★★★The sound emanating from this CD doesn’t seem to fit quite right with the cover art. Not that there’s an issue with it, but Brother Ali isn’t just a white boy, he’s an albino. Even still, his voice and the music he raps over is straight soul-inspired fire.
“Lookin’ At Me Sideways” is a perfect example of this mash-up of epic proportions. The sample sounds like something from Al Green and his flow is straight emotional honesty. Considering that his content matter is in line with themes prevalent in the rap world, the only odd part of the equation is the fact that the content addresses common issues within the black community, but is rapped by this Minnesota-based rapper.
Some may dismiss Ali as just another white dude acting black, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Ali, born Jason Newman, changed his name in his teens in keeping with his then newfound belief in Islam. On the album, he touches on the fact that many of his role models growing up were black men.
Look no further than the man himself to understand the dilemma he faces in doing the type of music he does. In “Lookin’ At Me Sideways” he raps: I have some of y’all concerned for my life. For what I’ve got the nerve to recite. (Rhymesayers Entertainment)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 10, 2007. Read the original PDF.