i love how the man incorporates his spiritual life into music. too many people are ashamed to even start talkin' about that shit. with people like Guru passing on, hip hop needs a new generation of dudes/ladies who are gonna keep challenging our minds to elevate.
Just started listening to Brother Ali's stuff recently. Shit... have I EVER been missing out. You can hear this beautiful bastard putting every ounce of his soul into every syllable. Damn. Gonna be bumpin' this and the rest of Rhymesayers for the foreseeable future.
+Grant Larson I wanted to like Grieves, he's in my wheelhouse and all. Just couldn't. It feels soul-less after Atmosphere, Tech, Brother Ali, Sage, Scroobius. He just just doesn't have that soul in his music.
+ariesghost good list there looked up the 2 i dont know cuz i like all the others and scroobius was pretty decen but i put in sage and got sage one, sage francis, sage the gemini, and greg sage. which one did you mean? its mostly between sage one and francis for my guess cuz i dont think you were putting in greg with that list cuz thats a band, gemini was not very good though it was a song talking about how i remember him and i dont so that wasnt very relatable. and then one and francis were actual decent rappers
Brother Ali makes me proud to be from Minnesota! I love his lyrics, The first song I heard was Forest Witiker. I was feeling down and my homie said to listen to it. Gave me a whole new outlook on life!
Shadows on the Sun & This album back to back were so damn consistently good. Even his early mixtape Rites Of Passage I had before he was on Rhymesayers was good. With 3 day journey on it. I watched Ali come up into the scene and every time Ive seen him live... he was great. Puts a ton of energy into his sets.
Garry Lisle Man I've been meeting so many people from other countries lately through a common bond of hip hop... and talking to them. It's amazing. The two Swedish people I talk to are awesome. Brother Ali puts on amazing shows and has downright amazing lyrics. If you ever want some recommendations hit me up. I listen to some Hip Hop from your side of the pond too. maybe we could toss some music back and forth. I love hearing new stuff.
Garry Lisle Will do Ill link you to something I just found I liked a lot that collabed with one of my favorite Canadian Rappers and a group from your way I never heard of but I like the track a lot for a recording and video shot in just one night
"You can either choose the heart or the fist; but you'll connect with me if ya path ever intersects with me..." Been listening to this song for years and that one line just hit me. Sometimes one bar just takes that long to sink in... Line is rugged.
check this out, Brother Ali was one of the artists interviewed in the book "H OW T O RA P - The Art and Science of the Hip-Hop MC" Really great read, he drops a ton of knowledge in that book and they also interviewed a load of other HipHop legends for it
love this song, it seems almost everyone thinks you have to go to a traditional school to learn and grow when this can not be farther from the truth. props to all the self taught jedi warriors expressing there individuality!
The truth of life has been revealed, we can finally know where we came from, who we are, and where were going. This is the truth the evidence suggests.
All that is now The only issue with this comment is that it is based on the Koran. There is still no proof that the Koran is the ultimate truth. If it is an interest of yours then you should also read "The Lost Book Of Enki." Either way the message he sends is clear for our future in all of his songs. Very powerful. The mentioning of his specific religious beliefs does cause him to loose followers however, which is a severe downside to his work. Amazing artist.
Either I grew up, or Hip-Hop wasn't what I thought it was---DON'T MATTER THOUGH!...Either way, thank God for change. I shall never be settled on one idea, vision or belief. Self-taught is the only route to greatness.
He's nice! "There's a thin line between hunger, and anger... I ride a uni-cycle through the middle." I loved this song from this point on. Just now heard of this guy. I love great hip hop!
Nuff respect to you Brother I truelly appreciate your music man it's a positive thing to see and hear. Just a big shame that mainstream hip hop fans don't listen more to artist like you. Big up to you for keeping it real.
It is off-kilter for damn sure. His rhythm and pitch is unconventional and even awkward at times, but he fucking nails it. It's his own way of doing things. He's self-taught.
