K'Naan — The Dusty Foot Philosopher

There's a lot of sorry hip-hop on the market right now — all gangsta attitude and dull beats. Worse yet, it's selling. Enter K'Naan. The Somalian export is thoughtful, engaging and political. His beats are so good that the tracks feel alive. The newcomer plays on his life experiences heavily, and why not? He's had it tough and his pain is sincere. Instead of getting upset over his draw, it makes him stronger. On "What's Hardcore," which questions whether the gangsta life is tougher than hardships in Somalia, he says he hopes his music will make 50 Cent look like Limp Bizkit. And It does. "If Rap Gets Jealous" could be the single of the year. So drop The Massacre and pick up this record, which is worth not just your time, but your thoughts as well.

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