Brother Ali

Brother Ali has built a reputation as a commanding MC, both in the studio with Ant (of Atmosphere) and live (with DJ BK One), providing beats that float like a butterfly as Ali’s tongue-lashings sting like a … you know. And (sigh) yes, the guy is an albino. But skin pigmentation is about all he lacks. Released by Atmosphere’s Rhymesayers Entertainment, Ali’s 2003 debut, Shadows on the Sun, and recent Champion EP have received critical acclaim for tracks that brim with witty flows and old-school sensibilities. And despite his ability to battle on the mike, this self-proclaimed cross between John Gotti and Mahatma Gandhi has an uncompromising knack for storytelling, flirting with social issues and philosophy without breaking the mood. Expect enough ego to make the former Cassius Clay look like Clay Aiken.