Distant Relatives Jamaican Journey Part Three: Trenchtown Rock

A 3-Part Exclusive Video Series
Introduction
Part I
Part II
Part III

Welcome to Jamrock was just starting to blow in JA. I ended up flying to Jamaica with Eric Coleman to do the album cover of Jamrock from Brasil. Ras Kassa was our producer on the ground for that shoot. He is a wealth of knowledge on locations and the people and culture. So when I got the call to go down to JA again this November to shoot behind the scenes for the “Land of Promise” video that Kassa was directing I leapt at the chance.

I had been in some of the legendary sessions that became the Distant Relatives album at the Henson Studios in L.A. – even managed to get my jacket taken by Oliver Stone in the process (but that’s another story). The album itself is in so many ways historic and to be able to watch the music unfold was a true pleasure.

In the summer I was lucky enough to be invited on the road to document the UK and Ireland part of the European tour. Again it was an amazing experience. Damian’s birthday party thrown in London by Nas has to be one of the all time craziest fun times of my life, not to speak of the after-hours session in Dublin in a Kenyan bar.

But this trip to Jamaica was really a special end to 2010 for me. Basically it was a Tuesday to Saturday morning run. Nas had gotten there on Monday and we flew in from Miami with Damian and Stephen – fresh from studio sessions that provided the soundtrack for the trip on Tuesday evening.

That first night at Hope Road set the tenor of the rest of the trip. Nas was as relaxed as I’ve ever seen him, Damian was very at home and the surroundings at Bobs House – now the Marley Museum (see this clip to see Bob on those same steps being interviewed by a over-zealous racist Australian) were filled with history, characters and spirit.

Basically these three short films are my diary of that week. It was all shot on a Canon 5D with a Nikon 85 1.4. I broke out a few other lenses on the Friday – the video day but pretty much everything else is the 85 1.4.  I’m delighted with this work and I’m sold on the 5D.”

 

                                      – B+, Mochilla

Part I

“Hope Road is the first film and is the story of that first night. I remember before I even had a chance to set the camera up right Nas was like “Yo, yo film this… “ and launched into the whole speech he gives here about “Smokin’ Cubans on the steps of Bob Marley…” from there on I knew I had to keep the camera up and ready to go. Please wait for the little surprise after the credits… Dawn on Hope Road.”

Part II

“Dubplates at Tuff Gong, is Part Two. On the third night Damian and Stephen Marley went to work over a new Stephen song called ‘Jah Army.’ The song is pure heat. Dubplates are the stock and trade of the Jamaican musician. Tuff Gong itself is a place filled with so much history as Stephen explains to Nas at the beginning – even Bunny Wailer made an surprise appearance.”

 

Part III

“Trenchtown Rock is the day of the video shoot. Kassa and his crew were in full effect by the time I got there. To shoot with Nas in Trenchtown is a special thing. We got a tour of the house where Bob learned to play guitar, the kitchen where Ziggy was conceived – barely as big as a closet.  And then there was the faces and people, such a strong spirit. It is really no shock in the end that so many incredible musicians came from Trenchtown.”

136 thoughts on “Distant Relatives Jamaican Journey Part Three: Trenchtown Rock

  1. This album is crap. What awful productions. No wonder why this album flopped. Go buy real Hip Hop like the upcoming Gucci Relatives by Gucci Mane and Shawty Mane aka Justin Bieber. Real Hip Hop. Justin Bieber is so talented. He can sing, dance, play guitar, piano, drums and trumpet at the same time. All you niggaz are jealous because he fucked Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Katy Perry at the same time. That nigga got SWAG!

    It’s Gucci Time!

    1. lolol I love people like yourself…I don’t have a circus here in Jamaica to attend so people like yourself provide a good laugh, keep it up clown.

  2. First! Glad to see the great rapper of all time visiting my homeland. Distant Relatives still bangs in my iPhone almost on a daily basis. It’s too bad that relevant, poignant music will always fail in hip-hop because Distant Relatives is a gem. Nuff Respect!

  3. nice…wish it was longer though, and more in depth, there’s so much more id want to see, but good work nonetheless…looking 4ward to part 2..

  4. Nas is a funny nigga haha. Did you hear that Damien story..Pure Jokes.

    This was good.. A lil short like someone else said.. But any peek we get is good.

    I know the Rasta there are like why dis boy a smoke cigar.. BUt they seemed kool about it not prententious or too judgemental.

