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From Brother Ali's full length album, "All The Beauty In This Whole Life" out now on Rhymesayers Entertainment: rse.lnk.to/AllTheBeauty
"This is another presentation made possible by community. We shot it in New Mexico at Dar Al Islam, a beautiful worship and healing center built mostly by American Muslims in the Adobe style prevalent in the Southwest. Spiritual and wisdom tradition holds that buildings should be designed in harmony with the natural beauty of the location, as well as the culture of the people in that area. Many of my elders built this place, and many of my friends grew up there.
One thing interesting about this location is that after the death of Tupac Shakur, the Dar Al Islam community opened its doors to film his “I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto" video there.
The dancers are Al Taw’am from Minneapolis. You may recognize them from the "Mourning In America” video, as well as their own international videos and news pieces. The twins are dear family friends and leaders in our cultural and spiritual community. Their movement speaks of their family legacy of dignified regality. I believe them to be royalty. They choreographed this incredible piece and brought the entire song and video to life.
The video was directed by Kron, whom we've worked with in the past. He and his crew did an incredible job and I'm deeply grateful.
Of course, Ant made the track with G Koop playing the instruments and deM atlaS added some additional operatic vocals at the end of the song. Special thanks to: Siddiq, Sidi Hakeem Archuletta, La'kisha Raeesah Holloman, Amir Sulaiman, and anyone else I'm forgetting.
Please enjoy."
- Brother Ali
Music produced by Ant
Video produced by MEOW WOLF (meowwolf.com)
Director: Kron
Producers: Ryan Thompson & Tristan Love
AD: Amy West
Dancers/Choreographers: Al Taw’am
DP: James Longmire
1st AC: Grant MacAllister
2nd AC: Royce Leii
B-Cam/Drone: Brian Solomon
Gaffer: Drew Stahelin
Key Grip: Josean Partida
Swing: Shantanu Saraga
ART Director: Chelsey Danielsen
SPFX: Scott Hastings
Set PA: Noah Trainor
UPM: Alexandra Renzo
BTS: Lindsey Kennedy
Edited by: James Love Kron
Colorist: Anton Esteban
Horse wrangler: Casidy Sanchez
Horse 1: YoYo
Horse 2: Joe
Special Thanks:
Leo Fields
Dar Islam Mosque
Albuquerque Fire Dept.
Brian Barnes
Rick Bressan
Tim Calahan
David Cudney
David Busse
Beautiful Sky Productions
12 FPS
CineMechanics
Amazing Animal Productions
Sid Yost
Bill Stengel
Seth Fuller
Bode’s
LYRICS:
I don’t know where to turn
I hit my head I guess I’ll never learn
But they tell me I should let it bleed let it sting let it burn
Get my head firm
My goodness good morning
You’re still an apprentice
Every generation of MC f**k with me so ill by consensus
You see what I speak you touch it and feel it all six of your senses
My mission is endless I’ve been in this ten and I’m still as relentless
Now build you a fence if you’re feeling defensive
My power comes from the Most High
Lord God of the globe sky
Soul vibration is so fly I can walk on water no lie
Champion author small fry rock of Gibraltar north side
Serving this culture might I confide that I’m here to assault you
I got some money in the bank that I did not have when I start
Got a little money up in my hand I do not have money in my heart
I’m standing on champion greatness
I can not claim it cause that’s the creator I stand up and state it
That’s not bragging it’s praying that’s what I’m saying
I don’t know where to turn
I hit my head I guess I’ll never learn
But they tell me I should let it bleed let it sting let it burn
Get my head firm
Ya Hafidh Ya Wadud
I was standing on stage when my hero died
feel the heartbeat of my people’s cries
Nation nineteen thirty three bowties
light of the deen gleaming in your eyes
Even when the tears flow down both side you know why you sacrificed your whole life
You can go ahead let your soul fly cause the whole tribe blood line flow through mine
Listen we love to fight cause we fight for love
the poor righteous sons where the diamonds from
Libraries are transcribing us
and our ancestors are more alive than us
put down everything you’re trying to clutch
an undying lust to see the climate just
baby we ride ‘til our time is up
that’s just The Divine in us
I don’t know where to turn
I hit my head I guess I’ll never learn
But they tell me I should let it bleed let it sting let it burn
Get my head firm