Toronto-Based Funk Brothers Descendant Nathan Ali Releases Empowered Anthem “Forward” From New EP, Parallel
Nathan Ali doesn’t flinch from the struggle—he turns it into fuel. His new single “Forward” closes out his deeply personal EP Parallel (Slammin’ Media/Believe) with an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like giving up but chose to rise instead. Driven by haunting melodies and raw lyrics, it’s a rally cry disguised as a slow jam.
“Sometimes in life / You feel like you’re breaking / Feel you can’t make it / Gotta move forward,” Ali sings, steady and clear. And he means it. “I done been there at the bottom / I’ve felt like there’s nothing / But when I stood up and I got it / I got everything I wanted.” These lines hit harder when you know where Nathan’s been.
Raised in foster homes and shaped by poverty, Nathan found purpose through music. In his 20s, he discovered that his father and late uncle were part of Motown’s legendary Funk Brothers—the session musicians behind the biggest soul records in history. That revelation changed everything. He began blending the grooves of that legacy with contemporary R&B, hip hop, and a voice built from pain and persistence.
Since rebranding in 2018, Ali’s music has pulled in over 1.15 million streams. His breakout 2021 album Jungle tallied more than 456,000 of those plays and earned him a devoted following. But Parallel, his latest five-track offering, takes things deeper. It’s a return to the roots, created with longtime collaborators Keylow Jules and BiggD, and shaped by fatherhood, growth, and reflection.
“Parallel is about duality,” Ali says. “I’m an artist, and I’m a father of three. That balance, that tension—it’s everywhere in this music.”
From the romantic introspection of “Driver’s Seat” to the streetwise honesty of “Life We Chose,” each track peels back another layer. “Loyal” celebrates ride-or-die love. “One On One” captures late-night temptation. And “Forward” ties it all together with resilience.
The production throughout Parallel stays tight and emotive. Melodic basslines, modern R&B textures, and hooks that linger long after the song ends. But the lyrics are what land hardest. On “Forward,” Ali names the fear, the hustle, and the hope. “Ain’t nothing that could break me,” he declares. “I ain’t gonna let it take me.”
That clarity connects. Nathan’s music resonates with fans of Brent Faiyaz, Khalid, Jeremih, and SZA—listeners who want beats that bump and lyrics that matter. His voice is smooth but grounded, his storytelling sharp. He doesn’t just paint pictures—he builds bridges.
Nathan’s videos and singles have pulled in more than 1.2 million YouTube views. His growing momentum is backed by Slammin’ Media and Believe Distribution, with a campaign targeting Spotify’s Mood Ring, high-rise, and Northern Bars playlists. And with “Forward” as the emotional capstone, the entire project feels purposeful and focused.
Ali doesn’t sugarcoat the past. On “Life We Chose,” he writes about poverty, violence, and making it out: “Coming out the dirt / Living in the ghetto / Momma trying to tell us / Son, don’t you carry metal.” These aren’t fictional bars—they’re scars. But Parallel offers more than survival. It’s about healing, love, and the path ahead.
“Forward” is the kind of track you put on when you’re picking yourself back up. It doesn’t beg for sympathy. It moves. With this single and the EP behind it, Nathan Ali proves he’s not stuck in his story—he’s rewriting it.
Nathan Ali is already on the move. Forward is the direction.