I always have a hard time reviewing hip-hop records, because there’s so much to them. You have the beats, the words, and a lot of scribbling into the void, and hope for someone to hear. That’s where I find myself in trying to review “Shadows on the Sun”. I find myself scribbling and trying to figure out how to paint a picture with a confident prowess, and yet, I fail. Brother Ali is one of those artists who receives a lot of acclaim, yet many people haven’t heard of him or his work. This blog probably won’t change that, but at least it can shine light on “Shadows on the Sun”.
“Shadows on the Sun” is the second studio album from Brother Ali, and with it, he presents a wealth of lyrical elements that are urgent, important, and speak volumes to the artist. It’s not just another hip hop record, mind you; it’s got a lot of different samples, moments of bliss, and can be bass-heavy at times. There’s a certain bravado to it, mind you, as a lot of rappers, but there’s also a conscious focus at times, similar to that of Talib Kweli.
“Shadows on the Sun” features 18 songs of what can only be stated as conscious hip hop. Brother Ali presents a diverse range of perspectives on life, without being preachy, which makes the record all the more urgent and critical. It’s a standout hip-hop record with over an hour of music to keep you engaged.
Favorite tracks: “Room With a View”, “Champion”, “Win Some Lose Some”
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