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.

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

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.

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.

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.