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.
Sincerely Yours
Little Brother Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every lifetime is a lesson, this is what I found
No matter who you are (It don't matter), gonna have your ups and downs
(Time to come up, baby, time to come up, it's whatever)
Whatever goes around, comes around
Uh, yo, uh I walk, wit' a swag of a letterman
No amateur here, I'm a veteran
Big Pooh when he rocking the mic
No games, no hype, just mind and skills
Pure determination and a heart full of will
My nigga Tiggalo held me down for real
But it's time now for me to ante up on the bills
Cause at the point when we signed our deal
I was three years young, now I'm five plus some
Write, to the beat of 9th's wonderful drum
Overhung by the snare and the bassline
It's face time, commentators they deface my
Place I pick up the pace, cause I belong here
Marathon man, outlastin the chariot
I got a bone to pick and 'bout to bury it
This letter goes out to whoever want read it (whoever)
Please share it with the world cause I won't repeat it (I won't repeat it)
Believe me, I know who all need it
So for you, I wrote this letter (check it out)
I woke up, wit' an epiphany (Whaaat?)
It's like this feelin came over me (WHAAAT?!)
Cause right is where I'm 'posed to be
So for you, I wrote this letter
Uh, yo I awoke wit' a lot on my chest
And every breath that I took wasn't gettin' any better, P
I swear, some niggas wish they could replace me
No bullshittin, I watched the rumors chase me
'til it had me in the corner, (back down)
I mean, my back against the wall yo, I thought I was a goner
I let the pressure get the best of -
I let words make a mess of what's left of my pride but
I refuse to hide, behind the silence and smiles
It's been a while though, you hearin me now
Remember every foul comment that you motherfuckers spoke?
Well, I Rakim these niggas now, I Ain't No Joke
This is no hoax, back to bench scrubs like Tremaine Foulks
Coast to coast, please put up a toast
For the most, slept on!
Better open your eyes 'fore yo' ass get crept on, surprise
This letter goes out to whoever will read it (whoever)
Please share it with the world cause I won't repeat it (I won't repeat it)
Believe me, I know who all need it
So for you, I wrote this letter (check it out)
I woke up, wit' an epiphany (Whaaat?)
It's like this feelin came over me (WHAAAT?!)
Cause right is where I'm 'posed to be
So for you, I wrote this letter (uh, yo)
"The Minstrel Show" is taped in front of a live studio audience
At Chop Shop Studios in Durham, North Carolina
Funding for "The Minstrel Show" is provided by the Atlantic Group
In association with ABB Records
Production design by Frank William Miller Jr
Executive producers: Lowest and Common Denominator
On behalf of everyone at the UBN Network
This is your announcer Pete Rosenburg saying thank you
For tuning in to the biggest colored show on earth
The song Sincerely Yours by Little Brother speaks about the law of karma, and how every action you make comes back to you. The lyrics mention how life is a lesson and no matter who you are, you will have your ups and downs. The chorus repeats the phrase, "Whatever goes around, comes around." The singer of the song is reflecting on his own life and how it has brought him to where he is now. He speaks about his experience in the music industry and how it has been a journey of growth and lessons. He also touches on the pressure and rumors that come with fame and success, but he refuses to let it bring him down.
The song provides listeners with a message of positivity and hope, reminding them to live and learn. It also highlights the challenges that come with success and how it can affect one's mental health. The singer addresses his struggles and how he overcomes them by keeping a positive mindset and striving to be the best he can be.
Line by Line Meaning
Whatever goes around, comes around
The consequences of one's actions will eventually come back to them.
Every lifetime is a lesson, this is what I found
Each person's life is full of valuable experiences and lessons that can be learned.
No matter who you are (It don't matter), gonna have your ups and downs
Everyone, regardless of their status or background, will experience both good and bad times in their life.
(Time to come up, baby, time to come up, it's whatever)
It's time to work hard and improve one's situation, no matter the circumstances.
I walk, wit' a swag of a letterman
I am confident and stylish, like an athlete who excels at their sport.
No amateur here, I'm a veteran
I am experienced and skilled in my craft.
You couldn't find many more who is better than
Few people are as talented and capable as I am.
Big Pooh when he rocking the mic
I am referring to myself, Big Pooh, when I am rapping.
No games, no hype, just mind and skills
My success comes from having a sharp mind and exceptional abilities, without relying on gimmicks or fake hype.
Pure determination and a heart full of will
I am driven and passionate about my music career.
