ALI is a seven-member, multinational, hip hop/funk band that formed back in 2016 in Tokyo. Originally starting as a nine-member group, they use the name of the band as an acronym for Alien Liberty International, and they look to shake up the norm by having all the members diverse, with roots in Japan, Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. However, one of the first impressions that new listeners might have of the band is how could they be in the genre that they say they are, as they do not have the typical look.

Taking the unique blend of hip-hop and funk is no easy task, but all seven members are expert in their craft. From saxophone player YU to percussion player ALEX, each give a 110% to any song they perform, which adds to the overall enjoyment for the listeners. Vocalist LEO’s out of this world vocals are the cherry on top of this multi-layer sundae that perfectly balance any guest rapper they might have featured on the track. “Better Days feat. Dos Monos” and “LOST IN PARADISE feat. AKLO” are great examples of that genre mix, with the guest vocalist providing that hard side of rap, expertly blended with the group’s highly emerging tone of funk leading to unique compositions.

Currently the band has four singles, all of which were released in 2019, along with two digital singles that released in 2020. ALI has also dropped two Eps, Wild Side (2019) and LOST IN PARADISE (2020) with a mini-album, LOVE, MUSIC AND DANCE set to drop on January 27. Be sure to check out their official site, and Twitter, along with the music video for “LOST IN PARADISE feat. AKLO” below!

ALI stars:

KAHADIO/ Drums

LEO/ Vocals

CÉSAR/ Gutair 

ALEX/ Percussion

YU/ Sax

LUTHFI/ Bass

JIN/ Keyboards