Brother Ali’s latest album, Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color, released just under a week ago through Rhymesayers. Split into two halves, the first half of the album, Mourning in America, focuses on some of the social ills occurring in America. Ali wastes no time easing into these issues, opening the album’s introductory song, “Letter To My Countrymen”, with the words: “I used to think I hated this place/ Couldn’t wait to tell the President straight to his face.” Ali then rounds out the rest of the Mourning side with such notable songs as “Stop The Press”, “Mourning in America”, and “Work Everyday”. The album transitions into the second half, Dreaming in Color, with the song “Fajr”, with notable Dreaming in Color tracks including “Namesake”, “My Beloved”, and “Singing This Song”. On Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color, Brother Ali sounds as polished and passionate as ever, attacking tough subjects while simultaneously weaving intricate rhyme schemes. Jake One’s production throughout the album is excellent, finding the perfect moods and nuances for Ali’s topics. The result is an absolutely solid, thoroughly complete album, finding the right balance between addressing social issues while also providing hope for the future. Stream Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color in its entirety below.
