Sura Ali has been making waves in the music scene, captivating audiences with her seamless fusion of spoken word and rap. Known for her standout performance on season two of Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow, the Brooklyn-born artist has quickly become a force to be reckoned with.
Raised in Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood, Sura’s passion for poetry stemmed from her parents, both poets. She found her voice in 2014 being apart of the Black Student Union during her time at SUNY Delhi college where the struggles of police brutality and the death of Trayvon Martin fueled her need for creative expression. “It was in my DNA,” she said of her poetic roots. Poetry became her outlet for dealing with the unfair treatment she felt growing up, a theme she would later channel into her music.
Sura’s shift from spoken word to rap felt almost seamless. “Spoken word is similar to battle rap,” she explained, noting that her poetry was always rhythmic and direct. Her first single, “Very Hot,” released years ago, is still a fan favorite, with Sura acknowledging how much she’s improved since. “I can write quicker now… I know the language,” she shared, giving credit to her time on Rhythm & Flow for sharpening her skills.
Sura’s journey on Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow started with an audition in 2019. After a delay due to the pandemic, she returned stronger and more prepared. “I rap better now…I have more support,” she said, noting how much more confident and capable she was in her second shot. The competition was fierce, but Sura never doubted her ability to make it to the end. “I knew I was gonna make it through,” she said. “Y’all ain’t about to bring me down here to go home again. Been there, done that.”
One of the standout moments in the competition was the singles challenge, where Sura felt she was able to fully showcase her artistry. “I got to work with great producers for that,” she said. “They were able to capture my sound, and I was able to show my talents.” In the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of Rhythm & Flow, Sura continued to evolve as an artist, growing more confident in her ability to navigate both the studio and the stage.
During one of the most talked-about moments on the show, Sura shared her thoughts on the underground rap battle between Detroit Diamond and Dono. While social media buzzed with differing opinions, Sura believed both contestants brought something special. “I felt like Dono was supposed to win,” she said, but later acknowledged the strength in Detroit Diamond’s performance, showing her diplomatic approach to the competition.
Looking ahead, Sura is focused on expanding her Black Like Me live event series, which showcases black artists and their stories. “I’m taking it on tour to North Carolina, Atlanta, and LA,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to fostering community and creativity. Additionally, Sura is working on new music. She recently released an EP titled Ali, The Tape, which features five tracks that give a nod to her New York roots. “It gives very New York,” she said, with a hint of pride. And she’s not stopping there. She’s preparing a three-song EP and is hopeful that her next steps will lead her to platforms like Essence Fest and BET. “I’ve been traveling a lot,” she revealed, “checking in with other artists, making sure I keep my connections with them.”
Her vision for the future? “Ali for President,” she joked, as she looks forward to making her mark in music and beyond.