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K'Naan

K'Naan Brings Down Walls On 'Country, God Or The Girl'

K'Naan's new album is titled Country, God or the Girl. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Music Reviews

K'Naan Brings Down Walls On 'Country, God Or The Girl'

The Somali-born rapper rose to global fame when his song "Wavin' Flag" became the unofficial anthem of the World Cup in South Africa and a No. 1 hit in 18 countries. On his latest album, K'Naan remains a versatile and powerful songwriter.

K'Naan Brings Down Walls On 'Country, God Or The Girl'

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K'Naan: A Song 'More Beautiful Than Silence'

K'Naan's new EP, More Beautiful Than Silence, was released Jan. 31. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Music Interviews

K'Naan: A Song 'More Beautiful Than Silence'

The Somali-Canadian rapper was introduced to the world as The Dusty Foot Philosopher with his first album in 2005. A new full-length album, Country, God, or the Girl, comes out in May.

K'Naan: A Song 'More Beautiful Than Silence'

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Best Music Of 2009, From Bob Boilen
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The Best Music Of 2009

Best Music Of 2009, From Bob Boilen

These are All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen's favorite albums of 2009, the records he looked to for comfort. This year, Bob needed songs with stories and melodies, not agitation or anger.

'Shadows on Parade' by Laura Gibson

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SXSW 2009: K'Naan

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SXSW Music Festival

SXSW 2009: K'Naan

K'Naan questions the credibility of American hip-hop: After all, even the toughest American neighborhoods aren't as dangerous as his hometown of Mogadishu.

SXSW 2009: K'Naan

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Music Reviews

K'Naan: Hip-Hop's New Pop 'Troubadour'

The second album by Somalia-born Canadian alt-rapper K'Naan finds the artist embracing a swing-infused bent, complete with Ethiopian samples and strong hooks. Troubadour fits alongside the best pop efforts of Lil Wayne and T.I., with music that stays in your head for days.

K'Naan: Hip-Hop's New Pop 'Troubadour'

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All Songs Considered

Morrissey, Lily Allen, Sufjan Stevens, More

Hear a preview of the Laura Gibson's Beasts of Seasons on this edition of All Songs Considered. Also Lily Allen and Morrissey, K'naan, Sufjan Stevens, Jason Schwartzman's solo project and The Antlers.

Morrissey, Lily Allen, Sufjan Stevens, More

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Music Interviews

Somali Rapper K'Naan Schools American MCs

News from Somalia usually involves violent warlords or pirates hijacking ships off the coast. Other than that, average Somalis don't have much of a voice. The rapper K'Naan is trying to change that, and in the world of hip-hop, he's become an artist to watch.

Somali Rapper K'Naan Schools American MCs

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