I am a 35 year old father of a 17 year old young man…and i KNOW that there are not enough words or examples to express how a true man wants his son to reach his full potential…especially when his father came from less than he wants for his seed. When you are still finding yourself while raising a boy, every step is crucial. Besides the witty word play, the whole message was so DOPE. I am stationed in Japan, and this is the first time being away from my boy in 17 years…besides the fact that me & his mother split when he was 2. The line that really got me was “I watch you and wonder if i was ever like you”. Funny how someone you’ve never met puts your thoughts into perfect form. Blessings to you for “Faheem”…i havent FELT any music in a minute, but DAMN, that took my breath. Classic.
“Us”
In Stores September 22nd, 2009
Preorder at Fifth Element
Brother Ali's last album, the critically acclaimed, The Undisputed Truth, was a landmark in hip-hop, an album that carried weight equally with critics and fans alike, an album of bold statements and bolder beats, politically and socially aware without being preachy. His new album, Us (Rhymesayers Entertainment), is a progression that will make Brother Ali one of the most enduring figures in hip-hop; while still aware, Ali has turned his gaze inward, and started examining the human condition from the outside in. A profound personal glimpse into a vulnerability seldom seen or heard in music, Us touches on the strengths and flaws of the human condition, exploring drug abuse, divorce, homophobia and many more topics that most people are scared to touch in their own lives, much less on an album for the world to see.
As with previous endeavors, the beats here are courtesy of Ant, whose production work seems to be getting more soulful and lush by the minute. The guest appearances only accentuate Brother Ali's strengths, with Chuck D, Freeway, Joell Ortiz and Stokley Williams of Mint Condition making strong appearances.