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.
Do It To Death
Little Brother Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeahhh...uh
Yeahhh...uh
[Phonte:]
'Bout a 9 on the Richter Scale
Wit a whole lotta mixtapes and shit to sale
Y'all niggaz is ass out like Chip & Dale's
Not rescue rangers, we don't rescue strangers
Who jump ship, 'cause they ain't think our ship would sail
And now they tremblin, cause Tay's the Gremlin
Who won't let y'all niggaz eat after twelve
Me and my team, yeah we be lampin
And let y'all silly niggaz, yeah we be laughin
Y'all ain't gory fellas, ya'll, are storytellers
On some, "Well y'know this one time at band camp..." shit
You don't wanna go to war wit the Cap'n
Tell ya boy to fall back like he was relapsin
I'ma do it to death! (yeahhh...)
I'ma do it to death! (uh)
I'ma do it to death! (yeahhh...)
I'ma do it to death! (uh)
[Supastition:]
You can voice your opinion, you could front on my LP
Criticize all you want but cain't none of ya tell me (what?)
That I don't deserve this; you lucky that we breathin
Trust me, there's a REASON I'm runnin wit LB
And we ain't goin out main crippled by the industry
Since rollin out the fame triple tremendously
The hunger still there, must I remind these dudes
When dinner is frozen pizza and Chinese food
I'm self-managed, self-made, and certainly self-centered
Nobody would take the job so I cast myself in it
(By choice) I'm independent, you'll understand inna minute
Learn from all the red tape, I went through in the beginning
(Gimme mine!) But see the bad side is Supastition
I'ma, do it to death and here's proof I did it, ja'know?
I'ma do it to death! (yeahhh...)
I'ma do it to death! (uh)
I'ma do it to death! (yeahhh...)
I'ma do it to death! (uh)
[Rapper Big Pooh:]
Young'n you write cautious, I flow nauseous
You Datsun, we Porsches; sturrin up losses
For bosses or so-called bosses
Runnin back home to you porches, nauseous
Cause and effect, it's because of me
You don't get no respect, and you ain't learned yet
That you are no threat, and I will not fret
I get more love than you on your own set
I'm willin to bet you got someone in ya ear
Tellin you, all the pretty shit you wanna hear
Like how you gon really put a end in my career
Keep sayin, "You a beast" Muh'fucker, not here
'Cause I am the king, and this is my throne
And all that treason will not be condoned
I'ma do it to death! (yeahhh...)
I'ma do it to death! (uh)
I'ma do it to death! (yeahhh...)
I'ma do it to death! (uh)
[Rhymefest:]
This is the Black Civil War (war); poor vs. the poor
Hood vs. the block, what's Down South vs. at all
Small town vs. the big city (city)
Kinda like Pac vs. Biggie, we get to see the herds creep
I'm the street, while the labels is thirs-TY
Laughin and placin bets like, (ha ha) "Who gon have the biggest first week?"
WOOOW! See James Brown bit the dust
Everybody said, "Don't nobody speak for US!!"
You cain't tell a nigga shit, turn the speakers up
Get the freaks for us, light the reefer up
All that Malcolm X {?} too deep for us
Yeah, you right so that spells defeat for us
Naw I'm wearin my vest, and I'm loadin my Tec
And I'm reppin my set, WHAT DA FUCK YOU EXPECT?! BLAOW!!
I'ma do it to death! (yeahhh...)
I'ma do it to death! (uh)
I'ma do it to death! (yeahhh...)
I'ma do it to death! (uh)
The Little Brother's song Do It To Death, featuring Rhymefest and Supastition, is an assertive statement of superiority and defiance, filled with confidence and aggression from start to finish. Each artist on this song raps about their unwavering commitment to their craft and their success, as well as boasting about outdoing their opponents while poking fun at their inferiority. Phonte starts by comparing their impact to an earthquake, stating that their releases are sure to cause a stir and will have their peers pretending to be allies, even though they didn’t expect them to succeed. He then goes on to mention that he and his group tend to laugh at those who think they’re the real deal, even though they’re merely storytellers instead of actual soldiers, and urges them to step aside as they forge ahead.
Supastition’s verse is all about perseverance and self-centeredness, as he believes that the only way to succeed in the industry is through individual effort and determination. He dismisses naysayers who criticize his methods and downplays his independence, reminding them that he was able to navigate the difficulties of the business by himself and will continue to do so. He proudly asserts that he’s achieved success without being part of the establishment and that his achievements should serve as proof that he’s basically unstoppable. Rapper Big Pooh raps in a way that compliments Phonte’s opening statements, himself spitting a verse full of bite and charisma as he audaciously threatens those who would try to challenge his reign. He mocks his competition, stating that they’re nothing more than cheap imitations of his own talent, and belittles them by going on to assert that he’s the only true king of the throne. Finally, Rhymefest makes a declaration about a black civil war that’s underway and expresses his anger towards those establishments that look down on him and his fellow artists. He states that the industry doesn’t respect the poor, and that the only option left for artists is to rise up and take matters into their own hands, even if it means using any means necessary to achieve their goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Bout a 9 on the Richter Scale
We are a force to be reckoned with and our success will shake things up.
Wit a whole lotta mixtapes and shit to sale
We have a lot of music to offer and are actively promoting it.
Soon as the LB hit the shelves
The moment our music is released, we will make a big impact.
Y'all niggaz is ass out like Chip & Dale's
You will be left with nothing when compared to our accomplishments, like the chipmunks in the show.
