Montréal recording artist and songwriter Naya Ali returns today with a commanding new single that’s already turning heads.
“Air Ali,” which shows the rapper is still as powerful and catchy as ever, is her first official release since dropping her Godspeed Baptism (Prelude) last March, along with two remixes to song’s on that project. Fully in control, Naya delivers a percussive song powered by a rich trap rhythm and a melodious sung refrain as only she knows how to do so.
Scene from the “Air Ali” video
Along with the new single, Naya has been attracting the attention of some major hip-hop players on the scene, and continues to gain exposure from her video “Get It Right” earning BET rotation. The song is also being played in Footlockers across the USA, which certainly helped it pass 200K streams on Spotify just a couple of days ago.
“‘Air Ali’ is about taking flight into my new destination - leaving the city, but never forgetting where I come from including the love and the hate I received,” Naya explains.
“It’s both a final departure and a new start. Letting go of a comfort zone, leaving feelings and a certain people behind in order to keep elevating.”
If “Air Ali” mainly talks about taking flight, Naya continues her ascent as she solidly sets a confident unapologetic tone for the second part of her album (Godspeed Baptism (Prelude) is part 1) expected in the spring.
Scene from the “Air Ali” video
The new song was released with an accompanying video powered by super-talented photographer and filmmaker, Adrian Villagomez.
The story depicts a humble neighbourhood, where love and community (has to) triumph over the hard reality. While life is pursuing its course, people are watching Naya from a distance. They know she’s up to something great. The kids look up to Naya like dreamers, while adults are uncomfortable with Naya’s ambition. But Naya is not a dreamer, she aims big and she’s making moves. She’s been filling up that bag for a while, now ready for her grand departure. A few surreal aspects appear through this environment, leaving the viewers to reflect on the meaning of it all. Most of the shots are in slow motion, giving the impression of a photographic series, as a form of documentation of past life, or of a crucial moment.
“Air Ali” is HipHopCanada’s Song of the Day. You can find the single on various digital streaming platforms including Apple Music and Spotify. You can also find the song on our official Spotify playlist, Canadian Fresh.
You can follow @NayaAliTheOriginal on Instagram.
