Brother Ali @ The Knitting Factory, 4/15/10 - NYC

Perhaps the worst kept secret around these parts is my love for Brother Ali. I've posted about him countless times, extolling his rap abilities and down to earth lyrics. His show at the House of Blues last year was one of our 12 Best Boston Concerts of 2009. I even got a chance to interview him last year - he is articulate, intelligent, and just a remarkable dude.

On Thursday night I got the chance to see him in concert for the second time, and I was once again blown away. The man, more than any other rapper I have seen play live, knows how to work a crowd. His fans are knowledgable and faithful, singing and rapping along with songs from both his latest album and his earliest releases.

As usual, "Forest Whitaker" was a highlight. Additionally, though, Ali played some of my all-time favorites - "Room With A View," "Blah Blah Blah," and "Good Lord" spring to mind. It was a baller show with a baller crowd.

The night finished off with an awesome finish - Brother Ali and Immortal Technique came out for a freestyle encore (joined by hilariously large Poison Pen). The two masters killed the beat, Poison Pen killed some time, and Brother Ali killed the night.

Here are some deeper cuts and goodies for the Brother Ali fan inside us all.

Brother Ali - Little Rodney (YSI) (filesavr)

The Hood Internet - BNGN MY SHIT (Brother Ali vs. Flying Lotus) (YSI) (filesavr)

BK-One - Here I Am (f. Phonte, Brother Ali & The Grouch) (YSI) (filesavr)