Brother Ali – It Ain’t Easy [Video]

This footage was shot by Amal Flower Kay on the first leg of our Own Light Tour with Sa-Roc, Last Word and Sol Messiah. It’s show footage, meet & greets with fans and backstage moments that Amal and I put together to give a glimpse into the incredible love and beauty we experience on the road connecting with fans, friends and family. The song is “It Ain’t Easy” from our new album “All The Beauty in This Whole Life”, produced entirely by Ant. Shout out to all of the beautiful people who came out to show your love and support. There were a lot of folks we weren’t able to include in this cut, but you’re in our hearts and memories for life. Special thanks to Ant, Dr. Umar Faruq Abd Allah, The Reminders, Musab, Fashawn, Jasiri X, Paradis Gray, Sway, Azhar Usman, Imam Talib Abdur Rasheed, Dr. Rami Nashashibi, Student Minister Abel Muhammad, Paul Wichmann, Imam Khalil Abdullah, Deja Camacho, Alex Robinson, Jay Bird, Adam Strohl, Siddiq, Tiffany Jones, deM atlaS, Iman & Khadijah (Al Taw’am), Slug, Talia Schlanger, Savera Iftikhar, Ismail Ibrahim, Sadia Nawab.

Read more

Brother Ali – All The Beauty In This Whole Life [Album Stream]

Over the past 17 years, Brother Ali has earned wide critical acclaim for his deeply personal, socially conscious, and inspiring brand of hip-hop. Under Rhymesayers Entertainment, he’s unleashed a series of lauded projects, establishing himself as one of the most respected independent voices in music. The latest chapter in that celebrated journey is All the Beauty in This Whole Life, a 15-track collection produced entirely by Atmosphere’s Anthony “Ant” Davis. “This entire album is based on the reality that beauty is the splendor of truth” says the Minneapolis MC. “Beauty in all of its forms is the outward manifestation of love and virtue. It soothes the soul and pulls it gently toward the truth it communicates. Every word and note of this album is intended to either reflect beauty, or expose the ugliness that blocks us from living lives of meaning.” All the Beauty in This Whole Life is Ali’s first official release in five years and represents the newest and most refined chapter of his life’s journey. “Each of my albums are the result of the pain, growth and eventual healing that I experience. Articulating the pain and navigating the healing allows the people who really feel my music to travel with me. It’s not only that we hurt together, we heal together as well.” Contrasting intensely heavy moments with joyous and grateful ones, All the Beauty in This Whole Life arrives right on time, to help heal a divided nation through the power of music. Ali wouldn’t have

Read more

Brother Ali – Never Learn [Video]

“This is another presentation made possible by community. We shot it in New Mexico at Dar Al Islam, a beautiful worship and healing center built mostly by American Muslims in the Adobe style prevalent in the Southwest. Spiritual and wisdom tradition holds that buildings should be designed in harmony with the natural beauty of the location, as well as the culture of the people in that area. Many of my elders built this place, and many of my friends grew up there. One thing interesting about this location is that after the death of Tupac Shakur, the Dar Al Islam community opened its doors to film his “I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto” video there. The dancers are Al Taw’am from Minneapolis. You may recognize them from the “Mourning In America” video, as well as their own international videos and news pieces. The twins are dear family friends and leaders in our cultural and spiritual community. Their movement speaks of their family legacy of dignified regality. I believe them to be royalty. They choreographed this incredible piece and brought the entire song and video to life. The video was directed by Kron, whom we’ve worked with in the past. He and his crew did an incredible job and I’m deeply grateful. Of course, Ant made the track with G Koop playing the instruments and deM atlaS added some additional operatic vocals at the end of the song. Special thanks to: Siddiq, Sidi Hakeem Archuletta, La’kisha Raeesah Holloman, Amir Sulaiman,

Read more

Brother Ali Speaks Truth + Spits Live In Sway In The Morning Concert Series [Video]

Get a dose of truth this morning with our special guest, Brother Ali. From being a muslim in the United States, being harassed and detained at airports, to being blessed with the ability of perform in Iran (when rap is illegal), Brother Ali enlightens us with his knowledge, passion and perseverance. While in-studio, Ali breaks down some of his lyrics and performs a new record off his upcoming album, All the Beauty in this Whole Life, due May 5th.

Read more

Brother Ali – Own Light (What Hearts Are For) [Audio]

Brother Ali drops off “Own Light (What Hearts Are For)”, the latest single from his upcoming LP “”All The Beauty In This Whole Life”. Says Ali: ‘I’m honored to present “Own Light”, the theme song of my new album “All The Beauty In This Whole Life”. Healthy hearts house the light that animates all that we are, and everything we do. The light in our hearts is what allows us to hear, heal and be whole. No matter how they repackage their dreary fearfulness, they’ll never plant that flag over here. I’m using my heart for, what hearts are for. Song produced by ANT.’ Listen below.

Read more