I remember when this came out. Ali came to Chicago, Abbey Pub. Humble dude, signed an autograph for me. Great performer too. This dude came to Northwestern about 7 years ago as a nobody before Shadows of the Sun. Even then I knew this cat had something...he was freestyle battlin Eyedea on stage and spittin some ill stuff. I think right after that Rhymesayers picked him up. You can't really say anything negative about this dudes skills.
This is one of the songs that got me hooked on hip-hop. I was born during the golden era but never realized it until a couple years ago and to be honest with all those hip-hop greats out there I'll still come back to Brother Ali because he's one of the ones that introduced me to hip-hop.
who ever does not like this yo keep following the system blindly like the sheep you are. those who like this well self taught and congrates every day you have graduate that of life everyday.
The difference between the rhymesayers and eminem is every single one of the rhymesayers crew brings a strong real message of what's really going on and teaches people to be conscious and mindful instead off excepting things as there layed out. Eminem messages are distorted and he's playing a role. Yeah there all white but it has nothing to do with color because we are equal regardless of race religion financial situation but the people in the world need to OPEN THEIR EYES
As someone who grew up listening to em, man isn't just drugs and violence my guy. Especially later on in his career, he had some pretty good messages he was pushing. Plus, even early on he was a big supporter of free speech which is an admirable goal to defend.
All I needed was someone to believe in me.. And this song has shown me that all I need all anyone needs is to believe in yourself... Roll with the punches and take any opening visible.. Or invisible.. Forgive the rock on but rock on.. For a hip hip song.. One of many..
Shit, Brother Ali is legally blind and he named himself Brother Ali which is mu'fuckin DOPE! I got Muslim friends and they tell me dat Ali wuz a strong fighter who fought for freedom back in the 1400's. Man this rapper has mah UTMOST respect! :p
MrGladBEASTftw He is actually legally blind. He can see things up close but anything more than a few feet away and he can't make it out. "Blind in the eyes so I see you with my heart"
loco oh, i have a Muslim friend who is Shi'a (sorry if i misspelled) - he told me bout brother ali, and a bit about hassan and hussain. :) and ali. they were warriors who fought for justice, yet the bad people killed them. :(
brother ali and atmosphere are the best kept secrets in hip hop....but if either went mainstream, i don't think they would change...they would both keep makin feel good rap and dope lyrics
"Ever since day one...just me and where I'm coming from Rites of passage, and shadows on the sun My people I stand before you as a man with more true shit, than he knows what do with" And brother Ali still gets slept on... Talented story teller, with a good message, and lyrical prowess? What does an MC have to do to make it big? Sell out? Thank god MCs like Brother Ali, Immortal Technique, RA, and many more, are staying true to the craft. Real rap ain't dead...it just went underground. It had to do something to survive the nuclear blast of the " young thugs, designers, and all those " lil " mutha fuckers.... lil poop, lil zan - addict, that slow, slow row your boat, mutha fucker lil Down syndrome, I mean lil yachty
1. Payola. This is where record companies pay for airplay on commercial radio. This is illegal -but completely business-as-usual. It's a great example of white-collar crime. To bite Kool Moe Dee, "There's nothing on the radio that hasn't been paid for." 2. The First Amendment. Set on fire and burned to the ground. Brother Ali's speech threatens to UNDO the misinformation and disinformation propaganda the US government, US public education system, and the Establishment-owned mainstream media has so carefully and deeply embedded.
Uncle Sam Goddamn speaks truth to power. It was released as a single, putting Brother Ali and Rhymesayers on the Feds radar -so that by the time the full album was released and Ali was touring -the Feds froze Ali's and RSE's assets. It wasn't that the government actually believed they had probable cause or legal justification for doing so -they simply knew that they would be able to temporarily "turn off Ali's megaphone" so to speak, by temporarily bankrupting them by tying their assets up until it could be worked out in the courts. And even temporarily silencing him was good enough. Especially in the middle of an album release tour. Which is why they also imposed travel restrictions on Ali at the same time.
brother Ali is bad to the bone.... I met him along time ago and thought he was on the edge of being a superstar... he puts his heart into his music and that is rare these days..
