Live hip hop concert by Minneapolis artist Brother Ali with his band at The Dakota on Nicollet Mall.
Brother Ali plays The Dakota on Saturday, November 21, 2026, with a live band. It's a hometown show for one of the city's most respected hip hop artists, and he's bringing a full band to the stage rather than just a DJ.
If you're not familiar with him, Ali has spent two decades as a rapper, speaker, and community leader here in Minneapolis. He's put out eight critically acclaimed albums over that time, and along the way he's earned the mentorship of hip hop legends Chuck D and Rakim. He's also played late-night sets with Jimmy Fallon and Conan O'Brien.
His work has always carried a socially conscious message, and that's landed him on government watch lists. Beyond the music, he's lectured at universities from Princeton to Stanford and delivered the keynote address at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. He also co-founded The Gemali Project, an organization that helps Muslim converts and spiritual seekers access the beauty of the Islamic tradition.
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The Dakota is a jazz club and restaurant on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, established in 1985 and known for its world-class music and chef-driven menu. The show starts at 7 PM on Saturday, November 21, at 1010 Nicollet Mall.
