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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brother Ali puts on a blistering live show!, September 7, 2004
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.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
So bright his soul casts..., October 6, 2004
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
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
hip hop lyracism at its finest, November 29, 2004
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
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by Brother Ali 
