Until now Brother Ali has represented the figurehead of family-compatible rap. There were tracks about splitting up, about doubts and just normal-life-stuff that didn’t hurt anyone. This time, however, things are a bit different, as even the cover illustrates heavy with meaning. Brother Ali has moved from the private to the general and the great whole. While »Work Everyday« is still somewhat harmless, »Mourning In America« finds much more direct and angry words about war and violence. Of course, the criticism is not new, but the way it is stated actually is. Because Brother Ali proves on his fourth record that he belongs to the highly underrated lyricists, even though his techniques are not all that diverse. Jake One has produced it all and has equipped his beats with quite some delicacy. In »Won More Hit«, there are numerous effects carrying the rhythm. »Won More Hit« is also very rhythmic, even though it’s lacking actual killer-sounds. In contrast, »Mourning In America And Dreaming In Color« is delivering a thoroughly serious and contemplative atmosphere. The reason why all these songs still don’t appear to be extremely stiff is due to tracks like »Stop The Press«. A few wind players are accompanied by a lovely melody that lifts the whole thing off the ground. Shortly afterward, »Gather Round« puts forward a sparse guitar and an edgy beat. Brother Ali demonstrates his feel for variety without giving up himself. But who would have actually doubted him, anyway? Many lines and ideas from this album stick to you, because Ali’s points are still important enough to stick. And they’re definitely worth a think or two.
Makaya McCraven
Off The Record
XL Recordings