    The Vibes look irie. Jamaica is where my parents are from.. so its kool watching Nas over the years..

    Im bout to watch that Bob clip.

    soundclick.com/showtimeny

    1. Nice to see Damian’s younger brother chillin with them too. A family thing. Marley or T-F, brotherhood is strong!

  5. Museum (see this clip to see Bob on those same steps being interviewed by a over-zealous racist Australia

    Yo they same way this man tries to portray Reggae and Rastas is the same way they was doing Hip Hop and rappers esp in the 90’s.

    1. I watched it and it is that Anglofile racist view that was all too prevalent in the 1970’s, especially in the UK.

      The Australians view of anyone non-white has not changed much since then, that’s why I will never visit. The way they treat the Aboriginal people is savage.

      Mother nature is the greatest equalizer though I guess.

    2. ^^snapper^^ Yes the A&TSI people WERE treated badly during settlement and throughout history. But to say they are treated savagely now is a major exaggeration, ridiculous really. I don’t know your source of info but if you refuse to visit AUS because you believe we’re a nation of non-white-haters then you are ignorant, and should stay home.

  6. *disclaimer: I am a huge fan of both of these artists, i love their music, and respect their craft.

    That being said, I was really hoping this video would be a lot more entertaining, and that it would have an actual point to it. It felt much like the album, it should be this amazing, deeply intellectual piece of work…but it is a huge let down, and downright hard to sit through.

    1. That’s probably true…the thing about me bein’ crazy. But still, I don’t fucking understand the point behind these videos. Is it, ‘lets just put the camera in front of these dudes, and tape whatever the hell they feel like saying at that moment’ ?? I just don’t get it…if you do, please enlighten me.

    2. I think it shows how they get down together and the chemistry which was very relevant in the creation of the Nas / Jr Gong album. Maybe they are not blowin your mind with a remedy to the worlds issues, but being recording artists to create such an album they would need to be on the same page. A lot of artists now get features on their albums without even actually working with the featured artist. These two however are on the same page and in the same place. Nas is experiencing Jamaica and this is “a day in the life” with the crew. I think it shows and tells the creative process.

    3. Yeah Bob Marley had some vids like that and normally videos of this nature are for more candid purposes to just have us have a glimpse into the vibe that surrounds both artistes.

    4. @Dome Apparel…thats cool…I think it does accomplish what you’re talking about. I still think that theme is somewhat vague, and a little lost in the edit. But watching it in that context. does make it a little more enjoyable. @Gwill I have seen a shitload of those old Marley vids you’re talking about. I guess this does fit that style, particularly one I remember, I think it was called “Rebel Music.” I would actually have preferred the voice of a filmmaker included in this like some of those videos though. I think it would help clarify the theme, and it would move the thing along a bit faster, so it doesn’t feel so slow.

    5. Part 3 was ill. It kinda saved the whole thing for me. I also appreciate the comments. It helped put this into context a little better. I still feel that that’s the job of the filmmaker, and he could have done a lot better. But, hey, it’s still better than 99% of the crap on tv…so i’ll take it.

  7. Nas deserves that moment more then anyone in the rap game because his heart is truly that of a good soul who puts all of his soul into the music he makes (although some of it isn’t that great). There was never any straight competition between Nas/Jay-z they’re to totaly different people with two totaly different aspirations, if you cant see that then thats your ego getting in the way!

    Nas is a very special person with angel like qualities. If that sounds gay to you then its very probable that you’ve had a sexual encounter of the gay kind and deep down maybe you liked it

  8. Hhis is a wicked album,Nas and Damian Marley are in concert on the 31 March at wembley stadium, if your a true fan ,your go and show your support our black artists.

  9. Nas sorry but ini think that blend is not what life is about -No Righteousnesses- , thats the Milk of Babylon , “No more confusion” , i see tribulation, the youths dont need to follow Babylon things , smoking Babylon tabaco or Babylon milk , Righteousnesses is ital, natural.
    The album is powerful , with powerful lyrics, whats going on..?
    Real…?

    1. this is literally all they do, all day, every day. chill, smoke weed, drink and make music. it’s a beautiful thing. Now i don’t like being high all the time, but getting faded with your friends and just having laughs is one of life’s greatest joys. and weed is a plant.

    2. Well I am NOT one to criticize mi bredren by any means at all. People will always be who they want and that what truly make this world go round (Damien Marley) Unconditional love is scarce. Overstandin even a rare bird still yano ? BLESS !

