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.
Home
Little Brother Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I done been around the globe, with records I sold
Came back home, pride got stole
Poobie ain't the one to ever break down and fall
Sketched a new plan, made a few mo'
Pulled out a scroll and jotted a few notes in it
Don't be concerned with niggas homie, go get it
I show spit it for my UK peeps
Dude, we got heat, keep jams like jelly
Swing like Teddy, come box with me
Want what with me? Yeah I rides with P
And 9th my codeine when we go to the mic
We let beats and rhymes take us where we like
Shit, I might fly off tonight
I'm tellin you right, Stockholm might find you a wife
Where you can land and catch your cool where the climate is nice
[Hook: Rapper Big Pooh]
I done been around the world, Japan to Amsterdam
Californ-i-a and back again
Up and down ninety-five like I'm traffickin
Still, it's no place like home
You know how it is when you out, hear folks talkin bout
Where they was when it happened, who is, who ain't rappin
People still packin, cups flow with 'gnac
And still, it's no place like home
[Rapper Big Pooh]
I done been around the globe and back again
LB took a week, flew out to Japan
Ate steak and Koubei, rode the bullet train
I thought niggas was goin down comin back on the plane
I toured the US in a broke RV
Drivin down the coastline is a sight to see
Still, it's no place like life in NC
Or, goin back to the seven-oh-three
Every breath got a drum and a kick
A moment to sit, think about all the places I been
Then I'm, right back to the paper and pen
You know, I gotta do it again
[Hook]
[Joe Scudda]
Yeah, uh, home's where the heart is and that's real
Cause you don't appreciate home until you gone
So when I'm all alone I just think about my people
at the crib for a minute and it puts me in the zone
And it's all right where I need to be
Cause I know I'm not around but there's people I love there that needin me
And I can see it in they eyes when I come back
Seein my momma and she happy that her son back
Pops too, let me say props to
9th and Pooh for lettin me stop through
It's because of them I'm outa state doin wild shit
Instead of back at the crib doin some foul shit
They peep game, gave me some pointers
Now I'm in different cities standin on different corners
So if I'm gone you can hit me on the phone
I'll be gone for a minute but I'm soon to be home
[Hook]
[Rapper Big Pooh]
It's no place like home
That's why I'm right here, I love bein here baby
I done been around the world and I-I-I
Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh
9th Wonder, C Sams, broad, forty free
Uh, yeah, HOJ
The song "Home" by Little Brother is a nostalgic reflection on the different places the artists have been, but ultimately acknowledging that there's no place like home. Big Pooh begins by talking about traveling around the world and experiencing different things, but feeling like his pride had been stolen upon returning home. He finds solace in sketching a new plan to move forward and not being concerned with what other people think. He also boasts about their skills, saying that people don't want to mess with LB in the streets because they have heat. Joe Scudda joins in later, saying that he thinks about his loved ones back home when he's on the road and that 9th Wonder and Big Pooh have helped him stay on the right path.
The lyrics capture a sense of restlessness and the desire to see and experience new things, but also the comfort and familiarity of home. The artists also emphasize the importance of having a support system to come back to, who will always have your back. Overall, the song celebrates the idea of home and the sense of community that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
I done been around the globe, with records I sold
I have traveled around the world due to the success of my music.
Came back home, pride got stole
Returning home made me realize that my home environment was not as glamorous or fulfilling as my travels.
Poobie ain't the one to ever break down and fall
I am a resilient person who does not easily give up or let challenges defeat me.
Sketched a new plan, made a few mo'
I developed a new strategy and made further moves towards success.
Pulled out a scroll and jotted a few notes in it
I wrote down important ideas and plans to help me achieve my goals.
Don't be concerned with niggas homie, go get it
Do not worry about what other people think or do, focus on your own path to success.
I show spit it for my UK peeps
I perform my music for my fans in the United Kingdom.
Brother you don't want it when LB's in the street
You do not want to confront us when we are out in public as a group.
Dude, we got heat, keep jams like jelly
We have great music that is as necessary and enjoyable as jelly is on bread.
