Emmanuel Jal

Teaming with Sudanese superstar Abdel Gadir Salim, Jal lit up the world music scene in 2005 with this solid, heartfelt debut. The former child soldier invokes qualities in short supply in the world today, like peace, forgiveness and kindness, but it's Salim's expert guiding hand (and oud playing) that keeps this album from being merely a curiosity or an American rap wannabe. The dense, instrumentally complex backing tracks work in tandem with Jal's silky baritone, making for a deeper, truer fusion than usually found in international rap.

Sudanese child soldier turned Christian rapper meets Sudanese Muslim elder for great story and above-par music ("Alwa," "Gua"). (Grade - **)