Songs of 2008 - Honourable Mention - ABCs by Knaan

By: Katrina Lopes

"ABC's" by K'naan

"ABC's" is the first single on K'naan's upcoming album Troubadour, a follow up to his highly acclaimed, Juno award winning debut album The Dusty Foot Philosopher (2005).

Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, one of the most dangerous and lawless cities in the world. K'naan witnessed and survived the beginnings of this civil war, following the collapse of the government in 1991. However, more than an MC, K'naan is an eloquent storyteller who poetically shares tales of struggle, weaving impressions of life in a war bound territory with the struggles of displacement and poverty upon fleeing to North America.

In "ABC's" K'naan rhymes over horns and a heavy beat that samples Chubb Rock's '90s track "Treat ‘em Right", delivering cunning yet insightful lyrics and sharing the microphone with Chubb Rock himself who spits the second verse. Using words to paint a picture, when listening to this track, one can't help but first ponder childhood, a time when kids are supposed to be playing in playgrounds and learning their ABC's and 123's. However, contrast this image with the harsh reality of life in a war zone and how the innocence and simplicity of childhood is interrupted, when survival supersedes all else.

Lately I have been questioning the value of listening too much of the hip hop that dominates today's airwaves, with lyrics that promote misogyny, drugs, and violence. Conversely, K'naan brings a much-needed balance to hip hop's current repertoire, promoting resilience, authenticity, and a perspective unmatched by many MC's I've heard to date.