Brother Ali Album: “Shadows on the Sun”

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

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.

Strap in and buckle up, you're in for a hell'uva ride!

My friend turned me on to Atmosphere a few years ago, and I instantly grappled on. Brother Ali has been no different. His rhymes flow over the beats with einstein like intelligence. You won't find the constant shout-out's to his crew; (a..hem, G-unit) only carefully constructed rhymes and flows ("I flipped your eviction notice over wrote song on it"). The album is produced masterfully; the beats are catchy, dark, and unique. The opening track "Room With A View" gives you the dark view of his neighborhood, life, and culture. Six tracks later Ali has you dancing with funk on "Blah Blah Blah".

In summary this album is a must have. I found myself fading out on the last few tracks, but other than that you'll be playing this one for months to come!

I popped in this disc and I heard, "On one side of the street it's below zero, and on the otherside there's a library."

I love Room With a View. It is a perfect display of lyrical storytelling on the downfall of a city. With a great beat to match and just awesome metaphors and symbolism spread throughout the song.

The rest of the songs are OK, and by OK I mean OK from hip-hop, and unfortunately OK for hip-hop is bad for Brother Ali. Who realeased Rites of Passage.

So I skipped a few songs, listening to how Brother Ali is albino. And to be honest I loved the first verse of this song. But after he talked about his appearance he went nowhere.

Missing Teeth and Blah Blah Blah seem more suited for a Dr. Dre album than for a lyrical genius like Mr. Ali. The other track that really spoke to me was Dorian. Once again Brother Ali uses storytelling and amazing rhymes to tell a good story (and if you've seen Brother Ali you know it's true).

No song on this CD captures the magnificince of Chippie Bun Club off Mr. Dibbs random mix. Which is how I know of Brother Ali's full potential and can only manage to give this CD four stars.

Brother Ali is a great artist. I have never heard a sound like him and his style is in a league of its own. Although he is put in categories with Atmosphere, Jedi Mind Tricks, and most other 'underground rap' groups he breaks free with his own style. He doesn't just talk about sittin on 24's, and bling bling, he goes deeper and into real life (Specific example is his song Dorian). I have played him for people that hate rap and hip hop music, and they love him and go out and get his CD. Him and Slug from Atmosphere are a deadly duo too. His greatness can only lead to better things and I can't wait for the next album!