“You don’t need to get me lit/I got my own light” Brother Ali raps on the chorus for “Own Light (What Hearts Are For).” Taken out of context the line can sound like a church hymn, aping on “this little light of mine.” For those familiar with Ali’s brand of positive hip-hop, the sentiment is a familiar one, straddling the border of societal, political, and spiritual commentary. As he says “you’re not using your heart for what hearts are for,” its just as much a commentary on his regularly listeners as it is for the lawmakers in Washington.
“Own Light (What Hearts Are For)” is the lead single from Brother Ali’s upcoming album All the Beauty in This Whole Life, due out on May 5 via Rhymesayers Entertainment.