K’naan, Lina and KRS-One Unite to Create a Global Hip Hop Nation

Frank Fitzpatrick 04/05/2011

It was no coincidence that I decided to call my title song for an International Hip Hop dance film “Hip Hop Nation”, or that I chose to bring in renowned conscious Hip Hop artists K’Naan and KRS-One to help deliver the message that I knew would have to carry much more weight than the anticipated storyline of Beat the World.

MC and Philosopher KRS-One was one of the founding fathers of conscious Hip Hop. Starting at age 14 from a homeless shelter in the South Bronx, this prolific young artist already had something very real to rap about. Even in his first album (Advance (1984)- with Scott La Rock and Celebrity Three), he was rhyming about preventing nuclear war and stopping the violence. He went on to make many more great records and, more importantly, to turn his words into community action by starting the much-needed Stop the Violence Movement and, later, the Temple of Hip Hop.

I could talk forever about KRS-One’s legacy and successes as a Hip Hop artist, but I am even more inspired by the man himself and the way he continues to apply his amazing talents, his deep knowledge and his huge heart to educate and uplift people. In addition to being one of the most prolific freestlyers I know, Kris is a man of the highest integrity in both his work and his life. He is also a great pleasure to work with. At our session for Beat the World, we could have passed a few rotations of the planet just talking about life and our shared missions of the use of music to educate and unite. When it came time to record, however, he was ready, on point and flawless.

So, in the creation of a new musical anthem for a new nation – a global and conscious Hip Hop Nation, there was no doubt in my mind that KRS-One had to be one of the founding fathers again. His own Temple Of Hip Hop maintains that Hip Hop is a genuine political movement and that it has been accepted by the United Nations as a culture. Well, that culture has gone global, being embraced by a greater population of youth and fans around the world than any other music-inspired cultural movement of the time.

Now we flash forward from the early days of Hip Hop to the new generation of musical messengers who are raising the bar for this global movement and uniting all cultures in what George Clinton refers to as “One nation under a groove”. And as the great Dreamer K’Naan says, we love to dance and “we all wanna have fun”. But there is also a lot at stake for many citizens of our global nation, and the many hungry souls in forgotten corners still looking for a voice, or even a plate, at the table. Unfortunately, even in 2011, “freedom is expensive” (K’Naan), and, in the words of Fela Kuti, we as musical messengers “have a responsibility”. We can all be grateful that there are conscious, gifted and outspoken artists like K’Naan emerging all around the world and changing the global face of Hip Hop.

Aside from having become my friend and a great source of inspiration, Somalian born K’Naan is, to me, and in this context, the Obama, maybe even the Nelson Mandela, of the Hip Hop Nation. Even as a relative newcomer, he has skills and insights beyond his time. Rising from a childhood in the place sometimes referred to as “the river of blood” to become the global voice of the 2010 South African-hosted World Cup, he has already built a solid global pulpit. More important, however, than the accelerated growth and international recognition, is what this messenger is here to tell us. K’Naan has said that he is not trying to be political, he is just speaking (and singing) the truth of his heart and mind. His words are only as real as the world he sees; and he has some big eyes, as well as some pretty good ideas on how to make the scene a little better.

The only difficult part about recording with K’Naan for Beat the World and the “Hip Hop Nation” track was finding a time when we could both be in the same place in the world together long enough to schedule time in a studio. Even with his home base at the time being Toronto and mine being Los Angeles, we finally joined forces for this one at Mark Knopfler’s studio in London, on the day of K’Naan’s live BBC show with Keane. Once in the room, the channels were open and the spirits delivered. The Hip Hop Nation just might have a new president.

Even with all the wisdom, wit and skills of these two giants, however, the greatest of nations must have some powerful shakti at the top to spread the love, touch the forgotten hearts and keep the fire burning without burning the place down. Introducing (or should I say: “re-introducing”) my dear friend and soul goddess – LINA.

Lina is extra-special, as an artist, as an empowered and inspiring woman, and as a humanitarian. Already well-established for her great songwriting and her incredibly soulful records mixing jazz, neo-soul and R&B, she was the perfect voice to carry the torch for the Hip Hop Nation. So, no offense to Sir K’Naan or the Honorable KRS-One, but we might have to build this new Hip Hop Nation differently. Just as Shad sings about in the end title song to Beat the World, an amazing track called “Keep Shining”, we need to give the feminine a voice again. Maybe it is time to have our president report to the queen of souls.

Beyond the word play, however, I want to express my deepest appreciation and respect to each of these amazing artists for all they are doing in the world and for gracing me and “Hip Hop Nation” with their love and talents. I hope you will check out the music and that it will make you feel, dance, wake up, wanna shout….inspired to join the Nation. Keep your eyes open, or check back here, for the soundtrack coming this May.

“Down with the guns of the revolution
We go hard for an evolution
We bear arms but we not shootin’
Re-inventin’ the game n’ bringin’ the truth in

Rise to the beat, with KRS-One
If you a poser, move over, cause here we come
Put your best foot forward if you dare to face us
We the new elected leaders of the Hip Hop Nation”

From “Hip Hop Nation”
(Main Title theme to the film, Beat the World)
Lyrics by Frank Fitzpatrick, KRS-One and K’Naan
Music by Frank Fitzpatrick and Mateo Laborial