On Saturday, December 12th, in Washington, D.C., National Geographic with Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, presented “Distant Relatives,” an amazing panel discussion brought to the global stage, by VTech.  The “Distant Relatives” conversation traced the roots of Hip-Hop and Reggae music, spanning from the continent of Africa to the sound systems of Jamaica, and onto the streets of America.

The panel guests, Stephen Marley, Kool Herc, DJ Red Alert, Jeff Chang, Rakim, Pat McKay, Waterflow and Big Youth, were moderated by Sway, in what could only be described as a melding of the minds. From the old to the new, from grassroots to high tech, the generational gap in the understanding of these musical genres and all its aspects were addressed and better understood as the guests spoke about their personal experiences, beliefs and various interpretations of what Hip-Hop and music in general, meant to them.

The evening answered many questions, but also left us eager for more!

Afterwards, at Zanzibar on the Waterfront, where the afterparty was held, the panel guests took their place on stage. With DJ Red Alert on the wheels of steel, and Rakim on the mic, the place exploded. Not long afterwards, Stephen and Damian Marley took their place and were soon joined by Nas, keeping the party going well past its curfew.

*Nas and Damian have officially announced the March 2010, release date of their forthcoming CD “Distant Relatives.” With the possibility of more conversations to come, be sure to stay tuned….