Cover of Ali's The Truth is Here EP

Of the many details that differentiate Brother Ali from your average rapper, it is important to note that after delving deep into the painful dissolution of his emotionally abusive marriage on his 2007 album The Undisputed Truth, Ali wraps things up by telling his ex that he hopes she has a better life without him. Braggadocio concerning one's ability to love and forgive is a particularly Ali characteristic, but the man has never lacked for unique insights. Over the course of his decade-long career the Madison-born, Minneapolis-based Ali (who convertered to Islam several years ago) has tackled subjects ranging from depression, racial identity, America's war addiction, the aftermath of sexual abuse, life as a single father, and the need to stay strong through life's hardships. His flow is direct, but crafty, his tone veers from spleen-bursting to achingly empathetic. He's also capable of a sweetness that can turn unapologetically gooey. (When discussing life with his new wife and children, he claims they now have a house "like the Berenstain Bears.")

Ali, born Jason Newman, found a patron in indie-rap kingpins Atmosphere last decade, gaining an early fanbase on tours with them and releasing albums via their label Rhymesayers. And though the albums are strong, it's his stand-up-and-testify live shows that have proved him a force to be reckoned with, which should make him a welcome relief for anyone who begins to suffer a nostalgia overload at the admittedly awesome/absurd Rock The Bells festival this weekend. The festival will feature a variety of hip-hop legends performing classic albums in full, such as A Tribe Called Quest's Midnight Marauders, Wu-Tang Clan's Enter The 36 Chambers, Rakim' Paid In Full and Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle, as well as appearances from Clipse, Yelawolf, Murs and Wiz Khalifa. (According to reviews of previous performances, "special guest" Lauryn Hill has actually shown up to the first two dates on the tour as well, but it might be unwise to get one's hopes too high in this regard.) Sound Of The City caught up with Ali to discuss the art of the hip-hop show, stealing from KRS-One and teaching one's fans proper methods of interaction.