@KeyBoard Warrior military spending not police spending now if you want to talk about how much we spend to kill our own people we'll need to adjust the number upwards
So fun fact about the video being "edited". Brother Ali has been a Muslim since he was a teenager, but was always kinda Muslim lite. After Eyedea OD'ed, just a short while after his mother died of cancer, he went to Mecca for a spiritual journey and became extremely devout. He basically stopped swearing and asked Rhymesayers if they could cut the language out of his older stuff, especially "god damn". He still says like damn and hell, but won't say much else than that and his music is a lot cleaner these days, but he's still an AMAZING lyricist.
Kinda messed up as the language did not even exist back then lol. Language evolves as time passes so basically the vast majority of the stuff he believes he could say today that would be ok with his religion would be very different then when his religion originated. Most likely they would have stoned him to death long ago..
Brother Ali should have been famous 15 year’s ago I’ve been bumping him since 2007 he’s always had amazing lyrics. His song writing is poetic, definitely paints a picture with his words.
@@classcalamity669 he *paints* a picture of the spot well edit: the OPs mention of him painting a picture with his words is what reminded me of the song
It was after he went to iran because they were promoting this song that he got put on the no fly lists. This song alone wouldn't have done it :) What it did do was see Verizon drop his '07 tour and the DHS freeze a wire transfer to his label so it's safe to assume he probably did get put on a watch list after the vod dropped.
THANK YOU for reacting to my request!!! I've been trying to get people to react to this video for years and you're the first person I've asked, to do it. Much love!!!
Anthony, iwanna thank you for remembering how epic this man was. It brought back some good memories of a friend that has since passed. This was a favorite track we discovered together. Awesome sir
Dude this was like a history lesson for me. I just discovered this song and loved it, but didn’t really understand each line until you broke it down. As a 40 yr old white woman, only in the last few years have I really learned about our true history and started to see beyond the bs “freedom” indoctrination that is conditioned into us. It starts in kindergarten or younger…and I’m only beginning to see it for what it really is 😳 I’m dumbfounded.
When my kids get home from school we discuss what they learned in American History. Then I pull out the REALStory - not the HIStory - books and we clean off the crap their teacher slung at them that day.
It’s never too late . Props to you being so open minded , and willing to change your point of view . Wish more older peers would , but I understand it’s hard to heavily throw away what you have been taught to believe your whole life .
I actually shed tears as you picked this apart. I have just always felt anger when I listen to this, but your reaction truly took it to another level. 🙏 I really appreciate what you do. Thank you for doing it.
Thank you for this video. I'm an English teacher, and showing your reaction to "Uncle Sam Goddamn" has SO helped my students to understand how to analyze poetry for allusion, symbolism, and more. Keep doing what you do, and again, THANK YOU!
Brother Ali is just another one of those criminally unheard of and underrated talents that too many people miss without question. At least we get to say we knew about it! Cheers fam!
Ah yes... dipping into the RhymeSayers crew... they've got many good artists on that label. Check out SaRoc! She's really good. Forever is an amazing song.
He already broke down some Aesop Rock! Check it out if you havent. Highly second Sa-Roc, Atmosphere, check out Evidence - Throw It All Away (Prod. By Alchemist), Dilated Peoples - Show Me The Way ft. Aloe Blacc
Dude, you reacted the same way I did hearing this song for the first time. Brother Ali is so succinct, and clearly not in it for fame, wealth or clout. Seeing you react to this music brings my right back to when I first heard it all years ago. Ali and Rage were the precursors of my current stance and consciousness, and it my be of some solace for you to know that my caucasian American, conservative family, despite our obvious differences, tend to agree on all points related to this subject matter. So there is hope. Personally, I just can't wait to see what you react to next. Always down for more Rage.
Lotta people have been requesting "Civil War" for Immortal Technique, but Ali's verse is one of my favorites by him. Don't miss that one. His own albums are insightful, grown-up hip-hop. And he slays any guest spot. Gift of Gab's "Dreamin" or Abstract Rude's "Solution" are just two that come to mind.