U saved my Life My Freedom and helped me grow here in the USA 4 OUR People!!!! Solutions and Community Revolution working on building my formula. U Inspire me!!!!!!
its true that atmosphere, brother ali and slug arnt from seattle...but all of them deff have a west coast flow. seattle truly is the center of real, lyrical hip hop.
brother ali is hella under rated. hes deserves more of that atmosphere success. hope to see more of him in the spotlight in the future. mpls/st paul gettin put on the map from these cats.
"Be polite and respectful, but if a man puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery"-Malcolm X
Brother Ali's distinct voice and heartfelt spit rhymes are absolutely what makes me a fan of this good brotha A damn good MC to say the least.
too me
"there's a thin line between anger and hunger my man, and i ride a unicycle down the middle "
Zach Rodgers brutal love!
You might catch me, touch my feet down on both sides.
POETIC
i love how the man incorporates his spiritual life into music. too many people are ashamed to even start talkin' about that shit. with people like Guru passing on, hip hop needs a new generation of dudes/ladies who are gonna keep challenging our minds to elevate.
Just started listening to Brother Ali's stuff recently. Shit... have I EVER been missing out. You can hear this beautiful bastard putting every ounce of his soul into every syllable. Damn. Gonna be bumpin' this and the rest of Rhymesayers for the foreseeable future.
you need to check out 'light speed' by grieves
no you don't.
Yeah, wasn't that impressed with Grieves.
+Grant Larson I wanted to like Grieves, he's in my wheelhouse and all. Just couldn't. It feels soul-less after Atmosphere, Tech, Brother Ali, Sage, Scroobius. He just just doesn't have that soul in his music.
+ariesghost good list there looked up the 2 i dont know cuz i like all the others and scroobius was pretty decen but i put in sage and got sage one, sage francis, sage the gemini, and greg sage. which one did you mean? its mostly between sage one and francis for my guess cuz i dont think you were putting in greg with that list cuz thats a band, gemini was not very good though it was a song talking about how i remember him and i dont so that wasnt very relatable. and then one and francis were actual decent rappers
Brother Ali makes me proud to be from Minnesota! I love his lyrics, The first song I heard was Forest Witiker. I was feeling down and my homie said to listen to it. Gave me a whole new outlook on life!
about to be 2017 and Brother ali's message is more important then ever, still dope af.
2020 and god damn do we need more of this now than ever...
You mean 2020 😎
2021*
2022
My father is on his last mile here on this plane, and right now my wife, daughters, and Brother Ali are getting me through this difficult time.
MileHighRonin my condolences to you and yours.
Any way you look at it this shit is amazing.
+Dylan Lane definitely not shit
+Alex Nobert I think he was quoting the song
I know but still its not shit.
Azuleon wasn't Self-Taught..
2020 self taught brother ali
Been taught in everything but surviving and I'm learning the hard way, brother Ali helps me get throughtrought it
Yeah boooiiii!
2021
Anyone still listening in 2019? Still fire
duh
@@matts.4146 Now that's not nice
@@averagejoe9642 I clicked thumbs down on his comment for being mean.
This type of music will not age. It's eternal
2020 lock down but the spirit is up
This is the maddest beat I've ever heard
So glad to see hip hop is still alive
Shadows on the Sun & This album back to back were so damn consistently good. Even his early mixtape Rites Of Passage I had before he was on Rhymesayers was good. With 3 day journey on it. I watched Ali come up into the scene and every time Ive seen him live... he was great. Puts a ton of energy into his sets.
Jonathan Wright I'm from the uk.ive never heard of this man over the pond and only just discovered him. wow , just epic
Garry Lisle Man I've been meeting so many people from other countries lately through a common bond of hip hop... and talking to them. It's amazing. The two Swedish people I talk to are awesome. Brother Ali puts on amazing shows and has downright amazing lyrics. If you ever want some recommendations hit me up. I listen to some Hip Hop from your side of the pond too. maybe we could toss some music back and forth. I love hearing new stuff.
Jonathan Wright well if you not heard of Akala have a look. His first 'fire in the booth' in particular . also someone called devlin
Garry Lisle Will do Ill link you to something I just found I liked a lot that collabed with one of my favorite Canadian Rappers and a group from your way I never heard of but I like the track a lot for a recording and video shot in just one night
Been bumping this shit for like 4 years straight. Always been dope always will be.
