Nas, Damian Marley Bring Hip-Hop to National Geographic

Queens rapper Nas and Jamaican reggae artist Damian Marley have partnered with National Geographic and V-Tech and organized a panel debate entitled 'Distant Relatives' in Washington, D.C. next month. The 'Distant Relatives' title is an homage to Nas and Marley's forthcoming collaborative album of the same name, focusing heavily on content from Africa and samples of African music.

The Net Geo discussion will focus on the origins of hip-hop music and the impact that it has made globally. The debate will feature a star-studded ensemble of panelists, including rapper Rakim, DJ's Kool Herc and Red Alert, reggae legends U-Roy and King Jammy and hip-hop historian Jeff Chang. It will be moderated by MTV host Sway Calloway. The event will also be filmed for a documentary, and streamed live via National Geographic's music Web site, Nat Geo Music.

While the panel discussion is scheduled to take place at National Geographic's Grosvenor Auditorium on Dec. 12, the show will air sometime in 2010.