The Undisputed Truth and All The Beauty In This Whole Life are my favorite albums hes put out so far. I saw him two days after the 2016 election and his attitude of show up, care for each other and keep going when it feels impossible was like what any sermon should be. He’s a real legend.
Finding your channel is so satisfying. I’ve been such big fans of aesop rock and Brother Ali and Sage Francis. Seeing someone who understands the lyrics and who does such a good breakdown is so cool!!
Keep going with the "contraversial" music. Even if they're off a little bit on any specific point, we have to keep the conversation moving. Thats the way forward. People gotta talk about it.
I feel like the line-by-line is needed for songs like this and you do a great job of breaking it down. I've listened to this song a hundred times and never drew the Where the Wild Things Are parallel.
I came across this as a realfan of the song. It's so political, poetic and astute. As a Scotsman, I didn't expect Scotland to get a direct mention. Its interesting to see how events in history, however tragic can reverberate to modern society. Our largest city is Glasgow and references towards slavery are very prevalent here, in both architecture and street names. Jamaica Street, Virginia Street and Tobago street are a examples of a few amongst many. Glasgow is also a modern hub of rum production originally gleaned through slavery, knowledge and a trade in sugar. One thing though, when pronouncing Kilmarnock, dont accentuate the 'nock'. The emphasis is on the 'mar' part. Scots tend to give kudos to people that can probounce difficult place names correctly. Great video.👊
That 5 fingers is the truth. Same for the Eyedea and Slug freestyle on the Wake Up Show from waaaay back. Eyedea was one the best freestyle rappers to ever get on the mic.
I have been listening to Brother Ali for a long time now. My Suggestion is to listen to the entire catalog in order of releases starting with champion. I feel there is no better example of an artist evolutionary time line. you can literally hear this man change through his music as time goes on.
Fun fact: Brother Ali is a legally blind albino. Also definitely check out US by Brother Ali, very beautiful instrument heavy song with a happy and uniting feel.
First time to your Channel and subscribed immediately. LOYD I like how you analyze bars instead of just listening passively and making facial expressions, which is what a majority of other reactors do.
I really enjoy these lyrical breakdowns. This guys mind works so fast. I used to think I loved lyrics, but I can’t believe how much I’ve missed on songs I’ve been listening to for 2 decades
My brother...if you like Uncle Sam Goddamn, you GOTTA react to Brother Ali - Mourning in America, and Immortal Technique - Rich Man's World! You won't be disappointed!
I ended up at your channel due to your Tim Minchen vids but this ... yeah ... I just have to send a mighty "Thanks" to you (and your subscribers) for exposing me to this song. As a 50 plus year old guy, I don't tend to branch out, enjoy or find interest in a lot of new music (I tend to stick to the stuff I am more familiar with now, sadly). And even though this is an older song/emprise, it is new to me. So again, I thank you all
I got to see Brother Ali live while he was touring with a live band, he performed with no backing tracks, it was awesome. He has plenty of skewering songs like this, and a few softer songs about his life.
You are smart, I like your reaction much more than others in the genre. Don’t feel bad about stopping to talk since what you say is interesting. We all know the song if we are watching this, so we want to see your point. Found you from the Aesop rock video
This is an amazing breakdown. I had already listened to this song a ton of times, but you're breaking it down with the actual history of what happened. Brother Ali is a legend, he's an amazingly good person so it's always cool to see someone discover him for the first time.
A cat named Eyedea used to write some of Brother Alis freestyle verses. You should seriously check out some Eyedea. He was one of the GOATS of freestyle battle rappers. Brother Ali shouts out Eyedea (R.Eye.P) on Sways, 5 fingers of death.
I know this is a year old video. I think a more recent prof reaction video brought me to your channel and I’ve been a fan of brother Ali’s (and prof’s) work for a while. I’m sure you have heard lots more of Ali by now, but if not, a couple of other songs along this vein by him are: The travelers, tight rope, and letter from the government…
Brother Ali is amazing, so good and such a good suggestion. You're a good candidate to break it down and react too, just discovered your react vids but dig them already.