"You can either choose the heart or the fist; but you'll connect with me if ya path ever intersects with me..."
Been listening to this song for years and that one line just hit me. Sometimes one bar just takes that long to sink in...
Line is rugged.
check this out, Brother Ali was one of the artists interviewed in the book "H OW T O RA P - The Art and Science of the Hip-Hop MC"
Really great read, he drops a ton of knowledge in that book and they also interviewed a load of other HipHop legends for it
just saw him last night in Santa Ana, my life's complete now.
you know you've done something special as an artist when you have a page full of positive comments on UA-cam, miracles do happen
love this song,
it seems almost everyone thinks you have to go to a traditional school to learn and grow when this can not be farther from the truth.
props to all the self taught jedi warriors expressing there individuality!
The truth of life has been revealed, we can finally know where we came from, who we are, and where were going. This is the truth the evidence suggests.
All that is now The only issue with this comment is that it is based on the Koran. There is still no proof that the Koran is the ultimate truth. If it is an interest of yours then you should also read "The Lost Book Of Enki." Either way the message he sends is clear for our future in all of his songs. Very powerful. The mentioning of his specific religious beliefs does cause him to loose followers however, which is a severe downside to his work. Amazing artist.
Chris Ellis I apologize Quran. Typo
Chris Ellis The Mahabharata is also interesting.
PS: Said that just 'cause I love month-to-month conversations xD
+Chris Ellis there are enough proofs for those who want to see
"There's a fine line between anger and hunger my friend"
The sample and the song itself is amazing. Props to Brother Ali and his undisputed rhymes. A Legend among us. Hip hop is still alive!❤️🙏
This man's voice, literally, phonically, meter, tempo, all the words I can't think of.... is Dope.
Either I grew up, or Hip-Hop wasn't what I thought it was---DON'T MATTER THOUGH!...Either way, thank God for change. I shall never be settled on one idea, vision or belief. Self-taught is the only route to greatness.
So much motivation in this song...
He's nice! "There's a thin line between hunger, and anger... I ride a uni-cycle through the middle." I loved this song from this point on. Just now heard of this guy. I love great hip hop!
True music like this needs to be recognized more. It needs to get out there like news papers.
Nuff respect to you Brother I truelly appreciate your music man it's a positive thing to see and hear. Just a big shame that mainstream hip hop fans don't listen more to artist like you.
Big up to you for keeping it real.
off key? this guy sticks to the beat like fucking glue
HoaxManTheOne off key is pitch rather than rhythm
+tomdabomb999 lol
couldn't put it better myself
Exchange 😅😅😅😅
It is off-kilter for damn sure. His rhythm and pitch is unconventional and even awkward at times, but he fucking nails it. It's his own way of doing things. He's self-taught.
I remember when this came out. Ali came to Chicago, Abbey Pub. Humble dude, signed an autograph for me. Great performer too. This dude came to Northwestern about 7 years ago as a nobody before Shadows of the Sun. Even then I knew this cat had something...he was freestyle battlin Eyedea on stage and spittin some ill stuff. I think right after that Rhymesayers picked him up. You can't really say anything negative about this dudes skills.
This is one of the songs that got me hooked on hip-hop. I was born during the golden era but never realized it until a couple years ago and to be honest with all those hip-hop greats out there I'll still come back to Brother Ali because he's one of the ones that introduced me to hip-hop.
That beat though, and those lyrics...
love this song still sounds better than the main stream music
Tru that
I saw Ali 08 with Atmosphere.OMG.Greatest hiphop show i ever seen and i seen some crazy hiphop shows.
Damn.
This is the kind of music all artists should strive to create. Raw and from the heart.
Just here to let people know this song will forever be relevant
this is what you call perfection, amazing, feelgood, flawless and impeccable flow and lyrics
It's songs like this that remind me that Hip-Hop is a direct evolution from the soul-filled Jazz.