  10. DISTANT RELATIVES WAS THIS YEAR GREATEST ALBUM DONT TALK ABOUT KANYE EMINEM DRAKE OR WHO THE FUCK YOU THINK THIS TWO GUYS ARE GENIUS

  11. This is how real kings live. All ya funny style living niggaz is peasants. Go get a ice cream cone with lightning bolts in your face or something. Fucking peasants.

  12. Yo If you wanna watch a good Documentary about Rasta,Life of Peter Tosh (Part of the Original Wailers of Bob Marley N the Wailers).

    Watch Peter Tosh: The Red X Tapes. Shit is deep I watched 5 times already.

    Get a spliff and watch it on youtube.

    It goes into a lot of stuff. It has foootage of Peter Tosh with Mick Jagger. It talks about how he got Murdered in Jamaica.

    Peter was on some Malcom X shit!

    His catalog is not as know as BOB but he’s just as good. A lot of Reggae Artist borrowed from him.

    One of his most Famous songs Is Legalize It (ganjah)

    My father grew me up on reggae and I learned a lot from it. What it was really like to make That Revolutionary Music back in the day.

    Peter was tryna have his own “rasta” Radio Station before he was shot down.

    Can You Imagine Jay or Nas owning their own Radio Station even today much less back then.

    And like most people who stand for the truth and try to bring it the Masses they Get Killed.

    Dam that Purple got me going.

    http://www.soundclick.com/showtimeny

  13. Hahah this is awesome. Distant Relatives was great.

    Hey Everyone,
    I know its annoying seeing people spam messages all over the place, and I’m sorry, but recently my exgirlfriend and bestfriend took her own life. I’m an 18 year old rapper, and Im just starting to get my music out and I made a song dedicated for her. If you like the emotional meaningful stuff telling life stories and struggles, please check me out. I’m not fake and every word I say is true. Rest in peace baby.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe4YWAOn-t0

    and/or

    http://www.myspace.com/kennyguye

    As long as one person can relate and I can make them feel like their not alone then I’m doing good…

  14. can someone break down that story that damian told about nas cause I didnt get all of it cause damian’s accent is kinda hard for me to understand lol

    1. He was just saying that he was at the show backstage and Nas calls him and asks him how its going on down there and he is like “What u mean how its going on down here…. if u dont get down here now there is gonna be a riot”

      Basically he was just saying Nas is too chill sometimes, wayyy laid back but if Nas hadnt gotten down there ASAP the goons was gonna tear down the fucking place. lol

  15. I got mad respect for Nas… He wasnt on some trippin out Diva bullshit that alot of Hip Hop acts are on. I dont hail Nas as the GOAT or anything but dude is definitely one of the dopest lyricists Hip Hop has ever scene but now I think he may be one of the realest niggaz I ever seen come out of Hip Hop.

    I been to Bob Marley museum more times than I can count and thats exactly the vibe down there, chillin and grades a blaze an guiness a beat. Nas did dat shit like a real mothafucka… no bodyguards and BS! Just a kick it wid di ras dem.

    I dont even know if yall know what u looking at when u see that video….. Who saw Sizzla Kalunji walk into dat bitch? If u dont know who Sizzla is I suggest u go Google it. Damn Distant Relatives was just as deep as I thought it would be… tour di world and touch real ppl not the average fly by night radio bs. Nas & Jr. Gong big up!

    1. Ye i know who Sizzla is, i have jamaican roots and i bump nuff dancehall and reggae. As soon as he first popped up on screen im like thats Sizzla. Dude looks exactly the same he doesn’t age. always rockin that tall headwrap and white suits lol

  16. Respect! De mon Nas wit de past, present to future legends of Reggae! Peace -peace! -You understand, his principles now or you’re deaf mentally forever in the state of dead! Wake up and support true music mon.

  17. Well I fucked your mom and made you…Then I left that trailer trash whore while she was sleep…Sorry son, but I wasnt about to waste my time with that trashy whore.

