Introducing Emerging R&B Superstar…Butterfly Ali

With the release of his latest track ‘Pray for ‘Em’, Butterfly Ali is quickly becoming one of RnB music’s biggest talents.

Before diving into his music career, Ali was making waves in the television business, securing recurring roles in Glee, Pretty Little Liars and The Rookie. But even with a growing acting career his heart still wandered to one of his first loves, music. Butterfly Ali made his official debut in 2019 with his song ‘Rose’.

After garnering praise for his first single, Ali quickly dropped his follow-up track ‘Righteous’ which helped solidify his sound and upward trajectory in music. Citing Marvin Gaye, Pharrell Williams, and Al Green as some of his inspirations, the rising talent has effortlessly created introspective RnB music that warms the soul.

His latest single ‘Pray For ‘Em’ is further proof of his dynamic artistry. From its classic funk elements to its neo-soul sound, Pray For ‘Em sets the stage for Butterfly Ali and what he has in store for music listeners around the world.

We were able to chat with the talented artist about everything from his new single, the origin of his name Butterfly Ali and how’s he’s been handling the ongoing pandemic. Check out our full interview below.

Heya Butterfly Ali, how’s it going? 

Going well! I’m definitely adjusting to all things Covid, but happy to be moving forward nonetheless.

Can you believe 2020 is almost over? (Thankfully!)

It’s crazy to think that we’ve almost spent a year quarantining.

Okay before we jump into your amazing music, we wanted to get the background on your epic name ‘Butterfly Ali’. What was the inspiration behind it? 

I actually wrote a song titled “Butterfly Ali”. Then fell in love with the meaning I gave the name, and as I was releasing new music I decided that I wanted to name the energy I was creating. In my mind, the way a mother would name the child she was birthing, I wanted to name the music I was creating. It is in fact inspired by Muhammad Ali’s quote, “float like a butterfly sting like a bee.” I am very much a colourful bright person, but also strong in who I am and what I have to offer.

We hear that you graduated from New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts! What was that experience like for you? Do you still reference any key lessons or advice from that time?

It was honestly a great experience. A lot of what I learned was pretty much like therapy for actors. It really helped me be grounded in my humanity, connect with people, and listen more than I respond. All of these things I also apply to my acting.

Before starting your career in music, you came onto the scene as an actor. Did you always have in your plan that music was the endgame for you? 

Yes, I started in music and dance. Acting came about a little later for me and happened to take off first, but I’ve genuinely grown a love for both that definitely started with music. I’m extremely excited to be able to devote time to my music again and extremely grateful for acting growth.

Your music has such a warmth and retro soul to it, absolutely amazing. Which artist(s) do you look towards to tap into that vibe, when you’re making music? 

Thank you very much. I was raised in a household with a lot of oldies music. The people I’ve always pulled from the most are Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, and James Brown. Modern-day artists that I have always been inspired by are Pharrell Williams, Anderson .Paak, Andre 3000, and CeeLo Green.

We have to talk about your single ‘Pray For ‘Em’! So in love with the sound and lyrical content. Can you take us through the creative process for the record? 

Of course! During this time that we are seeing a lot of racial injustice, that has always existed, I was constantly asked to voice my opinion on social media. I couldn’t find the proper words so I decided to put my thoughts into a song. The reason I titled it “pray For’Em”, is because after we have fought, cried, & spoken all we can do is continue to pray for growth, change, and, equality. I wanted to infuse my funk soul sound with a militant African tribal rooted sound, and out came “Pray For’Em”.

Don’t even get us started on the fantastic video! What messages or themes did you want to explore in the visual? 

I really just wanted to depict my version of a peaceful protest. The woman standing with me in multiple locations represents the beauty, peace, And strength of black women & black community. While the images of me sitting with my family represent just that, unity, community, and togetherness as we continue to fight, as one voice for equality amongst all people. The masked outfit represents the caged rage from lack of change, but immediately returning to peace to show that we are not to be criminalized and feared.

We know you probably get asked this a lot but when is the album or EP dropping? (we need more!) 

haha. No official date yet, but positive I will drop an EP in the new year!

Can you give us a little sneak peek at what else is to come from Butterfly Ali in 2021? 

Definitely more music, and for sure getting more creative and expressive with artistic visuals & fashion. 

Make sure to check out Butterfly Ali’s video for his track ‘Pray For ‘Em’ below or listen to the track here.