This song is mad slept on with only a million views
Love this track. Keep pushing guys.
Ali is the truth. Anyone who doesn't realize this is not a true fan of REAL hip hop.
Brother Ali is a beast
who ever does not like this yo keep following the system blindly like the sheep you are. those who like this well self taught and congrates every day you have graduate that of life everyday.
HAHAHA SPEAK MORE SHIT
Respectttttt
Thank you respect to you to bra
2018 and still some of the best rap playing right now!
Rapidly becoming one of my favourite Americans.
Mr. Ali for prime minister.
Hey everybody should know that this man be spitting dat real shit
The difference between the rhymesayers and eminem is every single one of the rhymesayers crew brings a strong real message of what's really going on and teaches people to be conscious and mindful instead off excepting things as there layed out. Eminem messages are distorted and he's playing a role. Yeah there all white but it has nothing to do with color because we are equal regardless of race religion financial situation but the people in the world need to OPEN THEIR EYES
eminem is a god.... no comparison. Brother Ali and Rhymesayers are good but Em is.. well Em
As someone who grew up listening to em, man isn't just drugs and violence my guy. Especially later on in his career, he had some pretty good messages he was pushing. Plus, even early on he was a big supporter of free speech which is an admirable goal to defend.
All I needed was someone to believe in me.. And this song has shown me that all I need all anyone needs is to believe in yourself... Roll with the punches and take any opening visible.. Or invisible.. Forgive the rock on but rock on.. For a hip hip song.. One of many..
Because it hip it's now it's enthralling.
Ali + Ant = legendary hip-hop
Shit, Brother Ali is legally blind and he named himself Brother Ali which is mu'fuckin DOPE! I got Muslim friends and they tell me dat Ali wuz a strong fighter who fought for freedom back in the 1400's. Man this rapper has mah UTMOST respect! :p
MrGladBEASTftw He is actually legally blind. He can see things up close but anything more than a few feet away and he can't make it out. "Blind in the eyes so I see you with my heart"
U should search about the story of imam ali and imam al Hussain soooo inspiration stories , peace
loco oh, i have a Muslim friend who is Shi'a (sorry if i misspelled) - he told me bout brother ali, and a bit about hassan and hussain. :) and ali. they were warriors who fought for justice, yet the bad people killed them. :(
Brother Ali is that dude...
brother ali and atmosphere are the best kept secrets in hip hop....but if either went mainstream, i don't think they would change...they would both keep makin feel good rap and dope lyrics
Possibly... the single greatest track of all time...
Ali you ARE the truth homie
"Ever since day one...just me and where I'm coming from
Rites of passage, and shadows on the sun
My people I stand before you as a man with more true shit, than he knows what do with"
And brother Ali still gets slept on...
Talented story teller, with a good message, and lyrical prowess?
What does an MC have to do to make it big? Sell out? Thank god MCs like Brother Ali, Immortal Technique, RA, and many more, are staying true to the craft.
Real rap ain't dead...it just went underground. It had to do something to survive the nuclear blast of the " young thugs, designers, and all those " lil " mutha fuckers....
lil poop, lil zan - addict, that slow, slow row your boat, mutha fucker lil Down syndrome, I mean lil yachty
illest
Rocked 61 shows came home took a bus to the 62nd
This is Hip Hop straight from the Heart . great Beat great Lyrics just beautifull !
Greets from Germany !
why the fuck is this guy not more famous
Zenno Zangetsu ik right this guy should be the most famous rapper
It's not about fame.
1. Payola. This is where record companies pay for airplay on commercial radio. This is illegal -but completely business-as-usual. It's a great example of white-collar crime. To bite Kool Moe Dee, "There's nothing on the radio that hasn't been paid for."
2. The First Amendment. Set on fire and burned to the ground. Brother Ali's speech threatens to UNDO the misinformation and disinformation propaganda the US government, US public education system, and the Establishment-owned mainstream media has so carefully and deeply embedded.