Additional fact, this album along with a few years of travel, speeches and meetings with people of interest leading up to this album caused Ali to be placed on America’s Watch list, No fly list as well as a potential home land terrorist title. Life was very hard on Ali for a few years as it impact touring, content making as well as impacts to day to day activity. Also the lines about supporting a crack head is a layer deeper, on the surface he drive the point of the lines however it’s pointed deeper as America has a history as a drug supplier of the key component to make crack, funded the early crack outbreak and turned an eye to it early on as it was funding the government. So at its core thou America was the supplier they were also the addict.
Interesting observation. I do think it's calling America the 'cold continent'. Having lived in Minnesota, Baltimore and England... England is much more temperate due to ocean currents. It's not out of the realm of context to call America a "cold continent" because of being separated. Mind that London's temperatures are much closer to that of Baltimore than New York, in spite of being further north. As the coast continues south it also curves west making any travel to a much warmer climate than London an even further distance to travel. I'm not sure how many times he flips perspectives to tell the story but in this case I am pretty sure it's from the perspective of someone moving to America.
You asked why “daddy” (Europe) would be proud of America. The French Revolution inspired the American revolution. The French were very proud of their child at that time.
The American Revolution happened first. Know your history, my dude. It's specifically talking about imperialism because the lyric specifically references the Roman Empire, the first true empire to be from the European continent (most predecessor states within Europe were simply kingdoms and not empires, even the Macedonians of the Bronze Age, and the Macedonians of Alexander's time barely held onto their empire for 20 years), and from which many European monarchs throughout history tried to stake their claims to legitimacy on being the "true successor".
7:00 to 7:10 - A powerful verse made all the more potent by its *accuracy*. First time I heard that verse it literally stopped me in my tracks. Was walking across my backyard, ear goggles on, mind in the midst of yard work, when Brother Ali hit me with that 10-second dose of sonic-truth-bomb and made my legs say nahhh hold up we need a sec.
this jam is a perfect example of no time wasted or any fluff. Love Brother ali. He has some loving happy songs too. This one is a knife to the gut. All medicine no sugar coating. it's why I love him. So underrated. I put him up with the greats
You can pretty much listen to anyone at Rhymesayers, Mellow Music, Strange Music, they are all artists. Funny how everyone I listened to in the 90's and early 00's mostly ended up on 3 labels. Been banging this song since I lived in China. Artist music knows no boundaries.
10 years ago I have stumbled upon this gem and firstly just like the vibe. When I've learned English enough this song lyrics surprised me. After MrLboyrd analysis it became even more brilliant in my eyes. He speaks the true, agreed.
This man has talked about knowing he's on an FBI list for the things he's said and the fact that he's travelled to the Middle East as he's a converted Muslim man. Absolute legend who always speaks the truth, and he walks the walk too.
He is a tool. Muslims who believe what he believe would kill him for not having the right skin and not being a true Muslim....he is like Dave’s sketch of the blond black guy who was a klans member(except in that skit they probably excepted him as one of them).
@@lastlime3792 Chechen Muslims are also European you don’t have any idea what you’re talking about bud arab Muslims also aided them fighting Russia at one point.
Dude your analysis is some of the best I’ve seen on UA-cam . I break this shit down myself as a hip hop enthusiast , but you catch shit I don’t , or explain shit much better than I can. Props dude .
I love Reactions to this Song... it hit me really hard first time i listened to it... and im not even american you should check out "the travelers" by him, its not that popular but sure deserves to be listened to like most of his songs ;) btw thx for the german rap reactions, nice to see that there are no borders for music
14 years ago this song was written... It could have been written yesterday
That's depressing
It still brings a tear up every time
Could have been written in the 80's and the biggest change was swastikas and confederate flags storming the capital to overthrow the government.
Check out that Nina Simone song he mentions at the beginning, same subject matter but it was written in 1964.
He would only have to change 1 line bc America now has a $2 billion dollar a day killing brown people habit
@KeyBoard Warrior military spending not police spending now if you want to talk about how much we spend to kill our own people we'll need to adjust the number upwards
You’re late homie. Glad you rolled up on the Brother Ali party tho. It’s a good one.