Swing like Teddy, come box with me
Our music has a powerful rhythm that is as impactful as Teddy Pendergrass's music; come listen and experience our talent.
Want what with me? Yeah I rides with P
What do you want? I am loyal to my friend, P, and we will support each other through any situation.
And 9th my codeine when we go to the mic
9th Wonder is my musical collaborator when we perform on stage.
We let beats and rhymes take us where we like
We allow our music to take us wherever we want to go in terms of emotional expression and creativity.
Shit, I might fly off tonight
I might decide to travel again tonight.
I'm tellin you right, Stockholm might find you a wife
Stockholm, Sweden can be a great place to find a romantic partner.
Where you can land and catch your cool where the climate is nice
Sweden has a pleasant climate that can be relaxing and rejuvenating for travelers.
I done been around the world, Japan to Amsterdam
I have traveled to various places such as Japan and Amsterdam.
Californ-i-a and back again
I also traveled to California and returned home.
Up and down ninety-five like I'm traffickin
I have traveled extensively up and down the I-95 highway like a trafficker would.
Still, it's no place like home
Despite all of my travels, there is no place like being back home.
You know how it is when you out, hear folks talkin bout
When you are out traveling, you hear people talking about different things.
Where they was when it happened, who is, who ain't rappin
People discuss what events they were present for, and who is or is not a successful musician.
People still packin, cups flow with 'gnac
People still carry firearms for protection, and alcoholic beverages are still consumed heavily.
Yeah, uh, home's where the heart is and that's real
Home is where one's true feelings and emotions lie, as it is a familiar and beloved place.
Cause you don't appreciate home until you gone
You only realize how much you care for and appreciate home when you are away from it.
So when I'm all alone I just think about my people
When I am alone, I think of my loved ones and supporters.
at the crib for a minute and it puts me in the zone
Thinking of my loved ones at home helps me feel comfortable and focused.
And it's all right where I need to be
Being back home is the perfect place for me to be at this moment in my life.
Cause I know I'm not around but there's people I love there that needin me
Even though I am not always physically present, I have people at home who rely on me and care for me.
And I can see it in they eyes when I come back
I can see the happiness and love in my loved ones' eyes when I return home.
Seein my momma and she happy that her son back
My mother is happy to see me return home safely.
Pops too, let me say props to
My father also deserves recognition for his support and encouragement.
9th and Pooh for lettin me stop through
Thanks to my friends and musical collaborators, 9th Wonder and Pooh, for allowing me to visit them.
It's because of them I'm outa state doin wild shit
I am grateful to my friends for helping me expand my horizons and try new things in different parts of the country.
Instead of back at the crib doin some foul shit
Thanks to my friends and my travels, I have avoided engaging in negative or illegal activities at home.
They peep game, gave me some pointers
My friends shared their knowledge and insights with me, helping me grow as a person and performer.
Now I'm in different cities standin on different corners
I have expanded my reach and am now performing in different cities across the US.
So if I'm gone you can hit me on the phone
If I am not home, you can still reach me by phone.
I'll be gone for a minute but I'm soon to be home
I may be away from home for a while, but I will return soon and look forward to being back.
It's no place like home
Despite all of the places I have traveled, there is no place like the comfort and familiarity of home.
Contributed by William P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Andy O Neill
one of the greatest albums ever made!
Donald Lee
Facts bro!
J0ecaca
Hell yeah!
shellvadeezer
This beat is just so soothing and relaxing. SMDH I'm mad that there isn't more likes!!!
Kool Kumasi
Why though? Just enjoy the song!
ImRomarkable
CLASSIC ALBUM!!!! people werent ready for this lol
BIG DAME TV
Facts
Facts Matter
Facts!!
martinmor93
Been bumping Little Brother recently more and more again, like a long cycle has completed. By the looks of related videos it seems their art is gradually getting more appreciation by the hour. A life fan like many is happy to see folks getting exposed to it, keep the love up.
Ace7X
one of my faves off this album