"The self-described "Urban Norman Rockwell" Brother Ali was in full form Sunday 9/7/04, playing at "First Avenue" in Minneapolis. Joining him from the RhymeSayers crew was Los Nativos, and Immortal Technique. It was an amazing display of new hip-hop/rap talent unseen by the producers, directors, and viewers on MTV.
Brother Ali raps with just as much, if not more intensity on stage than he displays on his album. I got this CD a few days ago in anticipation for the show I was about to see. This CD blows me away each time I listen to it; I haven't been able to take it out of my CD player yet, as I've been completely addicted to it's rhythmic and soulful patterns.
Ali compliments the rhythm and energy of the music perfectly. He spews out a lot of anger and pain on this album. He paints a clear picture of his personal experiences, stemming from his Muslim faith and his troubles growing up as a hefty albino. Ali is a very articulate and introspective MC with a very appealing personality.
If you are a fan of hip-hop/rap, and find yourself constantly bogged down by the stuff heard on MTV and the radio; pick-up Ali's "Shadows On The Sun". You'd hard pressed to find a track on it you don't like. In addition to Brother Ali, you should also check out some other artists on the RhymeSayers label, such as "Atmosphere" and "Eyedea & Abilities". Minneapolis is forming their own place in hip-hop. Trust me, you'll like what you hear."
So bright his soul casts...
N3R0 | Story City, Iowa | 10/07/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Shadows on the Sun is the type of album that seems almost remiss in these years. From the Rhymesayers Entertainment record lable, Ali brings a very (re: VERY) strong mic presence to the table with Ant (Atmosphere's unstoppable beat-maker) bring stellar beats. Ant is probably what makes this album what it is, the classic throwback to mid-90's hip-hop, where most producers couldn't provide Ali the type of soundscapes he needs. For example, "Room With A View" stands as a midwestern take on a Nas classic ("Project Window"), and booms with classic horns and strong head-nodding drum track. Ali isn't your average mc, either, with clever battle raps and stories, he's a mark above every pop-rapper out there. Even perenial underground favorite (and Ali's mentor) Slug is out-rhymed by Ali on both "Blah Blah Blah" and "Missing Teeth". Perhaps it's because Slug is more concerned with his emotional approach now, and Ali is still extremely hungry for the props most of the Rhymesayers crew already holds (Eyedea, Atmosphere, MF Doom). Anyway, Ali's "debut" album (peep his cassette only release "Rites Of Passage" for a happier Ali, over his own beats) is straight classic, a must-have for any hip-hop head.
peace"
Hip hop lyracism at its finest
Bubbles | losangeles | 11/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Brother Ali is Muslim, an Albino, a struggling underground hip hop artist, and one of the finest lyracists in hip hop. Shadows On the Sun is 18 tracks that compose a obscure story of a working mans life. The album opens up with Room With a Veiw, where Ali flawlessy narrates his observations from his apartment. The album winds into Dorian, perhaps the most powerful song this young man has ever heard. A neighbor is beating his daughter, Ali confronts him, the result is pure art. Yet all these flows are companioned with jazzed out Atmosphere producer Ant. The beats resemble those of Dj Hi-tek, quite an accomplishment. This album is close to perfection, a must have for any hip hop head"
Brother Ali- Shadows On The Sun
Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 01/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Brother Ali's "Shadow On The Sun" was one of the most slept on albums of 2003. I was guilty of sleeping on this album to, only picked it up recently and have been very impressed. After hearing the opening track "Room with a View" I knew I was listening to something special. Brother Ali is a skilled lyricist and Ant delivers premium production throughout this album, there musical chemistry together is exceptional. Brother Ali backed by some sick beats, lets it be known that he will take on all contenders with early tracks "Champion" and "Star Quality". Next comes "Prince Charming" a relaxed track where Ali talks to a honey, while singing his own chorus. Brother Ali rhymes about getting jumped on "Win Some Lose Some", and tears into fake rappers who don't pay tribute to the founders on "Pay Them Back". Slug and Ali drop a decent collabration with "Blah Blah Blah" and then Brother Ali rips up the title track "Shadows On The Sun". Brother Ali's entertaining introspective lyrics are found all throughout this release, upbeat "Forest Whitaker" is an especially good example, a track where Ali discusses personal appearances, addresses being an Albino, and talks about saying what one feels without holding back and being happy with who one is. (...) Brother Ali does not hesitate to show his scorn for some other rappers on battle tracks (...) "When The Beat Comes". With "Dorian" Brother Ali tells a story of taking on a wife beater, my favourite line in this track "It seemed that he invited my right fist to a party on his left cheek". Brother Ali goes deep when talking about the pains of growing up and being the black sheep of his family on "Picket Fence". This release ends strong with the powerful "Victory! (Come Forward)" a raw track where Brother Ali delivers alot of hunger and confidence. Highly recommend "Shadows On The Sun" for the collection."
Excellent album
wordwise | Central Jersey | 02/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For a relatively unknown name in the business Brother Ali has a powerful sound and a lot of strong beats to accompany his intelligent rhymes supplied by Ant of the well-known Minnesotta based Atmosphere. Ali incorporates a lot of spirituality/Islam into his lyrics and music (as suggested by the name) but the odd infusion works well and supplies some interesting sounds as in the track Victory.
Forest Whitaker is a feel good track that you will want to listen to again and again. You might think I'm depressed as can be/but when I look in the mirror I see sexy ass me/if that's something you can't respect than that's peace/my life's better without you actually/to everyone out there who's a little different/I say 'damn a magazine' these is god's fingerprints
Dorian is a story told through rhyme that many MCs would have a hard time delivering as clearly as Ali.
All in all a near 5 star album that deserves a listen if not a purchase."