The Wake

Brother Ali made a stop at Coffman’s Whole Music Club last night as part of the Making Music Series, a monthly event where artists come to discuss their craft in front of a live audience. Ali talked at great length about his process of writing and recording music, his connections with Atmosphere and Rhymesayers, his childhood and early influences, his belief in Islam, and his views on the racial politics of hip-hop culture. Host JG Everest (of Lateduster fame) sat down with the man, but wound up not saying too much, as the rapper began to dominate conversation and go off on many lengthy points at once. The talk went past its scheduled time (I was saddened at having to leave before it was over), and it seemed like Brother Ali could’ve talked your ear off for hours on end. He had a lot of incredibly interesting things perspectives on music and life, and I would’ve loved if the conversation could’ve continued indefinitely.

Brother Ali talked about his early years, showing pictures he was clearly embarrassed to make public of when he was a rap-obsessed 8 year old, spitting Whodini songs at talent shows and putting on concerts wherever he could, from the playground at recess to his grandmother’s funeral. He talked openly about the struggle of looking different from his peers and how he had to face not being like everyone else. The picture he showed of his younger self, bloodied and beaten at school by a group of white kids, wearing his “Increase the Peace” t-shirt, showcased the harsh realities of the young rappers life. This incident inspired the song “Win Some, Lose Some” off 2003’s Shadows On The Sun, and it was quieting to see an actual photograph of this traumatic experience.

It was clear Ali had a lot to talk about (his tour with Rakim and Ghostface Killah was barely mentioned, same goes for his European tour with Atmosphere), and there wasn’t enough time for him to get out everything he wanted to. What he did touch on seemed to be of the greatest import to him, the elements of his life that shaped his music the most. Ali talked at great length about his views on race as it related to his own life and work, and what it means in hip-hop culture and society in general. His perspectives on race are some of the most interesting I’ve heard from anyone. Apparently, Ali’s agent keeps suggesting he write a book on the topic, which I think would be quite thought-provoking, and it’s clear the man has a lot to say on the subject. Ali went on to talk about his faith in Islam, changing his name, and moving away from the Christian ideology he was born into. JG Everest barely asked Brother Ali a single question, as Ali poured his heart out about subjects that were clearly very important for him. On stage, the man is a force to be reckoned with; in conversation, the man carries the same power just speaking his mind. This Making Music went beyond the “What was the first album you bought” realm and ventured into territory that was more deep and rich than one would expect from any interview. Brother Ali’s music comes from deep introspection and baring of the rapper’s soul, and in talking so intimately about his life last night, we got an excellent sense of who Brother Ali is and why he writes the way he does. This was one of the most amazing interviews I’ve ever seen.

The Whole’s Making Music series is a monthly event that interviews local artists about their craft and inspirations. Visit the Whole’s website for future events in the series. Each interview is taped (previous interviews, including Andrew Bird, P.O.S., Slug, and Alan Sparhawk, can be seen at the Whole Music Club’s Youtube channel), and last night’s should be up soon. Check back to this post for the video of last night’s interview when it is released.