Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Hooked On Phonics

Especially if it is not your native tongue, English is incredibly difficult to learn. Few know that better than Somali native K’Naan, a refugee of that country’s horrific 1991 civil war. Upon relocating to Toronto as a teenager, he primarily learned the language through, of all things, hip-hop albums. And it appears he’s a quick study. The Juno Award-winning emcee is globally renowned for his thought-provoking lyrical prowess and linguistically dexterous flow. The grandson of one of Somalia’s most revered poets, he employs a philosophical approach to writing that is sorely lacking in the gold-tooth capped rap genre. His is music with a higher purpose. This Thursday, he drops his considerable knowledge at Club Metronome.