Brother Ali: "Us" [Album Review]

Gave this one a listen and I'd have to say it's one of the better releases I've heard all year. All the production is laced by Ali's label-mate and one half of hip hop group Atmosphere, Ant (maybe you've heard of him); and most of the lyrical content is based on the lives of himself and others. Lyricism is a bit above radio-level so if you are an exclusive fan of mainstream music I'd say don't waste your time.

Whether he's spitting about a child split between two parents over an erie guitar riff like on "Tight Rope", or about a man who resorts to stealing from his upstairs neighbors in the genius "House Keys", Brother Ali demonstrates mastery of storytelling beyond what I've seen most rappers out there do.

The production is nothing to sneeze at either. Just listen to the complex beats on songs like "Breakin' Dawn" or "The Travelers" and you can see Ant held nothing back. Every beat on this project is unique, interesting, and works well with the lyrical content, nothing to be mad about there.

My favorite part of this album though is tracks like "Round Here" and "Bad Mufucker Pt. 2" where Ali boasts some braggadocious lyrics and establishes himself as champion of the Midwest.

The only part of this album that might bring it's rating down a bit is it's replay value. I was initially excited to hear this project because it was new Brother Ali; but after playing it all the way through a couple times I realize that there's really no factor pulling me back into listening to this again. While a solid album both musically and lyrically, some could consider it a bit boring.

Rating:          

3x Dope