Brother Ali

Brother Ali

Brother Ali stands with struggling homeowners in “Work Everyday” video

Brother Ali: Mourning in America and Dreaming in ColorBrother Ali: Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color (Rhymesayers, 9/18/12)

Hip-hop artist/activist Brother Ali has worked with Occupy Homes Minnesota to try and stop foreclosures in the state, at one point even taken into custody for civil disobedience. Now the movement has debuted a video for his track “Work Everyday,” a heartfelt solidarity anthem for those on the street dealing with the consequences of the financial collapse. Featuring cameos by P.O.S, Jackson Browne, Tom Morello, and more, the video is a real-life montage of those on the domestic frontlines.

ALARM's 50 Favorite Songs of 2012

ALARM’s 50 (+5) Favorite Songs of 2012

Last month ALARM presented its 50 favorite albums of 2012, an eclectic, rock-heavy selection of discs that were in steady rotation in our downtown-Chicago premises. Now, to give some love to tunes that were left out, we have our 50 (+5) favorite songs of last year — singles, B-sides, EP standouts, soundtrack cuts, and more.

Brother Ali

Review: Brother Ali’s Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color

Brother Ali: Mourning in America and Dreaming in ColorBrother Ali: Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color (Rhymesayers, 9/18/12)

Using his music as a platform is nothing new for Minnesota MC Brother Ali, whose soulful brand of hip hop has ranged from the outspoken “Uncle Sam Goddamn” to the positive “Fresh Air.” However, since recording Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color — another politically minded album — Ali has gone a step further, getting involved in the Occupy Homes movement of Minnesota, working to prevent wrongful foreclosures.

Poster Art: Garrett Karol’s tactile style

Texture and muted color schemes create the gritty but expensive feel of Garrett Karol’s work. “I really like to print on cream paper and off-white paper too,” the Missouri-based designer says. “It looks nice.”

Whether intentional or not, Karol’s use of subdued color palettes paired with dark overlays has become his brand and can largely be attributed to his success.