Not rescue rangers, we don't rescue strangers
We are not here to help those who did not believe in us from the start.
Who jump ship, 'cause they ain't think our ship would sail
Those who left us for dead will regret their decision as our ship begins to sail.
And now they tremblin, cause Tay's the Gremlin
Our success will scare those who doubted us because we will not let them on our ship.
Who won't let y'all niggaz eat after twelve
We will not let those who did not support us enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Me and my team, yeah we be lampin
We are relaxing and enjoying our success.
And let y'all silly niggaz, yeah we be laughin
We are mocking those who did not believe in us.
Y'all ain't gory fellas, ya'll, are storytellers
Your music is not authentic or powerful, but just stories.
On some, "Well y'know this one time at band camp..." shit
Your stories are exaggerated and not impressive.
You don't wanna go to war wit the Cap'n
You do not want to battle with us because we are strong leaders.
Tell ya boy to fall back like he was relapsin
Tell your friend to retreat and step away from the challenge.
You can voice your opinion, you could front on my LP
You can try to criticize my work, but it will not stop me from releasing it.
Criticize all you want but cain't none of ya tell me (what?)
You cannot tell me what is or isn't good about my music.
That I don't deserve this; you lucky that we breathin
I deserve my success and you should be grateful that we are still here and succeeding.
Trust me, there's a REASON I'm runnin wit LB
There is a reason I am working with my team, and it's because we share common goals and visions.
And we ain't goin out main crippled by the industry
We will not let the music industry destroy us and our goals.
Since rollin out the fame triple tremendously
Since our fame has grown rapidly and strongly, we are still hungry for more success.
The hunger still there, must I remind these dudes
We are still hungry for success, and others will be reminded of that when we continue to succeed.
When dinner is frozen pizza and Chinese food
We worked hard and were not given many luxuries, so our meals are simple.
I'm self-managed, self-made, and certainly self-centered
I created my success on my own terms and am focused only on myself and achieving my goals.
Nobody would take the job so I cast myself in it
I took on the challenge of making my own success because no one else would give me a chance.
By choice) I'm independent, you'll understand inna minute
I chose to be independent and work on my own, and it will become clear why I made that choice soon.
Learn from all the red tape, I went through in the beginning
I learned a lot from the difficult obstacles I faced at the start of my career.
(Gimme mine!) But see the bad side is Supastition
The negative thing about my success is that others may become jealous and hostile towards me.
I'ma, do it to death and here's proof I did it, ja'know?
I will keep pushing until I achieve ultimate success, and I will have proof that I did it.
Young'n you write cautious, I flow nauseous
You are hesitant in your music, but I am confident and bold.
You Datsun, we Porsches; sturrin up losses
You are not on our level, and we cause problems for you.
For bosses or so-called bosses
We challenge industry leaders and those who claim to be bosses.
Runnin back home to you porches, nauseous
You are not comfortable in your position of power and it makes you sick.
Cause and effect, it's because of me
I am responsible for the change happening in the music industry and have a big impact.
You don't get no respect, and you ain't learned yet
You are not respected and it seems you have not learned from that fact.
That you are no threat, and I will not fret
You are not a threat to my success and I will not worry about you.
I get more love than you on your own set
I am more popular and appreciated than you, even on your own stage.
I'm willin to bet you got someone in ya ear
I am confident that there are people influencing and manipulating you.
Tellin you, all the pretty shit you wanna hear
Those who control you are feeding you lies and telling you what you want to hear.
Like how you gon really put a end in my career
They may be convincing you that you have the power to stop my success.
Keep sayin, "You a beast" Muh'fucker, not here
You may be hyping yourself up, but it is not enough to compete with me here.
'Cause I am the king, and this is my throne
I am the most powerful and successful in this space.
And all that treason will not be condoned
Those who betray me will not be accepted or forgiven.
This is the Black Civil War (war); poor vs. the poor
There is internal conflict within the black community, with those who are struggling competing with each other.
Hood vs. the block, what's Down South vs. at all
There are regional rivalries and conflicts that divide the black community.
Small town vs. the big city (city)
Different areas within the black community are in competition with each other.
Kinda like Pac vs. Biggie, we get to see the herds creep
Similar to the rivalry between Tupac and Biggie, we see people taking sides and joining different herds.
I'm the street, while the labels is thirs-TY
I am authentic and grassroots, while the music industry is thirsty for profits and commercial success.
Laughin and placin bets like, (ha ha) "Who gon have the biggest first week?"
The music industry is focused on making bets on who will be the most commercially successful, rather than focusing on quality music.
WOOOW! See James Brown bit the dust
The highly respected musician James Brown has passed away.
Everybody said, "Don't nobody speak for US!!"
People are feeling frustrated and unrepresented by the music industry.
You cain't tell a nigga shit, turn the speakers up
People are angry and unwilling to listen to anyone right now, instead preferring to turn up the music and ignore their problems.
Get the freaks for us, light the reefer up
People are looking to escape from their problems through drugs and sex.
All that Malcolm X {?} too deep for us
People are avoiding the deeper and more serious issues affecting them, such as those promoted by Malcolm X.
Naw I'm wearin my vest, and I'm loadin my Tec
I am preparing to fight and protect myself.
And I'm reppin my set, WHAT DA FUCK YOU EXPECT?! BLAOW!!
I am representing myself and my beliefs, and will not back down from a fight.
Contributed by Christian C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
GREGORY KERKHOVE
i have this one^^ great album here!!!
RoninAli1
This is my JOINT!