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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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Monday

Review

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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Monday

Review

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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Tuesday

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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Thursday