Monday, March 10, 2008

Yet another SCOPE opener hitting it big...

In my years at SCOPE, if there's one thing to be overly impressed with, it's our ability to grab artists on the verge of superstar success. A couple years ago it was Fall Out Boy, opening for Taking Back Sunday. They were the shy little introverts who would turn into superstars before our very eyes.

Last year Sherwood and the Hush Sound both opened up for Mae, and now both are on the cusp of greatness. In a few weeks we'll see British pop-rockers Athlete (who are wildly successful across the pond) blow away a Switchfoot crowd in the second floor ballroom on their way to becoming the next big British import.
During Stephen Marley last year, a little-known (except in his adoptive home of Canada) rapper named K'naan blew away a crowd with his Somalian beats and ridiculous rhymes. We knew then that one day he would be carving his own path, and entertaining audiences across the country. He was energetic, charismatic, funny, and knew how to work a crowd.

Well, it's official. K'naan has hit the big time. Touring with Bob Marley's kids is one thing, but singing along side one of pop's biggest and most recognizable faces is a completely different story. K'naan has lent his silky smooth voice to the newest Nelly Furtado song, and he's showing American audiences what people in Iowa City got a taste of last year. The Dusty Foot Philosopher is poised to become the next big thing in hip-hop. A Somali rapper bent on bringing awareness to the world, his message is as good as his music.

Nelly Furtado feat. K'naan - Going Away

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