A wild epiclloyd appears! =D looking forward to 14th and the new video!
That new erb vid is spectacular, had me laughing all the way through, love that shit my guy
ERB fuckin w/ Brother Ali?! Fuck Yeah!
He's got some catching up to do in terms of hip hop lol
Lol like 15 years but it's all love. Brother Ali is on another level!
So fun fact about the video being "edited". Brother Ali has been a Muslim since he was a teenager, but was always kinda Muslim lite. After Eyedea OD'ed, just a short while after his mother died of cancer, he went to Mecca for a spiritual journey and became extremely devout. He basically stopped swearing and asked Rhymesayers if they could cut the language out of his older stuff, especially "god damn". He still says like damn and hell, but won't say much else than that and his music is a lot cleaner these days, but he's still an AMAZING lyricist.
This is really interesting! I always hated when things are censored but it’s different when it’s coming directly from the artist
Thanks for the info!
Kinda messed up as the language did not even exist back then lol. Language evolves as time passes so basically the vast majority of the stuff he believes he could say today that would be ok with his religion would be very different then when his religion originated. Most likely they would have stoned him to death long ago..
@@RiotforPeacePlzthat's any interesting thought
Professor: "The Allegory of The Cave..."
You: "Plato didn't call it that."
Brother Ali should have been famous 15 year’s ago I’ve been bumping him since 2007 he’s always had amazing lyrics. His song writing is poetic, definitely paints a picture with his words.
You could call him the modern urban norman rockwell
@@niclasnyberg4173 take a picture of the spot well
@@classcalamity669 he *paints* a picture of the spot well
edit: the OPs mention of him painting a picture with his words is what reminded me of the song
@@niclasnyberg4173 my bad
he is from MPLS represent our local music!!!!
Civil War, its an Immortal Technique track featuring Killer Mike, Chuck D & Brother Ali ... it doesn’t disappoint
💯
civil war is fucking intense.... especially Alis part
That's how I discovered Brother Ali.
There's better immortal technique tracks
@@verse8833 no doubt, but this was for the Brother Ali feature.
Honored and grateful. Many thanks.
He got put on a no-fly list and a watch list for this song. I remember him saying that years ago
Letter from the government.
It was after he went to iran because they were promoting this song that he got put on the no fly lists. This song alone wouldn't have done it :) What it did do was see Verizon drop his '07 tour and the DHS freeze a wire transfer to his label so it's safe to assume he probably did get put on a watch list after the vod dropped.
Brother Ali, the most under rated lyricist, of all Time. That track should be Platinum.
Bet some people might get upset they “can’t do that”
Brother Ali is a treasure, a pure artist, you stumbled upon greatness, can’t wait to see you delve into his work 🙌🏼
THANK YOU for reacting to my request!!! I've been trying to get people to react to this video for years and you're the first person I've asked, to do it. Much love!!!
good call dude
I've asked some others to do it and they never got to it.
You’re a legend. This shit took me back
Big ups bro, more people need to be on Ali and Atmosphere, so much content there. But it's underground so probably doesn't get the views people want.
Anthony, iwanna thank you for remembering how epic this man was. It brought back some good memories of a friend that has since passed. This was a favorite track we discovered together. Awesome sir
Mourning in America by Brother Ali is phenomenal.
Yeup. Was just about to suggest this.
Gonna definitely third this one.
Tight rope by brotha Ali
Absolutely! Song is crazy good.
Love Brother Ali. Aesop Rock. Atmosphere. Eyedea. Most of the rhymesayers really.
I've been asking for eyedea reactions for a min.
Some Aesop Rock would be amazing.
Dude this was like a history lesson for me. I just discovered this song and loved it, but didn’t really understand each line until you broke it down. As a 40 yr old white woman, only in the last few years have I really learned about our true history and started to see beyond the bs “freedom” indoctrination that is conditioned into us. It starts in kindergarten or younger…and I’m only beginning to see it for what it really is 😳 I’m dumbfounded.
When my kids get home from school we discuss what they learned in American History. Then I pull out the REALStory - not the HIStory - books and we clean off the crap their teacher slung at them that day.