My nigga Tiggalo held me down for real
My friend Tiggalo supported me genuinely and loyally.
But it's time now for me to ante up on the bills
I need to work harder and focus on financial success.
Cause at the point when we signed our deal
When we signed our record deal, I was young and inexperienced.
I was three years young, now I'm five plus some
It has been several years since we signed our record deal and I have gained more experience and maturity.
Write, to the beat of 9th's wonderful drum
I write lyrics to the instrumental music created by the talented producer 9th Wonder.
Overhung by the snare and the bassline
The drums and bass create a dominant sound in the instrumental music.
It's face time, commentators they deface my place
It's my time to shine and be recognized, but critics may try to diminish my successes.
I pick up the pace, cause I belong here
I work harder and faster to prove that I am deserving of my success.
Marathon man, outlastin the chariot
I am persistent and tough, able to outlast and overcome obstacles.
I got a bone to pick and 'bout to bury it
I have a grudge to settle and am ready to confront and resolve it.
This letter goes out to whoever want read it (whoever)
This message is intended for anyone who is interested in hearing it.
Please share it with the world cause I won't repeat it (I won't repeat it)
Spread this message because I won't be saying it again.
Believe me, I know who all need it
I understand who would benefit from hearing this message.
So for you, I wrote this letter (check it out)
I composed this message specifically for you to read.
I woke up, wit' an epiphany (Whaaat?)
I had a sudden realization and understanding about something.
It's like this feelin came over me (WHAAAT?!)
I experienced a powerful and intense emotion.
Cause right is where I'm 'posed to be
I have finally found my true calling and am doing what I am meant to do.
So for you, I wrote this letter
I want to share my recent epiphany with you through this message.
I awoke wit' a lot on my chest
I woke up feeling weighed down by my problems and concerns.
And every breath that I took wasn't gettin' any better, P
I felt increasingly worse with each passing moment.
I swear, some niggas wish they could replace me
Certain people would like to see me fail and be replaced.
No bullshittin, I watched the rumors chase me
I have been confronted with rumors and speculation about my life and career.
'til it had me in the corner, (back down)
The rumors had backed me into a difficult and vulnerable position.
I mean, my back against the wall yo, I thought I was a goner
I was in a very difficult and dangerous situation, where failure seemed inevitable.
I let the pressure get the best of -
I allowed myself to be overcome by the stress and pressure I was facing.
I let words make a mess of what's left of my pride but
The mean words of others damaged my self-esteem and confidence.
I refuse to hide, behind the silence and smiles
I won't let anyone silence me or force me to hide my emotions.
It's been a while though, you hearin me now
It has been a long time since I have spoken my mind publicly.
Remember every foul comment that you motherfuckers spoke?
I have not forgotten the cruel and hurtful things that have been said to me.
Well, I Rakim these niggas now, I Ain't No Joke
I will silence my critics and prove my worth, much like the legendary rapper Rakim.
This is no hoax, back to bench scrubs like Tremaine Foulks
My success is real and I won't let anyone discredit it, even people like Tremaine Foulks who are not as successful.
Coast to coast, please put up a toast
I am recognized across the country and deserve a celebration for my success.
For the most, slept on!
Despite my success, I am often overlooked or undervalued.
Better open your eyes 'fore yo' ass get crept on, surprise
I am warning my critics to recognize and respect my success before it's too late.
"The Minstrel Show" is taped in front of a live studio audience
This is the introduction of the television show that we are filming.
At Chop Shop Studios in Durham, North Carolina
This is the location where the show is being recorded.
Funding for "The Minstrel Show" is provided by the Atlantic Group
This show is able to exist thanks to funding from the Atlantic Group.
In association with ABB Records
This show is associated with the record label ABB Records.
Production design by Frank William Miller Jr
Frank William Miller Jr. is responsible for the production design of the show.
Executive producers: Lowest and Common Denominator
The executive producers of this show are Lowest and Common Denominator.
On behalf of everyone at the UBN Network
This message is being delivered on behalf of everyone who works at the UBN Network.
This is your announcer Pete Rosenburg saying thank you
Pete Rosenberg, the announcer of the show, is thanking the audience.
For tuning in to the biggest colored show on earth
This show is one of the largest and most important of its kind, featuring people of color.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TERRENCE O. CALLIER, PATRICK DOUTHIT, THOMAS LOUIS III JONES, LARRY WADE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind