Us
, the third album by albino American rapper Brother Ali, is made up of some of the best and most intriguing hip-hop to come out this year. Especially in the mid-section of the album where
there's a clutch of experimental yet catchy tracks like the thudding, chain-gang hip-hop of
Breakin Dawn
, the Eminem-style
Tight Rope
, and
The Traveler's
unnerving xylophone backing track makes Ali's rap about slavery and bloodlines even more eerie.
Then there's the low-key Earth Wind and Fire lope of
Fresh Air
, where he tells us with pride and a hint of glee about his kids, his travels, and his mortgage ("I love the life I live"). There's no posturing, just a genuine feeling of "I've made it" and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
Much of the album is made up of heavy material, dealing with everything from the effects of rape (on the unsettling yet ultimately optimistic
Babygirl
), racism and drugs, but he has a compassionate and heartfelt touch that means he's not preachy or condescending.
Not that he and his many guests, including Public Enemy's Chuck D on opening track
Brothers and Sisters,
don't spit their words with venom and feeling. But the vocals never compromise the diverse beats and sonic range of the music which combines everything from smokin' 70s funk to head-nodding reggae skanks.
On
Us
, Brother Ali manages to conjure up a feelgood vibe while remaining resolute and true.
Scott Kara
