Blogg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ3s6wNeHcU


ABCs represents the first major introduction of Somali artist K'naan to the mainstream, and it sets the context for a story that needs to be heard. a story of a journey of one man who represents so many others like him.

the first sound that hits you is the sample from Ethiopian jazz musician Mulatu Astatke which immediately merges seamlessly into the now famous samples from Chubb Rock's Treat Em Right(go!go!go!go!). this effortless combination of two such different sounds sets the context for a story K'naan's been trying to tell since he began his journey. the story of his old home. the lyrics paint a picture of a childhood in war-ravaged Somalia. the harsh, painful reality of constantly struggling to survive in place where one is never sure if they'll live to see the next day. where living by the gun is the norm. where one learns to fire a gun before one learns to read. this reality challenges commonly accepted notions of 'gangsta' and…