Brother Ali brings Minnesota to the Unprepared Gate

Scope's first show of the academic calender featured the minneapolis sensation, Brother Ali. As an MC Brother Ali mixes cutting witticism and clever pun, in a funk-filled delight cooked up by his all-star DJ, BK-One. Ali's appearance on the music scene in hamilton NY, took many of the automatons on this campus off guard. A white guy, who is in fact an albino, why do I want to hear him rap? Well fool, the man could lyrically scalp you and the other main-stream hip-hop, might I say RAP artists you listen to.

The show as a whole was a success. The opening act, the Swagged up Squad, featured their original dance moves and hard hitting beats. An entertainment for all, whether you slide and glide, or not. Following up the swagger, Fourte performed. The quartet featured the hypnotizing beats of G Spence, soulful sounds of Uzi, the Mayer-esque vocal stylings of Colin McLoughlin, and the tight flow of Ty. Although the set was not well lit (literally, no lights) Fourte managed to move the crowd and bring it to full bounce with their smash single, "Hit the Floor."

Brother Ali and DJ BK One, watched the openers from their merchandise table in the back corner of the Hop. Taking the stage, the Cold-gate audience was surprised by Ali's appearance. Many left the show not knowing the knowledge that they were about to miss. Ali's performance was nothing short of perfection. His unique flow and cadence enraptured the die-hard hip-hop heads that crashed the front of the stage. A much anticipated "Forest Whitiker" produced a chorus of outburst in the crowd, and "Take Me Home" was met with dance steps and vigor by the receptive audience. This school has much to learn, about recognizing truth, talent and not letting its cookie-cutter white-bread soul get in the way of developing a new and greater musical consciousness. I thank all the true supporters for making this show a success, and giving a king like Brother Ali the appropriate reception and applause he deserved.