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.
Morning
Little Brother Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Taking shots of Crown cause I'm going through things
Everybody got they hands out looking for green
Coattails getting heavy cause I'm living my dream
I'm trying to school these young niggas it ain't all what it seems
I still struggle just like you, and I still hustle just like you
But it just so happens that Big Pooh doing what he love to do
Get back to my work, cause I was penning on this piece last night
Tiggalo hit me up, Pooh its time to murk
Throw on a pair of sweats, A1's, a white shirt
Headed back to the shop, back to the spot where the hits keep coming
Stack them up like bricks, you can call me the mason of shit
Foundation has been rock solid no replacing, ya dig?
No replacing my nig, on everything that I live
We gonna let this bitch ride to our trains collide
Or we fall off track, and ain't no bringing me back
And everything that go for you the same applies to Pat
Cause even though the birds ain't singin' and the sun ain't shinin'
It looks like a beautiful morning
Each day's another chance to do the things I could've
Done the day before, but I didn't and I known I should've
So I say a prayer for the gone for gooders
Who left this world, then kiss my girl "good mornin', shuga"
Another sunrise, and as much as I would love
To roll over on you I cannot do it because
The good Lord I prayed to him
And he said, "Niggas is listening now"
So I better have something to say to 'em
So I'mma tell 'em how it went down, man
Doin' shows for free goin' outta town, man
The way I almost broke down and, got a 9 to 5
Cause I had more press than the soundscans
This is the price that I pay for this music
And every word that I write is a testament to it
And if I had to go back, I wouldn't change a thing
Wouldn't re-cut it, re-edit, or change a frame
Cause it would not be fair, to turn my back on the struggle
When that exact same hustle got me here
Told niggas from the getup, we three the hard way
And Broadway's the only place you'll ever throw a set up
Speechless is all you'd be if we ever met up
I survived far to much now to ever let up, motherfucker
Cause even though the birds ain't singin' and the sun ain't shinin'
It looks like a beautiful morning
I went from niggas tellin' me I really shouldn't rhyme
To droppin' a cla-
Ay, hol' up man, hol' up, ayo
Ayo, Imma do it over, hol' on
In "Beautiful Morning," Little Brother's Phonte and Big Pooh acknowledge that despite the struggles they face every day, they have much to be thankful for. They open the song with Phonte saying, "Open my eyes to a new day, spreading my wings," indicating that he's ready to tackle new challenges. He then admits to taking shots of Crown Royal, likely to ease the stress of his worries. The verse goes on to describe how everybody seems to be looking for money, even as Phonte feels the weight of success on his coattails. He's no stranger to the struggles of the streets, but despite these difficulties, he's living his dream. The verse continues, and Phonte attempts to be a mentor to younger people, warning them that the entertainment industry isn't all sunshine and roses. He emphasizes the importance of hustle and hard work.
The chorus is where the song's message lands most strongly. Although the birds aren't singing, and the sun isn't shining, it still looks like a beautiful morning. This line resonates with anyone who has faced adversity but tried to focus on the positives in life.
The second verse begins with Big Pooh reflecting on missed opportunities. He wishes he could go back and do the things he should have done, but he can't. He thinks about people he's known who have passed away and then kisses his girlfriend good morning. He's grateful to be alive to experience a new day. Pooh then talks about the hard work he's put into his music career, including performing for free and traveling extensively. He's also dealt with the pressure of having a lot of media attention, which he likens to a double-edged sword. In the end, though, he's proud of what he's accomplished and wouldn't change a thing.
Overall, the song's message is clear. No matter how difficult things seem, there's still beauty in new days and in persevering through hardships.
Line by Line Meaning
Open my eyes to a new day, spreading my wings
Starting fresh with positive attitude and renewed spirit.
Taking shots of Crown cause I'm going through things
Turning to alcohol to cope with problems.
Everybody got they hands out looking for green
People always expecting something from the artist.