It’s never too late . Props to you being so open minded , and willing to change your point of view . Wish more older peers would , but I understand it’s hard to heavily throw away what you have been taught to believe your whole life .
Amen he taught this 60 year old Irish boy a lesson…🙏
take a history class at your local community college its amazing how many people dont know history
Good to see you’re finally awake
I actually shed tears as you picked this apart. I have just always felt anger when I listen to this, but your reaction truly took it to another level. 🙏 I really appreciate what you do. Thank you for doing it.
Thank you for this video. I'm an English teacher, and showing your reaction to "Uncle Sam Goddamn" has SO helped my students to understand how to analyze poetry for allusion, symbolism, and more. Keep doing what you do, and again, THANK YOU!
‘Try and separate a man from his soul, You’ll only strengthen him and lose your own’ 🔥
Brother Ali is just another one of those criminally unheard of and underrated talents that too many people miss without question. At least we get to say we knew about it! Cheers fam!
Ah yes... dipping into the RhymeSayers crew... they've got many good artists on that label. Check out SaRoc! She's really good. Forever is an amazing song.
I second this. Hands down the dopest female in the game.
Yes!!!!!!! Sa-Roc and Eydea and Abilities
He already broke down some Aesop Rock! Check it out if you havent.
Highly second Sa-Roc, Atmosphere, check out Evidence - Throw It All Away (Prod. By Alchemist), Dilated Peoples - Show Me The Way ft. Aloe Blacc
@@defeater5497 couple of my favorite mcs
The Evidence too.
Ali has said that the little into is most definitely a homage to “Mississippi Goddamn”
Brother Ali is a rare gem. That song is amazing.
"Now stand yo ass up for that national anthem!" Damn. A whole god damned thing in one bar. Do "Dorian" by Brother Ali. Its an excellent story.
And this was written 14 years ago... the man was paying his dues and paying attention. Genius lyrically
Dude, you reacted the same way I did hearing this song for the first time. Brother Ali is so succinct, and clearly not in it for fame, wealth or clout. Seeing you react to this music brings my right back to when I first heard it all years ago. Ali and Rage were the precursors of my current stance and consciousness, and it my be of some solace for you to know that my caucasian American, conservative family, despite our obvious differences, tend to agree on all points related to this subject matter. So there is hope. Personally, I just can't wait to see what you react to next. Always down for more Rage.
All countries have blood on their hands .
@petegarrido5406 yes but few, especially in the modern day, have anywhere near as much blood as the US in the name of capitalism.
@@Chris_MarMarThey always try that weak ass argument.
@@samboy90 yep. And it’s a piss poor one too.
He has some other gems you should check out too
Self taught, walking away, faheem
Self Taught and Forest Whitaker by him are great
Facts
Self Taught is the first song I heard from him. Over time I think my personal favorite has landed on Picket Fence
Definitely need Immortal Technique - Civil War ft Killer Mike, Chuck D, and Brother Ali
I’ve never heard of Brother Ali, so thanks for the introduction.
ua-cam.com/video/1x-a9qsblpc/v-deo.html
Brother Ali has a catalog worth listening. Can't take that away is a great one for you to check out
Lotta people have been requesting "Civil War" for Immortal Technique, but Ali's verse is one of my favorites by him. Don't miss that one. His own albums are insightful, grown-up hip-hop. And he slays any guest spot. Gift of Gab's "Dreamin" or Abstract Rude's "Solution" are just two that come to mind.
The Undisputed Truth and All The Beauty In This Whole Life are my favorite albums hes put out so far.
I saw him two days after the 2016 election and his attitude of show up, care for each other and keep going when it feels impossible was like what any sermon should be. He’s a real legend.
@@gregsmith3452 Undisputed Truth is one of my favorite albums. I listen to it when I’m pissed off and need to get it out
brother Ali gives me goosebumps like no other rapper I’ve ever listened to. There’s something about his delivery is so raw and real. I love it
Brother Ali is the truth, dive in he’s special.
