It's cliche to say that time flies, but sometimes an album anniversary really does put things in perspective. Today marks the tenth anniversary of Nas and Damian Marley's collaborative album Distant Relatives, a project that was well-received by fans and critics alike upon release. One decade removed from its arrival, it feels appropriate to revisit the lead single "Patience," a conscious and introspective track that has since amassed over one hundred and twenty-two million views on YouTube.
While Nasir Jones is one of hip-hop's best rappers of all time, Damian Marley is not one to be outdone. Kicking things off with the opening verse, Marley weaves a haunting and philosophical verse lined with wisdom. "We born not knowing, are we born knowing all? We growing wiser, are we just growing tall?" he raps. "Can you read thoughts? can you read palms? Can you predict the future? can you see storms, coming?" Today, the uncertainty explored on "Patience" rings all the more impactful, especially given the ongoing state of affairs. Be sure to check it out now, and show some love to Distant Relatives in the comments below.
QUOTABLE LYRICS
Some of the smartest dummies
Can't read the language of Egyptian mummies
And fly go a moon
And can't find food for the starving tummies
Pay no mind to the youths
Cause it's not like the future depends on it
But save the animals in the zoo