Grieves, Budo & Brother Ali: Interview, Review & Pictures

Posted on 14 May 2012
By Samantha Maine
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‘Swedish death metal – that’s what we do,’ announces Grieves. It’s a glorious sunny afternoon aboard Bristol’s Thekla and the 28-year-old hip-hop artist, along with producer Budo, is getting ready for his show with fellow Rhymesayers artist Brother Ali.

The journey to rap wasn’t one that was initially planned; ‘If you want to take it right back,’ he explains, ‘it probably all started when I got out of my punk phase and started listening to Eazy-E and N.W.A.’

To any music fan, the connection between punk and hip-hop is apparent, something which Grieves was all too familiar with ‘it was all a rebellious, f**k you music. And I liked that.’

His love of hip-hop continued to grow, with an adoration for Wu-Tang-Clan; ‘Wu-Tang changed me, I’d say. They were using words that I’d never even heard of before and the different patterns and beats were just murkier and darker and sh*ttier. They were definitely the ones that got me into MC-ing.’

At the end of his last tour in 2008, Grieves enlisted the help of friend and fellow musician Budo to co-produce their latest album ‘Together/Apart.’

‘We don’t really have a prescribed process when we write’ begins Budo, ‘Together/Apart was an album in particular that just came together in as many different ways as there are songs. Each one has its own little narrative as to how it happened.’

The two seem to be a match-made in heaven, as the album has been getting huge critical acclaim across the pond and around the globe. ‘[Budo] created this real feel and flare, which I think kind of sparked the record,’ adds Grieves.

The album is Grieves’ most poignant release to date, with stand-out tracks such as ‘Bloody Poetry’ and ‘Boogie Man’ already solidifying him as one of the most refreshing artists on offer today.

‘It was an emotionally trying time,’ Grieves describes, ‘it was at a point when our careers were blossoming but our time was dwindling – it can be frustrating. No one’s conditioned to deal with that, getting thrown in to it all so fast.’

‘Music became our olive branch,’ continues Bubo, ‘it was this comforting feeling because the only constant thing we had in our lives was music.’

Grieves is quick to explain that the guys were careful not to whine on the entire record; ‘you have to find out ways to harness that energy towards the things that are actually happening because of those other aspects.’

The pair open tonight’s sold out show with a bang. Although it’s an early start and the whole crowd are yet to arrive, Grieves instantly owns the stage.

‘Pack it Up’ is a poppier offering that gets everyone dutifully swaying along whilst Budo’s impressive multi-instrumental skills really shine on ‘Bloody Poetry.’

The stand out track of the set has to go to single ‘Lightspeed,’ with its slow jam style and honest lyricism.

The energy and connection the guys harness is something that can get lost amidst today’s music scene. It’s wholly refreshing and something that will continue to make sure that the audience remembers them.

The man of the hour Brother Ali takes to the stage around 8:30pm. As he bursts into his set, it’s clear that he’s not feeling his best this evening; ‘I gotta warn ya’ll, it’s not gonna sound so hot tonight,’ he begins, ‘my doctor told me I have to cancel my shows but I can’t do that to ya’ll.’ The crowd burst into a frenzy of support and Brother Ali soldiers on.

Playing songs from his new album ‘Mourning America and Dreaming in Color,’ the rapper’s heartfelt and passionate comment on today’s society couldn’t be more apparent. With each song comes a new lease of life from the audience who hang on every syllable.

As Ali delves even further into his personal lyricism, the crowd’s respectful silence signifies Brother Ali as a true wordsmith of today. A particularly special moment is Ali’s discussion of his father and home life – making the connection with the audience stronger than ever. There are no frills here; just real, honest music.

We’re also treated to classic tracks from previous albums ‘The Undisputed Truth,’ and ‘Us.’ ‘Take Me Home’ gets everyone in the party mood, whilst ‘Uncle Sam Goddamn’ has the audience echoing every word.

At times, Brother Ali has to cut the music purely because he doesn’t have the power in his voice to be heard above the beats, but this is by no means a hindrance – instead, it feels like a rare, intimate moment that could never be re-enacted.

The show finishes with a rip-roaring raucous of appreciation for Brother Ali even making it out this evening. It was obvious he was in pain but his dedication made the show more worthwhile than ever.

He – along with Grieves and Budo – finishes off the evening signing every vinyl, CD and sticker for every fan that asks. A true artist with the inspirational abilities of a leader; folks, Brother Ali is about to make history.

For more information visit www.rhymesayers.com

Live photography by Laura Palmer. Visit her portfolio at www.laurapalmerportfolio.com

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