If only Brother Ali could have replaced Tom Macdonald
Too bad we're in the Idiocracy timeline
America is still savage and brutal
Finding your channel is so satisfying. I’ve been such big fans of aesop rock and Brother Ali and Sage Francis. Seeing someone who understands the lyrics and who does such a good breakdown is so cool!!
Yooo whoever suggested this is a G
Keep going with the "contraversial" music. Even if they're off a little bit on any specific point, we have to keep the conversation moving. Thats the way forward. People gotta talk about it.
I feel like the line-by-line is needed for songs like this and you do a great job of breaking it down. I've listened to this song a hundred times and never drew the Where the Wild Things Are parallel.
You listen to one Brother Ali song and won't be able to stop there!😎
I'm a year late, but I truly hope you went deeper into Ali - and really, a lot of the Rhymesayers crew will blow you away.
I came across this as a realfan of the song. It's so political, poetic and astute. As a Scotsman, I didn't expect Scotland to get a direct mention. Its interesting to see how events in history, however tragic can reverberate to modern society. Our largest city is Glasgow and references towards slavery are very prevalent here, in both architecture and street names. Jamaica Street, Virginia Street and Tobago street are a examples of a few amongst many. Glasgow is also a modern hub of rum production originally gleaned through slavery, knowledge and a trade in sugar.
One thing though, when pronouncing Kilmarnock, dont accentuate the 'nock'. The emphasis is on the 'mar' part. Scots tend to give kudos to people that can probounce difficult place names correctly. Great video.👊
And this is the song that really got in on the feds/TSA list as he’s spoke about and rapped about since.
Yo, Brother Ali came out swinging and never relented!
He also has a pretty epic 5 fingers of death.
I ain't scared of your five fingers!
Check out RhymeSayers in general:
- Atmosphere
- Eyedea
- Blue Print
- Sage Francis
- Aesop Rock
- Grieves
- Prof
Brother Ali is great, this is definitely one of my favorite hip-hop songs of all time. Even just the beat is hard af.
The beat is hard as F!!
Yeah that beat is insanely good
Dude brother ali tight rope is such a fire song. His 5 fingers of death on sway in the morning is dope
That 5 fingers is the truth.
Same for the Eyedea and Slug freestyle on the Wake Up Show from waaaay back. Eyedea was one the best freestyle rappers to ever get on the mic.
All of Ali's shit is fire 🔥🔥
I've been WAITING for this for 14 years. So slept on. One of my favorite jams
I have been listening to Brother Ali for a long time now. My Suggestion is to listen to the entire catalog in order of releases starting with champion. I feel there is no better example of an artist evolutionary time line. you can literally hear this man change through his music as time goes on.
Facts my favorite album never skip a song is US.
I bought Champion out the man's hand the first time I saw him live.
Facts. Own Light and Letter To My Countrymen are perfect examples.
Sensitive most recent too. "I feel like the Wrestler." My favorite rapper for 10 years.
Fun fact: Brother Ali is a legally blind albino. Also definitely check out US by Brother Ali, very beautiful instrument heavy song with a happy and uniting feel.
I’m a Boyd, explain this to me.😂.. haha .. love your videos!! Good stuff!
First time to your Channel and subscribed immediately. LOYD I like how you analyze bars instead of just listening passively and making facial expressions, which is what a majority of other reactors do.
My only joy left in life is watching people discover the things I like for the first time and comparing how they feel with my own humanity
Next Brother Ali reaction has to be Mourning in America!
omg someone reacted to this song. i can't believe this. finally
I really enjoy these lyrical breakdowns. This guys mind works so fast. I used to think I loved lyrics, but I can’t believe how much I’ve missed on songs I’ve been listening to for 2 decades
No, dont apologize for stopping too often. You have insight that i don't, I appreciate it.
My brother...if you like Uncle Sam Goddamn, you GOTTA react to Brother Ali - Mourning in America, and Immortal Technique - Rich Man's World! You won't be disappointed!