Uncle Sam Goddamn speaks truth to power. It was released as a single, putting Brother Ali and Rhymesayers on the Feds radar -so that by the time the full album was released and Ali was touring -the Feds froze Ali's and RSE's assets. It wasn't that the government actually believed they had probable cause or legal justification for doing so -they simply knew that they would be able to temporarily "turn off Ali's megaphone" so to speak, by temporarily bankrupting them by tying their assets up until it could be worked out in the courts. And even temporarily silencing him was good enough. Especially in the middle of an album release tour. Which is why they also imposed travel restrictions on Ali at the same time.
Rhymesayers and their emails and other communications are still under surveillance by the FBI even today.
blind people pressed accidently the disslike buttton
Or did they press it because of the minute of silence after the fucking song? Jeez uploader, get your shit together...
They are dead too 😂
Yup
@@andrewoliver8196 I dislike your comment stupid behavior
Maybe my coordination made me bump my phone for a millisecond in the wrong place🤷♂️ I like this song
This dude is deep. This song makes me think on some deep philosophical shit. The blind man spits wisdom through his lyrics.
Thank you for sharing this. Brother Ali is probably one of the most positive and thought provoking rappers out. Amazing music.
yall who keep compareing ali to emeinem keep being sheeple!!! ;)
gay
lmao!!!..... I love it! I use the word 'sheeple' too! He's (Brother Ali) so positive is unreal.
Nicole Juneac, no one compares Eminem to Brother Ali. They are two different desserts. B-Ali is a pie and Em is a cake.
love this song but the snare kinda sucks
didnt notice until you ruined it for me
+WLG1 you ruined this song .. lol
Damn you!
Our environment (culture, family etc.) and state of mind is what explains good musical talent. Environment is fucking everything.
Thank you Ali i knew over10yrs ago you are the truth!
this guy is so underrated he should be heard hes WAY TOO GOOD compared to rappers nowadays, this is coming from a black man.
2021 and still bumping this. Some messages will forever need to be heard.
Man this dude is ahead of his time. Damn shame
One of my favorites. Thank God for Slug and Rhymesayers....
Damn now this what pure rap is all about, mad respect brother ali!
Damn I'm so glad I discovered Brother Ali....keep bumpin his shit 24/7
people like Brother Ali that keep Rap Breathing
brother Ali is bad to the bone.... I met him along time ago and thought he was on the edge of being a superstar... he puts his heart into his music and that is rare these days..
U saved my Life My Freedom and helped me grow here in the USA 4 OUR People!!!! Solutions and Community Revolution working on building my formula. U Inspire me!!!!!!
“theres a thin line between anger and hunger my man”🙏🏼💯
Brother Ali has some of the sickest beats of all time
This is still amazing. 2021 still listening.
Wooooooowwwwwwww. Period. I have no wordsxxxx.
its true that atmosphere, brother ali and slug arnt from seattle...but all of them deff have a west coast flow. seattle truly is the center of real, lyrical hip hop.
One of my go to tracks to get pumped up!!
brother ali is hella under rated. hes deserves more of that atmosphere success. hope to see more of him in the spotlight in the future. mpls/st paul gettin put on the map from these cats.
Respect...Takes a real man to say sorry....Peace Yall.
Jah Bless you all.
NX
HUGE TRACK>....goosebumps .........blood pumping... tears rolling!!
Bangin this With your head phones whipping it downtown. BOooom
my god....ive found someone that CAN put down atmosphere in a heartbeat
amen.
Good to see poeple see the light.
mainstream is dead for suuree dude. that's why I listen to underground and old school. and I agree! both of them are just insane!
+1..my fav brother ali track, peace from ATL
I know, you can't get much cooler than this guy.
Albino, white, adopted, blind guy from minnesota.
one of my most favorite ever!
Ali struck gold with this song
gotta love real tracks like this
This is one of the best beats Ive ever heard.
Brings back memories from 2009🙌
this beat is so AWSOME! Brother Alis text to, really heavy hip hop right here fellows!
this is hiphp, what is what meant to be. respect brother ali, wasalaaam!!!!!!
ALL THE WAY TO 2021! BLESS UP BROTHERS AND TRUTH SPEAKERS
This isn't rap. It's hip hop.
He is hands down the greatest rapper!!