Brother Ali at the Granada on Sunday night

The Rhymesayers artist has crafted a persona of tough-guy-with-a-soft-heart over the last decade, and his latest release, 2009’s Us, is another stroke that completes the portrait. It’s a collection of story yarns that focus on populist empathy rather than the rapper’s bruiser reputation. In fact, Brother Ali might be a little softer than usual on this appearance in town: no doubt the rapper is grieving the recent death of his labelmate and fellow Twin Cities talent, Eyedea.