to Jamrock” singer returns to an explosive energy rocking his signature knee length dreads and laid back Jamaican swagger. The pair then proceed to dip into the social and political consciousness that made “Distant Relatives” such an important piece of work.

Indulging conscientious fans with their insightful and socially enlightened “Africa Must Wake Up” and spoken word number “Patience” the two men manage to captivate with their thought provoking lyrics.

My only peeve was the man whose sole job was to wave a Jamaican flag throughout the entire show. As much as I respect his cardio fitness, the incessant flag waving was often unnecessary and somewhat distracting.

There's a great chemistry between these respective superstars and they certainly prevailed in their endeavour of bringing their “Distant Relatives” album to life on the live stage.