I ended up at your channel due to your Tim Minchen vids but this ... yeah ... I just have to send a mighty "Thanks" to you (and your subscribers) for exposing me to this song. As a 50 plus year old guy, I don't tend to branch out, enjoy or find interest in a lot of new music (I tend to stick to the stuff I am more familiar with now, sadly). And even though this is an older song/emprise, it is new to me. So again, I thank you all
I got to see Brother Ali live while he was touring with a live band, he performed with no backing tracks, it was awesome. He has plenty of skewering songs like this, and a few softer songs about his life.
I missed him at this tiny club near me and It’s one of my few real regrets
Heard this first time just a few days ago and been a fan ever since.
One of my favorite emcees!!!! His whole catalogue is fire!
Best analysis of this song. Greetings from Greece, my brother.
Im so happyto find someone reacting to the classics i considered HIP HOP growing up! Classics!
I still come back to this video for the reaction. It's one of the few reaction videos on UA-cam with legitimate insight of the reactor.
As soon as I saw the thumbnail I knew there were going to be a lot of shocked pauses. Brother Ali pulls no punches.
Also the beat is infectious. I could just vibe to that instrumental for hours.
You are smart, I like your reaction much more than others in the genre. Don’t feel bad about stopping to talk since what you say is interesting. We all know the song if we are watching this, so we want to see your point. Found you from the Aesop rock video
R.A. The Rugged Man ft. Brother Ali and Master Ace - Dangerous Three 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Dang I'm gonna look that up. Love Master Ace
YEESSSSS
This is an amazing breakdown. I had already listened to this song a ton of times, but you're breaking it down with the actual history of what happened. Brother Ali is a legend, he's an amazingly good person so it's always cool to see someone discover him for the first time.
A cat named Eyedea used to write some of Brother Alis freestyle verses. You should seriously check out some Eyedea. He was one of the GOATS of freestyle battle rappers. Brother Ali shouts out Eyedea (R.Eye.P) on Sways, 5 fingers of death.
The Eyedea and Slug freestyle on the old Wake Up show is still the best freestyle on YT!
I know this is a year old video. I think a more recent prof reaction video brought me to your channel and I’ve been a fan of brother Ali’s (and prof’s) work for a while. I’m sure you have heard lots more of Ali by now, but if not, a couple of other songs along this vein by him are: The travelers, tight rope, and letter from the government…
Brother Ali is amazing, so good and such a good suggestion. You're a good candidate to break it down and react too, just discovered your react vids but dig them already.
good shit. good context. love it man.
I'm surprised you havent heard of him - also, i love how wide ranged your knowledge is - lets go!
I learned so much from this, thank you
Forrest Whiteaker is my favorite Brother Ali tune... Not as conscious lyrically but it's fun and relatable
MN, representative. Seen him at target the other day 😂. Frfr
Brother Ali is amazing! Check out the song Own Light (What Hearts Are For). Song has a phenomenal message.
I'm from Minneapolis, so I've been a Brother Ali fan for a while, but thank you for such a thoughtful and illuminating analysis
So glad that this was introduced to you. More atmosphere and Ali reactions to come for sure
Yes, we need people reacting to these guys, 100%
It’s always fun seeing people find brother Ali years and years after his come up
Ya need to look into "The Orphanage " Aesop, Slug ,Blueprint EYEDEA... "Hold mine" ..a Rhymesayers elite
Even P.O.S. !!!
'Self Taught' and 'Forest Whittaker' are my 2 other favorite jams by Brother Ali. Worth a reaction for sure!
Additional fact, this album along with a few years of travel, speeches and meetings with people of interest leading up to this album caused Ali to be placed on America’s Watch list, No fly list as well as a potential home land terrorist title. Life was very hard on Ali for a few years as it impact touring, content making as well as impacts to day to day activity.
Also the lines about supporting a crack head is a layer deeper, on the surface he drive the point of the lines however it’s pointed deeper as America has a history as a drug supplier of the key component to make crack, funded the early crack outbreak and turned an eye to it early on as it was funding the government. So at its core thou America was the supplier they were also the addict.
Brother Ali is an incredible lyricist and human. Your face when he kicks off is so great.
I believe the "Cold Continent" is referring to Minnesota which is where Brother Ali grew up.
Interesting observation. I do think it's calling America the 'cold continent'.