Coattails getting heavy cause I'm living my dream
Feeling the pressure of success and fame.
I'm trying to school these young niggas it ain't all what it seems
Trying to warn young people that success comes with a price.
I still struggle just like you, and I still hustle just like you
Acknowledging the struggles and hard work it took to get here.
But it just so happens that Big Pooh doing what he love to do
Feeling fortunate to be able to create music for a living.
Get back to my work, cause I was penning on this piece last night
Getting back to work after working on the song last night.
That'll drive these niggas berserk
Confident that this song will impress people.
Tiggalo hit me up, Pooh its time to murk
Getting a call from a collaborator to work on music.
Throw on a pair of sweats, A1's, a white shirt
Getting dressed to go to the studio to work.
Headed back to the shop, back to the spot where the hits keep coming
Going back to the studio where previous hits were made.
Stack them up like bricks, you can call me the mason of shit
Compared to a builder who stacks bricks, the artist stacks songs.
Foundation has been rock solid no replacing, ya dig?
The foundation of the artist's career is strong and can't be replaced.
No replacing my nig, on everything that I live
Can't replace the people who helped the artist succeed.
We gonna let this bitch ride to our trains collide
Planning to continue making music until their careers end.
Or we fall off track, and ain't no bringing me back
If their career fails, it can't be resurrected.
And everything that go for you the same applies to Pat
Applies to the whole team, not just the artist.
Cause even though the birds ain't singin' and the sun ain't shinin'
Despite the difficulties and challenges, still finding hope.
It looks like a beautiful morning
Finding positivity and optimism for the new day.
Each day's another chance to do the things I could've
Each day presents a new opportunity to achieve goals.
Done the day before, but I didn't and I known I should've
Regret for not taking advantage of past opportunities.
So I say a prayer for the gone for gooders
Remembering those who have passed on.
Who left this world, then kiss my girl "good mornin', shuga"
Showing affection for partner, cherishing their presence.
Another sunrise, and as much as I would love
Grateful for another day to live and create music.
To roll over on you I cannot do it because
Can't waste time and miss opportunities to work.
The good Lord I prayed to him
Seeking guidance and blessings from a higher power.
And he said, "Niggas is listening now"
Feeling that there's an audience listening and waiting for new music.
So I better have something to say to 'em
Making sure that new music is valuable and meaningful.
So I'mma tell 'em how it went down, man
Sharing personal experiences through music.
Doin' shows for free goin' outta town, man
Performing for free, willing to travel for opportunities.
The way I almost broke down and, got a 9 to 5
Considering giving up music and getting a typical job for stability.
Cause I had more press than the soundscans
Getting more attention than actual success would indicate.
This is the price that I pay for this music
Acknowledging the difficulties of making a living in the music industry.
And every word that I write is a testament to it
Music reflects the artist's struggles and experiences.
And if I had to go back, I wouldn't change a thing
No regrets for past decisions and experiences.
Wouldn't re-cut it, re-edit, or change a frame
Not wanting to change past music or experiences.
Cause it would not be fair, to turn my back on the struggle
Not wanting to forget past struggles that led to success.
When that exact same hustle got me here
Current success was a result of past hard work.
Told niggas from the getup, we three the hard way
Working hard with the whole team to achieve success.
And Broadway's the only place you'll ever throw a set up
Broadway, referencing the location of the studio where they work on music.
Speechless is all you'd be if we ever met up
Confident in their music and abilities to create great songs.
I survived far to much now to ever let up, motherfucker
Surviving past struggles gives the artist confidence to keep working hard.
Cause even though the birds ain't singin' and the sun ain't shinin'
Despite the difficulties and challenges, still finding hope.
It looks like a beautiful morning
Finding positivity and optimism for the new day.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN DUST, MAURICE LIVINGSTON HENDERSON, STACY BERNARD JONES, TERON DAVID CARTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind