Little Brother formed in Durham, NC at North Carolina Central University in 1998. The group began as a trio, featuring members Phonte (Phonte Coleman), Big Pooh (Thomas Jones), and producer 9th Wonder (Pat Douthit). They are founding members of the North Carolina hip-hop collective called The Justus League, under the umbrella music group The Hall of Justus.
Their official debut came in August 2001 with their first recording, Speed; the song talks about making it big in the music business while still dealing with the troubles and hardships of life and holding down a full-time job. They continued to work the local scene and were picked up by ABB Records. In 2002, they released the cult hit 7" single Atari 2600, with lyrics centering around video games. In 2003, the group released their first full length album, The Listening. This record boosted the group to higher acclaim, but national recognition came when Jay-Z tapped 9th Wonder for the song Threat, off of his eighth offering The Black Album.
That fall, they opened for the Hieroglyphics crew on their Full Circle national tour. Little Brother’s sophomore album, The Minstrel Show, saw increased success due to their raised popularity. It's theme compares present day rap music and the music industry to the minstrel shows of the late 1800s.
In 2005, Little Brother became embroiled in a short-lived feud, when Young Jeezy's protege Slick Pulla challenged the group to a battle after hearing an interview in which Phonte voiced some disapprovments concerning drug rap and the "snowman mascot". Little Brother did not respond, and instead, Phonte called Slick Pulla and the pair resolved the misunderstanding.
Outside of the group, Phonte collaborated with producer Nicolay as The Foreign Exchange, on Connected. Rapper Big Pooh released a solo album entitled Sleepers. 9th Wonder has produced songs for major artists like De La Soul and Destiny's Child, as well as underground artists such as Sean Price, Hieroglyphics, Splash, and fellow members of The Justus League.
In addition, 9th has produced whole albums for Jean Grae (Jeanius), Murs (Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition), Buckshot (Chemistry) and a remix album of Nas' God's Son entitled God's Stepson. In this way he has helped to facilitate the return of albums done entirely by one MC and one producer, which have seen something of a resurgence (RJD2 and Aceyalone's Magnificent City, the upcoming DJ Premier and Royce da 5'9" joint album). He is also working on a second Buckshot/9th album, to be called The Formula.
In late 2006, Little Brother began recording their third album, and second for Atlantic Records, Getback. However, in a drastic turn of events, the group announced in January, 2007 that they would be parting ways with Atlantic. This move was likely due to the commercial failure of The Minstrel Show, and creative differences over their future material. Big Pooh was quoted as saying "We as a group just felt that it was not in our best interest to remain in a situation where our needs were constantly being overlooked. We didn't have an A&R for The Minstrel Show. We don't have any type of relationship with our current A&R. There are just a lot of internal issues that ended up working against us." Their manager Big Dho added that there were no "ill feelings towards their (Atlantic) company."
More of a surprise to fans was news that the group has also parted ways with their longtime producer 9th Wonder. Although 9th Wonder's role in the group was that of a producer, the group's tours only consisted of the other two members and his contribution to recent Little Brother releases such as Separate But Equal were less than before (although it is worth noting that this release was a mixtape and not an official album). Nonetheless, news that he would be playing a smaller role and contributing less to their third album indicated a divide between the members. Big Pooh stated that the decision was amicable on both sides, saying "This is just a decision that had to be made so all three of us could move forward and continue to provide the world with dope music."
Little Brother formally announced the group's breakup in 2010.
Producer DeAndre Keaton (DJ Flash) who is featured on The Chittlin Circuit 1.5 is the official tour DJ for Little Brother.
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There is also second artist called Little Brother who is based in Brighton, Sussex. Using guitars, keyboard and a range of other instruments, little brother creates a unique alternative 'electronic' sound
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There is a third artist called Little Brother
Little Brother is the Acoustic Emo project of Newcastle-based singer/songwriter John Floreani (Trophy Eyes).
Drawing inspiration from the stylistic sensibilities of Daniel Johnson, Owen and Right Away, Great Captain!, Little Brother is an exploration of love, loss and heartache.
The project’s debut 6 track EP, 'Terrace' will be released late 2014.
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There is a fourth artist called Little Brother
Little Brother is a lo-fi singer/songwriter project, who released their first album ('Green for a While') on 18th August 2022.
Away From Me
Little Brother Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Side by side, in a circle round mad folks
We took it round each other wishing we were still close
But I'm grown and it's tough for you to swallow
I know it hit you hard when your boys hit you
And your letters, I never answered back to
Even though life keep me racing like a track dude
I bailed out in your time of needBut you fucked me over in your time of greed
We from the same womb, what happened to the creed?
An unspoken word between you and I
J-B's for life, we ain't supposed to cry
Remember after my first fight, we stayed up all night
Getting taught how to throw them thangs
If he defeat I, it's the force you bring
Harassing Kevin after lunch for about a week
How did we get to the point when we would hardly speak?
Pulling up to the house, fresh change of sneaks
Big buckets, pants stay tight from the big duckets
We all loved it, I was so naive
Big brother kept me smiling, tricks up his sleeve
Had me facing claves, cases and stacks of threes
My God, it ain't what it supposed to be
Barbeques, family and friends close to me
Ayo, I know we ain't spoke in a while
It's kinda foul cause a nigga getting older, ain't no time for you now
Wishing you was right here so I could hold you now
(You're so far away from me)
Ayo, I know we ain't spoke in a while
It's kinda foul, cause you getting older and now I'm missing your smile
And we went our separate ways, ain't no problems now
(You're so far away from me)
Cause one day we gon' still get down
Get-get-a-get-get down
Get-get-a-get-a-get-get down
Get to get, yo say, get to get down
One day we gon' still get down
(You're so far away from me)
Ayo, I know we ain't spoke in a while
It's kinda foul cause a nigga getting older, ain't no time for you now
Wishing you was right here so I could hold you now
Cause one day, we gon' still get down
(You're so far away from me)
Check it, now what the deal baby? I'm still here, still crazy
I'm real sorry we ain't had a chance to chill lately
Or even talk as often now, congratulations
They telling me you almost walking now
Roads of life I'm crossing now
Can't wait to get you back to NC so we can all get down
And get real tight, have you dressed up rocking the ill Nikes
Show you what a father is supposed to feel like
It's been nights that I wake up thinking that I hear you
Back of my mind start feeling fearful
Thinking if the words I say are really getting to you
And when I hold you in my arms if my face look familiar to you
That shit is killing me dude, I pray that your eyes remember me
Black and white is all you can see in infancy
And eventually I'll have you on some comfortable shit
Two parent income, Claire and Cliff Huxtable shit
But right now it's all about this long distance
All I can do is get along with it, try and be strong with it
Fuck being long winded
Hearing you laugh is like music to my ears but the song ended
Me and your moms both missing your smile and all your silly faces
Even your hurl on our pillowcases
Goddamn it, this ain't how life supposed to be
Cause baby boy, you should be close to me, now run it down
Ayo, I know we ain't spoke in a while
It's kinda foul, cause you getting older and now I'm missing your smile
And we went our separate ways, ain't no problems now
(You're so far away from me)
Cause one day we gon' still get down
Ayo, I know we ain't spoke in a while
It's kinda foul cause a nigga getting older, ain't no time for you now
Wishing you was right here so I could hold you now
Cause one day, we gon' still get down
(You're so far away from me)
We gon' still get down
Get-get-a-get-get down
Get-get-a-get-a-get-get down
Get to get, yo say, get to get down
One day we gon' still get down
(You're so far away from me)
Ayo, I know we ain't spoke in a while
It's kinda foul, cause you getting older and now I'm missing your smile
And we went our separate ways, ain't no problems now
(You're so far away from me)
Cause one day we gon' still get down
Yo, this one is for our peoples that is out there
We just want you to know y'all ain't forgot there
Oh yeah, we hearing y'all, and yeah, we feeling y'all
(You're so far away from me)
And yo, this one is for my peoples that is out there
And Little Dil and Little Jordan ain't forgot there
Oh yeah, we hearing y'all, and yeah, we feeling y'all
(You're so far away from me)
And yo, this one is for my peoples that is out there
Tyree R.I.P., you ain't forgot there
And yo, I'm hearing y'all, and yeah, we feeling y'all
(You're so far away from me)
Say somethin' boo boo
Say somethin' else
The lyrics of the song "Away From Me" by Little Brother are a heartfelt message to a childhood friend who has drifted away. The song explores the emotions and thoughts that come with growing apart from someone who was once an integral part of one's life. The lines, "I know it hit you hard when your boys hit you, and your letters, I never answered back to", indicate a sense of guilt and regret on the part of the singer for not being there when his friend needed him the most. The lyrics also touch upon the memories and shared experiences that the two friends had together growing up. Lines like "Remember after my first fight, we stayed up all night getting taught how to throw them thangs" and "Big brother kept me smiling, tricks up his sleeve" indicate a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time when things were simpler.
The chorus of the song, "Ayo, I know we ain't spoke in a while, it's kinda foul cause a nigga getting older, ain't no time for you now, wishing you was right here so I could hold you now (you're so far away from me)", showcases the core sentiment of the song. The singer acknowledges that they have grown apart and that life has taken them down different paths, but the underlying emotion is that of longing for the friendship and bond that they once shared. The closing lines of the song, "Say somethin' boo boo, say somethin' else", further reinforce the sense of wanting to hold on to any sort of communication or connection that still exists between the two friends.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayo, what up Reese? It's been a minute since we last spoke
Hey Reese, it's been a long time since we connected.
Side by side, in a circle round mad folks
We used to hang out together among a crowd of people.
We took it round each other wishing we were still close
We reminisced about each other, hoping our bond could be rekindled.
But I'm grown and it's tough for you to swallow
I've matured, and it's hard for you to accept the changes between us.
I know it hit you hard when your boys hit you
I understand that you were deeply affected by the actions of your friends.
And your letters, I never answered back to
I received your letters but failed to respond.
Even though life keep me racing like a track dude
Although my life is hectic and fast-paced, akin to a runner.
I bailed out in your time of need
I abandoned you when you needed support the most.
But you fucked me over in your time of greed
You wronged me when you were seeking personal gain.
We from the same womb, what happened to the creed?
We are siblings; where did our unspoken bond go?
An unspoken word between you and I
There was a silent promise that existed between us.
J-B's for life, we ain't supposed to cry
We were originally close friends, and we were never meant to experience such sadness.
Remember after my first fight, we stayed up all night
After my initial struggle, we spent hours discussing it together.
Getting taught how to throw them thangs
Learning how to defend myself and handle conflicts.
If he defeat I, it's the force you bring
If I lose, it's because of the support you provide.
Harassing Kevin after lunch for about a week
We pick on Kevin together, bonding over shared mischief.
How did we get to the point when we would hardly speak?
It's shocking how our relationship has deteriorated to minimal communication.
Pulling up to the house, fresh change of sneaks
Arriving at home, showcasing my new sneakers.
Big buckets, pants stay tight from the big duckets
Wearing baggy clothing, but my pants are tight due to the money I carry.
We all loved it, I was so naive
Back then, we enjoyed life, and I was blissfully unaware of the struggles ahead.
Big brother kept me smiling, tricks up his sleeve
My older brother always knew how to make me happy with his surprises.
Had me facing claves, cases and stacks of threes
Introducing me to the realities of life, even the challenges.
My God, it ain't what it supposed to be
This situation is far from the ideal life I envisioned.
Barbeques, family and friends close to me
Cherished moments spent at gatherings with loved ones.
Ayo, I know we ain't spoke in a while
Hey, it's clear that we haven't communicated recently.
It's kinda foul cause a nigga getting older, ain't no time for you now
It's unfortunate because as I grow older, I have less time for you.
Wishing you was right here so I could hold you now
I long for your presence so I could embrace you.
(You're so far away from me)
The physical distance between us feels painful.
Ayo, I know we ain't spoke in a while
Once again, I'm acknowledging our lack of communication.
It's kinda foul, cause you getting older and now I'm missing your smile
It feels wrong that you're aging and I'm missing your joyful expression.
And we went our separate ways, ain't no problems now
We have parted ways, and it seems there are no issues anymore.
(You're so far away from me)
The distance between us continues to be felt.
Cause one day we gon' still get down
I believe that eventually we will reconnect and have fun together.
Get-get-a-get-get down
A reminder to enjoy life and celebrate when we reunite.
Get-get-a-get-a-get-get down
Reiterating the desire to revel in moments of joy.
Get to get, yo say, get to get down
Encouraging everyone to join in on the fun.
One day we gon' still get down
Affirming that a future reunion will happen.
(You're so far away from me)
Reminding myself of the ongoing separation.
Check it, now what the deal baby? I'm still here, still crazy
Hey, what's up? I'm still around and as spirited as ever.
I'm real sorry we ain't had a chance to chill lately
I genuinely regret that we haven't spent time together recently.
Or even talk as often now, congratulations
We don’t converse like we used to, but I want to celebrate your achievements.
They telling me you almost walking now
I've heard that you're growing up quickly and nearing the ability to walk.
Roads of life I'm crossing now
I'm navigating through various life experiences at the moment.
Can't wait to get you back to NC so we can all get down
I'm eagerly anticipating your return to North Carolina for a family reunion.
And get real tight, have you dressed up rocking the ill Nikes
We’re going to bond closely while you show off your stylish Nike sneakers.
Show you what a father is supposed to feel like
I want to demonstrate to you how a father's love is meant to be.
It's been nights that I wake up thinking that I hear you
There are nights when I wake up feeling like I can hear you nearby.
Back of my mind start feeling fearful
These thoughts lead to worries behind my consciousness.
Thinking if the words I say are really getting to you
I wonder whether what I express actually resonates with you.
And when I hold you in my arms if my face look familiar to you
I worry if you recognize me when I embrace you.
That shit is killing me dude, I pray that your eyes remember me
This uncertainty weighs heavily on me; I hope you can recall who I am.
Black and white is all you can see in infancy
As a baby, your vision is limited to basic contrasts, metaphorically representing innocence.
And eventually I'll have you on some comfortable shit
In time, I aim to provide you with a loving and secure environment.
Two parent income, Claire and Cliff Huxtable shit
Just like a nurturing family dynamic similar to the Huxtables on television.
But right now it's all about this long distance
Currently, my focus is on managing this painful physical separation.
All I can do is get along with it, try and be strong with it
I have to accept this situation and strive to remain resilient.
Fuck being long winded
I shouldn’t dwell too much on my feelings.
Hearing you laugh is like music to my ears but the song ended
Your laughter brings me joy, but I realize that those moments are fleeting.
Me and your moms both missing your smile and all your silly faces
Your mother and I both deeply miss your cheerful expressions and playful demeanor.
Even your hurl on our pillowcases
We even miss the silly, messy moments of parenthood.
Goddamn it, this ain't how life supposed to be
This isn't how I envisioned life to turn out.
Cause baby boy, you should be close to me, now run it down
My child, you belong close to me, and I yearn for our shared experiences.
Ayo, I know we ain't spoke in a while
Again, I acknowledge the time that's passed since we last communicated.
It's kinda foul, cause you getting older and now I'm missing your smile
It's unjust that as you age, I find myself missing your bright smile.
And we went our separate ways, ain't no problems now
We’ve diverged in our paths, and there seems to be harmony in that.
(You're so far away from me)
The emotional and physical distance between us remains.
Cause one day we gon' still get down
I hold onto hope that we will reunite and enjoy life together.
Ayo, I know we ain't spoke in a while
Hey, it’s been some time since our last conversation.
It's kinda foul cause a nigga getting older, ain't no time for you now
It feels wrong that as I mature, I have limited time for others.
Wishing you was right here so I could hold you now
I long for your presence and the comfort of holding you near.
Cause one day, we gon' still get down
I believe that one day, we will reconnect and enjoy our company.
(You're so far away from me)
This separation continues to weigh heavily on my heart.
We gon' still get down
We will still find ways to reunite and enjoy ourselves.
Get-get-a-get-get down
A playful reminder to engage in fun together.
Get-get-a-get-a-get-get down
Emphasizing the joy of shared experiences.
Get to get, yo say, get to get down
Encouraging everyone to join in the enjoyment.
One day we gon' still get down
I have faith that we will reunite and fulfill our joyful plans.
(You're so far away from me)
The distance between us remains a longing reality.
Ayo, this one is for our peoples that is out there
This message is dedicated to our friends and loved ones.
We just want you to know y'all ain't forgot there
We want to express that you are not forgotten.
Oh yeah, we hearing y'all, and yeah, we feeling y'all
We’re listening to and empathizing with you.
(You're so far away from me)
The emotional distance is palpable as we reach out.
And yo, this one is for my peoples that is out there
This goes out to my friends and community.
And Little Dil and Little Jordan ain't forgot there
Remembering Little Dil and Little Jordan, ensuring they know they matter.
Oh yeah, we hearing y'all, and yeah, we feeling y'all
Reiterating our connection and support for everyone.
(You're so far away from me)
The distance still weighs heavily on us.
And yo, this one is for my peoples that is out there
This message is again for my community and those I care about.
Tyree R.I.P., you ain't forgot there
Honoring Tyree and ensuring he is remembered.
And yo, I'm hearing y'all, and yeah, we feeling y'all
We continue to listen and empathize with everyone’s experiences.
(You're so far away from me)
The distance remains as we reflect on our relationships.
Say somethin' boo boo
Encouraging someone to speak up or share their thoughts.
Say somethin' else
Prompting for further conversation or expression.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Patrick Douthit, Phonte Coleman, Thomas Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind