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Liberator 6.2
Brother Ali
The Undisputed Truth
(Rhymesayers)

On his debut, full-length album, 2003's "Shadows on the Sun," Brother Ali unleashed a fury of metaphors, showcasing his lyrical prowess as a battle-tested outsider. With his follow-up, "The Undisputed Truth," the lyrical-battle champion Brother Ali returns with more focus and armed with intensity. Among Hip-Hop's most righteous MC's, he remains committed to the art form in an almost romantic way. With command of the mic comparable to KRS-One, a powerful delivery and well thought out concepts, he brings freshness to the game with respect to the forefathers. Ali's forcefulness can be preachy, combative and assertive without being pretentious. His clever use of old school b-boy cadences, references to his religion Islam, online backpackers, family and the struggle with and embracing of being different should set him apart. The sonic boom-bap of producer Ant's (Atmosphere/Murs) crate-digging soul samples, warm kicks and sharp snares bring warmth to the hard as nails delivery of Ali. The album opens with the powerful "Whatcha'Got" where Ali draws inspiration from early Run DMC with guitar breaks, with scratching as the beat flips as Ali declares "Talk to me when you've done something/other than swinging back and fourth from hating' and nut hugging." "Lookin' At Me Sideways" addresses the messageboard taunts, while "Truth Is" is a reggae-fueled joint demanding more accountability. The boastful "Pedigree" confirms his status a serious contender. The political "Letter From The Government" is a soulful protest against the draft inspired by Public Enemy's "Black Steel in The Hour of Chaos." There's a vulnerability to Ali as shown on the emotional divorce ballad "Walkin' Away" and the letter to his son "Faheem." Brother Ali has the skills. His insightful narratives, commanding delivery should propel him to a whole 'notha level. The "Undisputed Truth" is refreshingly nostalgic yet contemporary in relevancy.
(Jon Jon Scott)