By Rory Flynn, Jayplay writer
Brother Ali is one of the most lyrically powerful emcees in hip-hip music today. His aggressive nature and articulate writing show strong in both his albums and as well as in his live performances. Greatly influenced by the forefathers of hip-hop as well as classic, golden-age soul music, Brother Ali is a template for hip-hop artists through his real and often brutally honest lyricism. A converted Muslim, he emerged onto the scene from Minneapolis, Minn. In the midst of a major tour, he took the time to talk with me about hip-hop, the Midwest and Islamic religion.
RF: Who were some of your greatest influences musically and spiritually that made you the artist and person you are today?
BA: For hip-hop there were KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Melle Mel, Slick Rick among others. I was also greatly influence by soul music like Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway.
RF: When did you first start rapping and writing lyrics and what was the scene like in Minneapolis at the time?
BA: It was around '84 and '85 through break dancing that I first started rapping. There was really no clear point but more of a progression. I was really first inspired by Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel. I started writing lyrics in '89 and '90 and I recorded my first song in 1990. It wasn't until '93 I moved to Minneapolis from Michigan. There were a lot more DJs than emcees at the time in Minneapolis.
RF: Can you explain the significance of the metaphron in the title of your album Shadows on the Sun.
BA: It comes from my thinking that humans are very powerful and excellent. And that under the worst of circumstances you can see true people. It's like when humans are stripped down to the raw you can see the true essence of humanity.I feel that humans are most different from each other when they have all of these luxuries in today's society.
RF: Was working with Ant (producer for hip-hop group Atmosphere) on Shadows on the Sun a perfect fit for you and had you worked with him previously?
BA: I had worked with him a little before Shadows on the Sun. I initially planed on having Ant produce a third of the album, doing a third of the production myself and having another producer work on the other third. But when we got together it was perfect. I have had him produce everything I have released since.
RF: When did you first convert to the Islamic religion and what attracted you to the religion?
BA: I first became Muslim in '92 or '93. I liked how the Koran was not exclusive. It is one of three books written for everyone.
RF: Do you draw inspiration for your music from the Islamic religion?
BA: Not intentionally, at least not anymore. I released my album Rights of Passage with an attitude of that I would seek approval from fellow Muslims. However, in retrospect, it made the music kind of awkward and self-righteous.
RF: Do you ever have time to check out live shows for yourself whenever you are not busy touring or making music? Who have you been impressed by?
BA: I recently saw Common and he was incredible. I always try to catch the Roots. Erykah Badu, Public Enemy, Toki Write. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Slick Rick in Minneapolis, which was amazing.
RF: What music have you been diggin' on recently?
BA: There is this new release from I Self Devine called Self Destruction. I have been listening to Little Brother, Jill Scott, anything from MF Doom. And I also feel obligated to say this but I say it in all sincerity, the new Atmosphere album is amazing.
Brother Ali is performing at the Granada on Friday, Nov.
11 with Blueprint and P.O.S on the Pour Me Another Tour.
The show starts at 9 p.m., and tickets are $15.