Having lived in Minnesota, Baltimore and England... England is much more temperate due to ocean currents. It's not out of the realm of context to call America a "cold continent" because of being separated. Mind that London's temperatures are much closer to that of Baltimore than New York, in spite of being further north.
As the coast continues south it also curves west making any travel to a much warmer climate than London an even further distance to travel.
I'm not sure how many times he flips perspectives to tell the story but in this case I am pretty sure it's from the perspective of someone moving to America.
God Bless The Underground! ✊🏼
Its so nice to see rhymesayers artists get noticed and so respectfully :) Good lord by Brother Ali next would be dope !
Or even Breath by The grouch
You asked why “daddy” (Europe) would be proud of America. The French Revolution inspired the American revolution. The French were very proud of their child at that time.
The American Revolution happened first. Know your history, my dude.
It's specifically talking about imperialism because the lyric specifically references the Roman Empire, the first true empire to be from the European continent (most predecessor states within Europe were simply kingdoms and not empires, even the Macedonians of the Bronze Age, and the Macedonians of Alexander's time barely held onto their empire for 20 years), and from which many European monarchs throughout history tried to stake their claims to legitimacy on being the "true successor".
Love the way you break down the lyrics. Few ytrs do it.
He’s referring to white colonization of the America’s.
1492! Same narrative to this day. ✊🏽😎🇺🇸❤️🇵🇸
7:00 to 7:10 - A powerful verse made all the more potent by its *accuracy*. First time I heard that verse it literally stopped me in my tracks. Was walking across my backyard, ear goggles on, mind in the midst of yard work, when Brother Ali hit me with that 10-second dose of sonic-truth-bomb and made my legs say nahhh hold up we need a sec.
this jam is a perfect example of no time wasted or any fluff. Love Brother ali. He has some loving happy songs too. This one is a knife to the gut. All medicine no sugar coating. it's why I love him. So underrated. I put him up with the greats
Never heard this one before, damn man...spitting truth!
This is still one of my all time favorite songs.
You can pretty much listen to anyone at Rhymesayers, Mellow Music, Strange Music, they are all artists. Funny how everyone I listened to in the 90's and early 00's mostly ended up on 3 labels.
Been banging this song since I lived in China. Artist music knows no boundaries.
never listened to brother ali but i have known about him for an age, always heard good things, seems like i may have to listen to more brother ali
Check it, start at the beginning of his catalogue and don't look back. 9.9/10 times it's amazing.
The smartest reaction videos on UA-cam.
10 years ago I have stumbled upon this gem and firstly just like the vibe. When I've learned English enough this song lyrics surprised me. After MrLboyrd analysis it became even more brilliant in my eyes. He speaks the true, agreed.
This man has talked about knowing he's on an FBI list for the things he's said and the fact that he's travelled to the Middle East as he's a converted Muslim man. Absolute legend who always speaks the truth, and he walks the walk too.
He is a tool. Muslims who believe what he believe would kill him for not having the right skin and not being a true Muslim....he is like Dave’s sketch of the blond black guy who was a klans member(except in that skit they probably excepted him as one of them).
@@lastlime3792 You do realize that there are over 90 million European Muslims of Slavic, Albanian, Caucasian and Anatolian descent?
Amar Jamakovic what’s your point? You are a slave or a slave to Islam. In Africa they are killing those they deem as not true Muslims.
@@lastlime3792 Chechen Muslims are also European you don’t have any idea what you’re talking about bud arab Muslims also aided them fighting Russia at one point.
Daniel you missed my whole point, sorry you don’t understand and being up the irrelevancy of some Muslims being European🧦
Dude your analysis is some of the best I’ve seen on UA-cam . I break this shit down myself as a hip hop enthusiast , but you catch shit I don’t , or explain shit much better than I can. Props dude .
I love Reactions to this Song... it hit me really hard first time i listened to it... and im not even american
you should check out "the travelers" by him, its not that popular but sure deserves to be listened to like most of his songs ;)
btw thx for the german rap reactions, nice to see that there are no borders for music
Brother ali is super dope. I think you did great breaking this song down.