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.
***********
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
***********
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.
***********
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.
On the Way
Little Brother Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just to let niggas know, what time it is
Phonte, Big Pooh and 9th Wonder
Little Brother, never be another
For the real y'all haha
Check it, like this baby
Now that finally we done reached a settlement
The honourable, least benevolent
It's 'Te spitting game like a ref with a speech impediment
Whether they radical screamin "Impeach the President"
Or a senator caught in Middle East embezzlement
I never ease the elegance, Phonte - he's the delegate
Sent to tell all your peeps they delicate
For fuckin with a pro, steppin out of your element
I came to spit truth cause y'all need it
Natural, man of all seasons, used to have a fetish for weed
Women and breaks and I like them all seedless
Now I'm laid back in the spots that y'all frequent
Embarressin niggas that y'all used to call leaders
Won't stop till our shit bangs in all speakers
The word of this brother - y'all heed it
[Hook: Phonte]
Now we on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
The shinin light lookin for a better day y'all
We on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
We makin moves, ain't there no time to play y'all
We on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
The shinin light lookin for a better day y'all
We on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
It's 9th Wonder, Big Pooh and Phonte y'all
[Rapper Big Pooh:]
Hip Hop's newest jack takin over the carter
Pure 80's, we rock harder than your LA starters
Serving greens for the price of blacks
Get your salary taxed, off the top cause you over the cap
Life on the de-ly is hard shit
We re-write the script and spit hard till we soak the mic
I'm down to grind if the price is right
There's been too many nights
Two stepping back was the way of life
So we push till them fiends smile, full court press meanwhile
Back in the locker room shit is wild
Players frontin on each other's style
They show but we tryna win the crowd
But I respect money, only as far as this music go
If it's any other shit homeboy just take it personal
Three-pointer on that, foes know the story
Have a nice day, to better high lister for me
[Hook: Rapper Big Pooh]
We on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
We shinin light lookin for a better day y'all
We on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
We makin moves, ain't there no time to play y'all
We on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
We shinin light lookin for a better day y'all
We on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
It's 9th Wonder, Big Pooh and Phonte y'all
[Phonte:]
Yeah, it's like this baby
Feel it, it's like this
(On and on and on and on and on...)
Uh, feel me
Check it out
[Phonte {Rapper Big Pooh}:]
Come take a walk with a nigga
They say the rap world is like a corn field - all these ears be stalkin a nigga
Hangin on my every word and syllable
Like the finest of herbs and minerals
{And the talking like they feelin you
The plan's unoriginal, the place un-habitual
Your shit compared to mine, we'll see who remember you
Back on the block like the Great Q}
I rhyme till they hate you
And fans wonder why they overate you
{Steady sinkin fast and your niggas wasn't faithful}
Betrayed you, but my fam is tighter than Nike strings
Your crew verse LB - nice dream
I pick my niggas like Joe Jackson and Katie for Ice Cream
It's time to make moves and start takin off
I write so my thoughts won't be un-channelled
Like a nigga with the cable off
And this is food for thought
Get a plate nigga, finish what you take off motherfucker...
[Hook: Phonte {Rapper Big Pooh}]
We on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
The shinin light lookin for a better day y'all
We on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
We makin moves, ain't there no time to play y'all
{We on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
We shinin light lookin for a better day y'all
We on the way y'all, we on the way y'all
It's 9th Wonder, Big Pooh and Phonte y'all}
The song "On The Way" by Little Brother is about their journey to success and their experiences in the music industry. Phonte, Big Pooh, and 9th Wonder make up the group Little Brother, and they acknowledge their uniqueness and authenticity in the industry; they state that there will never be another group like them. The lyrics speak to their resilience and determination to succeed, even in the face of adversity.
Phonte's verse in the song expresses his commitment to speaking the truth about what is happening in society. He mentions political corruption and financial embezzlement, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself and being willing to speak out against injustice. He also speaks about his personal growth, moving from a lifestyle that involved drugs and women to one that is more laid back and focused on success. Phonte declares himself a delegate who has a responsibility to spread the truth, encouraging his listeners to follow suit.
Big Pooh's verse in the song speaks to the challenges he has faced in his musical career. He acknowledges the difficulties of making a living in the industry, pointing out that even successful artists struggle financially. Despite this, he remains dedicated to his craft and refuses to compromise his values for money. Big Pooh's verse also references the competitiveness of the industry, with artists constantly comparing themselves to one another. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication, saying that success is possible through persistence and passion.
Overall, "On The Way" is a song about Little Brother's journey to success and their commitment to staying true to their authentic selves. The lyrics emphasize the importance of speaking truth, dedication to one's craft, and hard work.
Line by Line Meaning
Just to let niggas know, what time it is
Phonte, Big Pooh, and 9th Wonder are here, and they're about to drop some truth on the rap game.
Little Brother, never be another
LB is one of a kind - there's no one else quite like them in the game.
Now that finally we done reached a settlement
LB has settled their business and is ready to get back to making music.
I rhyme at the crime scene and purposefully leave the evidence
Phonte is a master of his craft, and he's not afraid to leave a trail behind him.
The honourable, least benevolent
Phonte is a fair but ruthless rapper, and he's not afraid to go hard on his enemies.
It's 'Te spitting game like a ref with a speech impediment
Phonte's rhymes are on point, and he's not afraid to call out anyone who's not playing by the rules.
Whether they radical screamin 'Impeach the President'
Phonte is aware of the political climate and is not afraid to speak out against those in power.
Or a senator caught in Middle East embezzlement
Phonte is also aware of corruption and is not afraid to call it out.
For fuckin with a pro, steppin out of your element
If you mess with Phonte, you better be prepared, because he'll take you out of your comfort zone and leave you in the dust.
Embarressin niggas that y'all used to call leaders
LB is taking down the old guard and showing them up for what they really are.
Won't stop till our shit bangs in all speakers
LB wants to be heard everywhere, and they're not going to stop until they achieve that goal.
Hip Hop's newest jack takin over the carter
Rapper Big Pooh is a rising star in the rap game and is poised to take over.
Pure 80's, we rock harder than your LA starters
LB's sound is influenced by 80s hip hop, and they're not afraid to show that they can out-rap any LA rapper.
Serving greens for the price of blacks
RBG is talking about the economic disparities in the African American community, where healthy food is often more expensive than unhealthy options.
Life on the de-ly is hard shit
RBG is talking about the struggles of life on the daily, or the everyday grind.
We re-write the script and spit hard till we soak the mic
LB is changing up the rap game and doing it better than anyone else.
Back in the locker room shit is wild
Even when they're not performing, LB's lives are full of drama and excitement.
But I respect money, only as far as this music go
RBG prioritizes their music over all else, including money.
Three-pointer on that, foes know the story
RBG has no problem taking out their enemies and they're confident in their abilities.
Come take a walk with a nigga
Phonte invites the listener to join him on his journey.
They say the rap world is like a corn field - all these ears be stalkin a nigga
Phonte is aware that he's being watched and listened to carefully as a rapper.
Hanging on my every word and syllable
Fans are paying close attention to Phonte's lyrics and delivery.
Like the finest of herbs and minerals
Phonte's rhymes are high quality and worth paying attention to.
LB verse your crew - nice dream
LB is better than any other rap crew out there, and they're happy to show it.
I write so my thoughts won't be un-channeled
Phonte needs to write in order to organize his thoughts and express himself properly.
And this is food for thought
LB's rhymes are meant to be thought-provoking and insightful.
Get a plate nigga, finish what you take off motherfucker...
Phonte challenges the listener to really engage with his music and take it seriously, rather than just listening passively.
Contributed by Eva I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.