After sending shockwaves throughout the underground with last year’s masterful Shadows On The Sun, Brother Ali returns to defend his champion status on the mic. Expectations for Ali’s work may now be astronomically high, but the Champion EP proves that he’s still standing victorious in the ring of hip-hop with beatsmith Ant sitting in his corner. 

    As this mini-album begins with a reggae-flavored remix of “Champion (Remix)”, Ali’s braggadocio sounds even better the second time around. But battle-ready-raps are only an element of this well-balanced EP. The introspective “Love On Display” sees Ali reflecting on the state of his new audiences with enticing lines like: “Imagine what a trip it is rapping for little shits who think that DJing was created by Mr. Dibbs.” And on “Heads Down (You Haven’t Done That Yet)” Ali advises the fellas to slow things down in the bedroom and add a little variety for the ladies’ pleasure.

    Within the rest of this EP’s 39 minutes Brother Ali effectively contemplates the struggles of humanity (“Chain Link”), explains his seemingly angry demeanor (“Self Taught”) and keeps his reputation up (“Bad Ma Fucka”). As Ali continues to lyrically branch out, there doesn’t seem to be an end of new subject matter in site.

    Of the nine cuts here, the wobbly “Waheedah’s Hands” is the only relatively weak link. And on this musical outing, producer Ant played around with samples from a larger variety of instruments like the harmonica and electric guitar and Ali doesn’t seem to mind a bit. In the ring of hip-hop, Brother Ali and Ant are tough contenders and taking their title isn’t likely to happen anytime soon.