  18. Love it…. I have meet Damian Marley AKA Jr Gong in person and he is not only very talented but one of the most humble people that I have come in contact with.. Much respect to Damian

  19. ANOTHER DAY IN JA, CEPT YOU WOULDNT LEAVE WITH YOUR CAMERA WHERE THE REAL DOGS PLAY

    OH AND WE ROLL TWO JOINTS TOGETHER

  20. TIRED OF NEVER CLICKING ON THIS SHIT AND ALWAYS GETTING DIRECTED TO IT, FUCK THIS WHACK CD, NAS FELL OFF WORSE THAN MJ’S NOSE, MARLEY SMOKED HIMSELF RETARDED, HIP HOP IS DEAD, GRINDTIME NEEDS TO POST THIS VIDEO OF SOUL KHAN VS. FOX ALREADY! SOMEONE NEEDS TO SHOOT LA REID, AND THIS DAMN GREEN CHILI NEEDS TO BE DONE ALREADY.

    1. like Bob says–“The people who are trying to make this world worse are not taking the day off. Why should I?”
      PEACE

  21. Such a beautiful gift, all my favorite artist joined together!!!!Beautiful, nice to see all of you, to bad Buju couldn’t be there..Love it…Blessed be…KINGS of ZION!!!!!

  22. this is one CRAZZYZYYYY series. They should sell this on DVD, i’d buy it. regardless though i respect and am greatfull to be abel to watch it here for free

  23. The root is the foundation – the cipher of knowledge and freedom to express the light of your Jah. this cipher of life, breeds light in the root.

  24. This is so awesome, to see Bob Marley Sons in the place where it all started. That truly a blessing. I love Stephen and Damaian. Much Blessings to the Marley Family. It was also great to see Stephen and Ziggy sons perform at the CES with their uncle Rohan….They were also great.

  25. I loved the 1st one but the second was the truth for me i loved how the studio went from lyrical to spiritual when brother Damian rocked the mic. Its a blessing to still see that music hasn’t completely turned into a bling thing but is still the soul spiritual uplift It was.

  26. I loved the 1st one but the second was the truth for me i loved how the studio went from lyrical to spiritual when brother Damian rocked the mic. Its a blessing to still see that music hasn’t completely turned into a bling thing but is still the soul spiritual uplift It was.

  27. let Jah protect you all in this Journey of giving your related relatives in Africa, the reality the truth that we must make a step.
    Jah bless Damian(Jr. GONG) and Nasir Jones (NAS).

  28. Peace Love that is our nature, Jah Bless you all Damian and Nas, other brothers have forgotten there brothers in Africa, but promise we won’t feel lonely any more cause we have hear from you Two Brothers.
    Peace, Love.
    Fred from Tanzania.

    1. That must be a joke cause these men don’t stand for that nonsense. Bringing awareness to black people , white people and people period is the goal here. BOB MARLEY would smite you from the heavens for such foolish rhetoric. Grow up man ! AND I am a cracker. Not only that but I make real music that would probably knock you off your seat.

  29. Hi.

    Just wondering if this was goin out on a DVD disc? I would love to buy it or download it. Cuz it looks like these 3 clips just are some snippets of alot stuff so please make a DVD out of all that footage. Can´t wait to see it. Much respect and love to Nasir and Damian.

    One Love

  30. Hopefully, through the gang signs and make up the youth can capture the message from the two legendary kings in their era. That they can also be achieve by Nas and Jr Gong’s greatness with truth and education. True music and talent with fireball lyricism pierces the heart and mind to uplift communities, taking them to the “Promise Land!” Bigup! Respect ya kno!

  31. Thanks BOB for giving us GENIUS like Junior GONG and Raggamuffin Thanks OLu Dara for giving Hip hOp his prophet NASIR JONES
    GOD bless HIPHOPDX for this series

  32. everything about part 1 2 & 3 Jamaican Journey is Real! to the 10th Power! you can just feel it as if you were there w/ them! Absolutely love Distant Relatives aka Damien Jr. Gong & Nas ‘4 that much the whole Marley Revolutionary’s ‘Salute! ‘& Standing O to B+
    Salute!

  33. “Promise Land I picture Porsche’s, Basquiat portraits, pinky rings, realistic princesses, heiresses a bunch of kings and queens”

  34. Great videos lots positive vibes BOB MARLEY was always sharing JAMDOWN with his bethren from all over world,we can feel his pressence guiding all specially his Sons and NAS ,JAMAICAN people are truly blessed an help one another/neighbour/stranger no matter what jus haffi know how tu approach dem with respect.ITAL an direct give tanx for the videos/writings etc jah rastafari

  35. THIS WAS A EXPERIENCE MY MAN NAS DID IT AGAIN! LIKE HE SAID IN HIS CUT “NAS IS LIKE” HIS SCEICE IS DEEP!! THANKS NAS CUZ WE CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON YOU TO BRING SOMTHING NEW AND UNIQUE TO THE TABLE !!!

