K’Naan was born in Somalia and spent his childhood in the district of Wardhiigleey (“The Lake of Blood”). His poet father left for New York City and became a cab driver. He mailed hip-hop albums by Nas and Rakim to K’Naan. Even though he spoke no English, K’Naan mimiced the flows and sounds that he heard. As conditions in Somalia got worse, K’Naans mother petitioned for an exit visa and it was approved in 1991. K’Naan and his mother moved to Harlem, and later settled in a Somalian community in Canada, where K’Naan learned English and developed his skills. Crazy story right? He’s come a long way.
“So what you know about the pirates that terrorize the ocean?”
