Us
by Brother Ali
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    Us sounds great, with Ali's sensitive, stentorian voice plowing through sleek jazz and blues loops from producer Ant. But the album ends up blandly heavy, weighed down with dark street dramas and lessons about how "the same color blood just pass through our veins."
  2. Sputnikmusic
    50
    As it stands, Us lies at a precarious crossroads of self-help preaching and black history compendium, succeeding at neither and exposing a serious disconnect between lyricist and producer.

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. ArthurS
    Dec 7, 2009
    10
    Amazing album. Ali makes lyrics that you really can relate to.
  2. AnthonyM
    Nov 10, 2009
    10
    This is hot. In all seriousness, I don't think there's a better rapper out there. There may be a couple who are just as good, but This is hot. In all seriousness, I don't think there's a better rapper out there. There may be a couple who are just as good, but no one is better.… Full Review »
  3. DaleW
    Oct 30, 2009
    8
    The vibe on "Us" tends to be slower and more mellow than previous releases, but this is the album Brother Ali needed to make: more mature, The vibe on "Us" tends to be slower and more mellow than previous releases, but this is the album Brother Ali needed to make: more mature, with less autobiographical songwriting. Half of the tracks are about himself, the other half are true, heart-wrenching stories from other's difficult lives. Great, intelligent songwriting and more excellent beats from Ant. I initially like each new Brother Ali LP less than the previous, but they grow on me and soon become my favorite. I'm sure it'll be the same with "Us".… Full Review »
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