  36. This is what artistry and music is about. Coming together and creating a timeless piece of fusion. These dudes are having the time of their lives. Wish I was legendary enough to be part of such a thing. Much love

  37. they have really pushed me to make music witn meaning and from the heart. i love how they give back to the people and speak for them. i make music and rap. im only 18 goin on 19 soon and i look at alot of people out there. i dont want to fall into a lable as the thug talk bout my past and things like that i want to be know for makeing grate music that people can feel and i must say these two are the best of the time at hand.

  38. I LOVE THE WAY DAMIAN AND NAS ARE DOING THEIR THINGS MAN. LIVING LIFE FOR REAL WITH REAL PEOPLE AND NOT THEM FAT ASS FAKE PEOPLE IN HOLLYWOOD KEEP IT UP BRUVS BACK TO THE ROOTS

  39. WHY IS IT THAT WHEN I PUT POST THIS ON FACEBOOK. LIL WAYNE AND DRAKE NAMES ARE IN THE HEADLINE ALSO. COME HIP HOP DX MOVE THAT SHIT PLEASE!

  40. WHAT THE FUCK WHEN I POST THIS ON FACEBOOK LIL WAYNE AND DRAKE NAMES APPEAR IN THE HEADLINE PLEASE REMOVE THEIR NAMES HIP HOP DX NOTHING BUT THE REAL

  41. This brought back such great memories…I remember seeing Dennis Brown in concert and it was awesome. NAS/JR. GONG great team…thanks for bringing back the good music again

  42. Man I REALLY enjoyed watching these videos. I lit one up for each video and felt like I was there with them. What a great time that would be to vibe with those humble dudes. I hope they do a Distant Relatives 2, and make some more videos like these. Words can’t even describe how much I vibed out to the album and these videos, GREAT WORK…..

  43. yo! im tellin u i been to a lot of concerts in my life i had a chance to see them at the hard rock cafe. the show was the best i been to. nneka opened the show.and the beat was so fya i stated to freestyle. and i dont even rap. and when these icons came out, everybody went bananas. i knew it was a classic moment real rap real reggae! cop the album go sse the show the band is mad good and dude with the flag is a g. he held the flag up wavein it around for two hours. distant relatives. is the realest shit to come out in a while claasic.

  44. Nas is Like half man half amazing

    Check me out PLEASE I know you will like what u hear & add me on all social networks fshosaynomo I’m coming hard this year & on! I want to network with positive people with talent for this music &/or have good intellect, great perspective, & a serious grind!!! Saynomo

    reverbnation.com/fshosaynomo

    reverbnation.com/fshosaynomo

    reverbnation.com/fshosaynomo

    reverbnation.com/fshosaynomo

  45. Greatest album to come out in the last decade but its real revolutionary music like this that the media wants to censor… why do you think it did not sale.

  46. a friend who was hit by a drunk driver and is now in a coma. Before I say anything else I do ask that you pray for her recovery.

    I was recently interviewed by a west coast magazine, and just had the interview published to the mag site. If I get enough FB likes my interview will go into the actual magazine. The link is http://wwsmag.com/updates/bryant-c-caught-up-20-10/

    I just ask that you take a look, and press like for me. I made it an honest interview so I’m sure that you will like it.

    http://wwsmag.com/updates/bryant-c-caught-up-20-10/

    Also feel free to view my youtube link @ http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bryantc1000&aq=f

  47. Distant Relatives is a ground-breaking album very vital for our times we are living in a big shout out to my favorite mc NAS and Damian Jr. Gong for making it happen this album is definitely grammy desrving i hope they honor them this year everyong go get it!

  48. this footage is great and just makes me wish i could go to jamaica and africa even more!Blessings and lots of love to ya all on valentines coming up you all are allways in my heart. ONE LOVE Daniella

  49. It’s a honor to own this piece of Artwork done by two great artists and to add on to my NaS Music Collection.

  50. BLEES EVER BLEES,NAS & DAMIAN MARLEY UNO LARGE,ROUGH & TOUGH.KEEP ON SPREADING THE AFRICAN UNTOLD STORY THROUGH MUSIC.ONE LOVE,ONE HEART.

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