To write about K’naan involves delving into a life story of violence, corruption and racism, all the while trying to find one’s identity. Much of his music involves sharing the story of his life growing up in war torn Somalia, moving to America and finding a home in Canada. Regarded as much a political artist as a progressive one, K’naan has been able to transcend borders and boundaries and deliver to his audience music that is both universally appealing and yet pushes the boundaries of what’s happening in the world right now. It came as no surprise when he was recently not only nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, but was the only hip hop artist to make the shortlist . iheartthemusic were able to briefly speak with him before the award ceremony about his latest release Troubadour.

iheartthemusic: Troubadour is such a complex album and I know that you were actually able to record it in Kingston, Jamaica at Bob Marley’s home studio. Can you tell us what that was like?

K’naan: I still can’t find good words for that. It was amazing. I mean we had very much; we got a distinct priviledge that wasn’t given to anyone else. The family actually gave me a key to the house and we spent three/four months there recording it. It ‘s just everything that  you would think it would be.

iheartthemusic: And how did that affect your recording process?

K’naan: I can never really tell because you don’t know what it would be like otherwise. It would be like being asked what if your name was something else; you just don’t know the options. I just think it must have done something. It was amazing.

iheartthemusic: This is your second time being nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, what is it like the second time around?

K’naan: You are used to losing! [laughs]

iheartthemusic: That may change tonight!

K’naan: Cool, you never know! It’s not like a losing thing because its they go through so many albums, you become the top no matter what.

iheartthemusic: What has the response been like overseas with this album?

K’naan: A lot of cool things have been happening. We recently did a performance in South Africa which was pretty remarkable. We played sold out shows in Paris as well. The album wasn’t even out and we recently had sold out shows in Europe with everyone singing the words. It is kind of cool in that way.

photography provided by Sara Collaton