Customer Reviews

Shadows On The Sun

5 star:		(62)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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 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'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.

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.

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!

His full-length debut finds Brother Ali covering both familiar and new territory. There are several tracks where he has taken a courageous stance on the long-running debate about whack emcees (He's against them). He spits self-aggrandizing braggadocio on a healthy plural as well. Luckily for your reviewer gentle reader, he has the skills to back up most of it.

The finest battle track on the album, "When the Beat Comes In", showcases a rhyming skill that goes a long way towards proving his claim that he "has few equals and no superiors". That might not be completely true but that it's not too hard to swallow is as good a compliment as can be paid given how common a claim that is. His explorations through the darker side of life are well done and at times effectively disturbing. The upbeat, absurdly happy beats laid by Ant on "Prince Charming" contrast brilliantly with the dark revelation of a love interest becoming a stalker. His cut about domestic violence, "Dorian", is solid but doesn't quite go into the depth that the M.C. (Master of Commentary) Boots Riley might but it remains an effective track. The album is not without its missteps (He rhymes "Hell" with "Hell" for example, how very Jay-Z) but they are few and far in between.

Slug from Atmosphere makes two appearances as the only guest on the album hits effectively on both. The beats by Ant are solid throughout and on a few tracks exceptional. His style varies wildly but the album flows perfectly in spite of it. He does a kind of jazzy DJ Premier impression on "Blah, Blah, Blah". The driving, scratch-heavy beats for "B*tchslap!" compliment the intense lyrics of the track as good as could be done. Ant continues to prove that he is one of the most innovative producers working in hip-hop.

This reviewer can only speculate on what trials being an albino brings, it does however allow Ali to make some unique rhymes ("It's embarrasin', I mean, I'm the albino but y'all pale in comparison"). He explores a variety of emotions on several tracks but most effectively on "Picket Fence". His short biography on that track recounts pain, despair and finally acceptance. That acceptance is shown nowhere better than on the album's finest track "Forest Whitaker". It's a short track that shares with the listener that Brother Ali has come to grips with his unconventional looks. That's a comforting feeling to anyone who has every attracted an extra-long glare for any reason.

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.

SOMEBODY SAID A WHITE NAS!!!???? first and foremost. Anybody who knows anything about brother ali knows that he is "a righteous black man" he is an african american muslim. He happens to be albino which is exactly what he talks about in his very heartfelt song "Forest whitiker" I just dont' understand how somebody who likes him so much could not understand anything about him. This is craziness. All of the songs are tite. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. But the comparisons to slug are garbage..he is nothing like slug. They're both great..but they are not similar at all..it is very possible to love ali and hate slug, or vice versa. These reviewers are nuts.

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!