Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s highly anticipated album Distant Relatives will land in stores on Tuesday, May 18th, label representatives confirmed today (March 16th). The concept album traces Hip-Hop’s roots in Africa and how it was transported to the American colonies and the Caribbean during slavery, until it was finally exported to the parks and recreational centers in New York city.

“Damian and Nas have made a groundbreaking album that combines the depth and vision of these two artists with a seminal musical and cultural thread of multiple generations,” stated Monte Lipman, President and CEO of Universal Republic Records.

“We’re thrilled to play a role on what’s certain to be another pivotal album for both artists and one of the more unique collaborative efforts in recent years.”

The 14-track-effort was produced by Damian Marley and features guest appearances by Lil Wayne, K’Naan, Joss Stone, Stephen Marley and Dennis Brown.