March 13^th, 2008 @ TROUBADOUR, West Hollywood, CA

Hip Hop artist and master of lyrics BROTHER ALI, is the best storyteller not to be on a major record label. And maybe that’s why he’s so good at what he does. He resides on the indie label Rhyme Sayers and he proudly admits, thru his lyrics, that is why he has grown, positively, as an artist. Although he hasn’t achieved massive commercial success like a Jay-Z or Kanye West, he’s able to control all of his work and shape his musical destiny by staying independent and free of the corporate bull*hit that most ‘big’ record companies forcefully lay on musicians. And I would argue he’s better than any of the commercial rappers on the radio today. Yes! I’m for real

I stumbled, literally, upon the music of Brother Ali late in ’07 at the UCLA radio station while on the air during my own show (JokerPace Radio Hour). His current CD, The Truth is Here, was nestled comfortably on the top row of our New Music File and I randomly picked it up to look at the cover and read the review and because our music department at the station does such a great detailed job of explaining what’s on each and every CD, I was compelled to throw it on and I immediately fell in love with his production and lyrical content. Tracks like Pedigree, Daylight, Freedom ain’t Free off the Truth is Here CD and his 2003 release Shadows on the Sun (I bought this at the concert and I’ve been playing it non-stop) also has a plethora of content bangers like Room with a View, Champion, Shadows on the Sun and Picket Fence to name a few. His producers are sharp, original and timely, they compliment Ali’s voice flow well and with Ali’s ability to write with a beginning, middle and end the music sounds like you’re hearing it for the very first time no matter how many times you listen to the tracks

Now I know I’ve talked about everything but the concert up to this point but I had to give u some background on this artist before I went into this show. That’s how thoroughly impressed I am. He’s a spiritual guy and seemingly a good guy at heart; it’s all spelled out in his music. And I would be remised if I didn’t mention his unique physicality. He’s an Albino! I’ve seen and met just a few albinos in my lifetime so it’s quite the experience to see one up close, especially when that person is on stage rocking a crowd. After listening to his CD for months I expected nothing but a good-solid show from Ali and that’s what he gave. It wasn’t heavily over-produced or littered with elaborate props and distractions but it was just good enough to keep you pleased visually while focusing on what Ali does best, delivering his stories to the masses abroad. The audience was hanging on his every word as he smoothly transitioned from songs off both of his full length releases and a EP he put out in 2005. Brother Ali is a heavy-set guy who dresses in casual hip gear and on occasion will bust a dance move when motivated. He’s not shy and u can tell he’s very confident in his act and material. He’s no neophyte; he’s been in the ‘game’ for some time now and you can tell by his stage presence. Most of the crowd in attendance was more aware of his earlier work and career as proof of their excitement once they heard just a few chords off the beginning of each song. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying myself; I highly recommend you check this Brother Ali out when he’s in your time. As his album title suggest, The Truth is Here! www.myspace.com/BrotherAli

-DJ JokerPace