By Doug Hill
pop writer
Brother Ali
"Us"
Rhymesayers Entertainment
Brother Ali's love for life is at the center of this soulful new disc.
Hip hop takes hits from all sides for being misogynistic, lacking musicality or glorifying materialism.
Ali, however, can't be accused of any of those. He's an articulate man, whose sensitive feelings pour out like welcome rain from a summer thunderstorm.
On "Fresh Air," Ali celebrates the joys of a Sunday morning while making pancakes and watching cartoons with his family.
He's also learned to deal with the demons before they deal with him.
"I'm learning to embrace the reality that life doesn't always turn out how it's planned to be," Ali raps.
Most of the his life lessons come from the gritty upper Midwest. He understands the ugly truth of the street, but Ali's message is hope and peace.
The original working title for this disc was "The Street Preacher," suggested by a fan of Ali's gospel for loving thyself and staying connected to the world.
The 16 tracks are a collection of stories he tells in the voices of those chronicled. The music is a sophisticated blend of jazz, R--B and even easy listening strings during "You Say (Puppy Love)."
It's an album for all of us.
