Pure Positivity

Bodies decorated with tattoos and chains trying to put armor between you and pain. How many hip-hop artists can rip a Jake One beat, smash mics with Freeway, make Carson Daily a legit fan, and get Dr. Cornell West to close out a track? Brother Ali just dropped one hell of an uplifting album. While others whine about the country railing down the road to perdition, Brother Ali brings a sense of realism to the table. We are a country founded on the fundamentals of lifting oneself up by ones bootstraps, but what happens when those bootstraps are weathered? That's the premise of the album. What to do when you're bootstraps can't afford another tug... Lyrics: Brother Ali - Only Life I Know It's my life Yeah the only one that I'll ever know Feeling extra low Please let me go Oh... Lord... No... It's my life Yeah the only one that I'll ever know And it stress me so God bless my soul Oh... Lord... No... Whether it's the projects or tr...

There is certain element of charm and wit that is essential to seduction. Now Brother Ali is no Cyrano de Bergerac, but with this track he embodies the essence of being suave. Watching the video really showcases his abilities to transform into a modern day Don Draper. It's a great song to be released right around Valentines day. And the ending, ohh man, is that one hell of an outro. To finally coax this beauty only to walk away. For Ali , all that matters is flexing that very particular set of skills without even having to capitalize on it. Lyrics: Brother Ali Shine On ft. Nikki Jean I had seen you when the hosted seated you In a station of mine still I'm taking my time Made sure the homie got seized made up my mind Through a napkin over my sleeve straightened my tie Mind if I humble you through the fold of your menu Couture all up against you, oh lord How could I convince you I just met you And I'm instantly listening to yo...

I know I already wrote plenty of stuff about Brother Ali but this track deserves its own entry. When you think of sensitive subjects in the hip-hop community I would say homosexuality is definitely one of the most taboo topics. You have to give up for Brother Ali to tackle a topic that most politicians prefer to plead the 5 th on. The issue is so reminiscent of racial discrimination that it really reinforces the statement, “history repeats itself.” I know 50 years from now we will all look back at this very day and laugh about how ridiculous our views use to be. Without further ado let’s let the street preacher shed some light on this tender topic: (I posted all of the lyrics below, but the third verse is one I am referencing) Daddy was a preacher momma was a Sunday school teacher Big brother a football squad leader Now far be it for you to disappoint or displease them Your just being what you feel you see in That mirror every time you peer in Swallow the tears inside tha...