We had the good fortune of connecting with Yusuf Ali and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yusuf, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Cleveland, Ohio during one of the worst winters in our city’s history. My upbringing was filled with drama,excitement, confusion, happiness, harshness, laughter and love. Today I consider myself a product of my environment in a positive way. I didn’t end up in jail,I used those experiences to instead to relate to audiences.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of my use of life experience combined with originality to go along with my relatability.

Where I am today professionally is directly related to the pandemic. 2020 have alot of creators the time we needed to start new things and discover other talents. For me that was podcasting and editing and acting in my own videos.

It was fairly easy once I figured out my formula for making videos and podcasts. The toughest part was finding unique stories and videos to react to and/or talk about on the podcast.

I was learning along the way and learning from others mistakes and successes. And at some points literally learning how to use editing software. Then I immediately applied what I learned and saw the quality of my videos improve.

The most important thing I want the world to know about my story and brand is that it’s funny and unique. It’s not low brow or high brow and it might be a different part of the face entirely, but of you get it you’ll love it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a week to hang out and money was no object then that’s a way different week! But depending on the budget I would say the best spots would be Knotsberry Farms, Santa Monica pier, the Hollywood Bowl, Griffith Observatory, Runyon(I like being outside) play basketball, shoot pool, go to the bar-cade, get tacos from the trucks, a good open mic one time, catch a concert at one of the more intimate venues( the Mint, Los Globos,etc) a low rider show, the museums and go sightseeing (art,mansions,filming locations)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my Shout Out to the two most important women in my life,my little sister Annmarie and my wife Jil.

Instagram: Nextgreatali

Twitter: Nextgreatali

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Youtube: #YusufAliPresents

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