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.
Slow It Down
Little Brother Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Listen
I'm trying to man up see what's really good with you
Gentleman's approach, not bring it hood to you
Same things that you hear everyday like
"Hey ma, hey boo, baby what's your name"
Please pull up a seat, I'm so glad you came
Damn its so refreshing when you calling out my name
Been Pooh for so long it doesn't sound the same
My occupation rap and I make a little change
I see you not impressed with what this life brings
Finished school, got a job, girl do your thing
It's a lot of independent women wanna be claimed
Marry into money or marry into fame, or at least give birth to a check
With all due respect lets two-step in the name of like
Who says we gotta do the waltz all day and all night, it's like
[Chorus]
If love is not enough
We don't have to rush
Come around, I'll slow it down just you
Lady you should be
Right here next to me
Come around, I'll slow it down just for you
We can go to the movies
I'll take you to the park and promise to have you home before the lights go out
Steady asking you questions what your life about
Oh and me, mine's everything I scribe about
No doubt this my life and
Dedicated to this witting sacrificing everything for it
Wasted time I can't afford
So if it ain't you/then you know I'm cooped up to the record..
I'll scoop you up in me Porshe, sike
You know I got a Nissan
That I'm still paying for, still got a lease on
But it don't matter 'cause that ain't my aim to get you
I got fame, but you know that just ain't the issue
Because you're looking like a woman of virtue
So well-rounded, no wonder your're in my circle
And normally you probably wouldn't give me the time of day
'Cause Tay got rhymes, but no he ain't got time to waste
[Chorus]
Sometimes I think I'm from another world (preach)
When I'm trynna tell a woman just exactly where I stand that (aight)
I want a girl, when I want a girl
And when I don't want a girl, I want a girl who understands that
And that's some hard shit to explain
To a woman that's in love with you, it's a pitiful thing
Until I had to figure
That I don't wanna play around, but I don't wanna settle down
And that's a man's dilemma, 'cause every man remembers
How his daddy and his uncles did it
'Cause more than likely that's the way they're gonna do it
I know it sound fucked up and most won't admit it
But yo, I gotta face it 'cause I know I'm living through it
'Cause when the party stops and niggas get old
And the chain and the cars and the houses get sold, and that
Other side of the bed gets cold, you don't wanna be alone
So girl I'm trynna hold you
[Chorus]
Oh baby (Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
What you need to do is
Take it slow with me
Slow it down a little bit (Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
We don't have to rush into anything serious
(Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
No we don't, take it from me (Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
My name is Percy and I make miracles if you take it slow with me baby
(Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
In these lyrics, we see Little Brother rapping about their experiences in relationships and trying to relate to women in a respectful, yet authentic way. They start by introducing themselves and welcoming the woman to sit down and chat. They make a point to not use common pickup lines and instead take a gentlemen's approach. They express how it feels refreshing when the woman calls them by their actual name instead of a nickname.
Little Brother also discusses how difficult it is to find independent women who don't just want to marry for money or fame. They want to slow things down so they can build a real relationship and not rush into anything. They even talk about how relationships can be complicated, especially for men who want to have their freedom but still want companionship. The lyrics show that they want companionship but not at the cost of giving up their freedom.
Overall, "Slow It Down" is a song that promotes healthy relationships and shows the importance of taking time to get to know someone before rushing into something serious. It's a refreshing take on rap lyrics that are often dominated by toxic masculinity and objectifying women. It’s a genuine attempt to connect and express feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
This some grown man shit right here
This song is intended for mature audiences only
I'm trying to man up see what's really good with you
I'm trying to approach this situation like a gentleman and get to know you better
Gentleman's approach, not bring it hood to you
I don't want to be too aggressive, I want to remain respectful
Same things that you hear everyday like
"Hey ma, hey boo, baby what's your name"
I don't want to sound like every other guy who approaches you with cheesy pickup lines
Please pull up a seat, I'm so glad you came
I'm genuinely interested in getting to know you and I'm happy you're here with me
My mother call me Thomas you can do the same
I prefer to be called by my real name and not by a nickname
Damn its so refreshing when you calling out my name
Been Pooh for so long it doesn't sound the same
It feels good to be called by my real name, as I've been given a nickname for so long
My occupation rap and I make a little change
I'm a rapper and I make some money from it
I see you not impressed with what this life brings
Finished school, got a job, girl do your thing
I understand that you may not be interested in my lifestyle and career, and that's okay. You have your own path and I respect that
It's a lot of independent women wanna be claimed
Marry into money or marry into fame, or at least give birth to a check
There are many women who are looking for a man to take care of them financially, and I don't want to be with someone who only sees me as a means to a financial end
With all due respect lets two-step in the name of like
Who says we gotta do the waltz all day and all night, it's like
Let's take things slow and get to know each other without any pressure or expectations. We don't have to follow society's rules about love and relationships
If love is not enough
We don't have to rush
Come around, I'll slow it down just you
Lady you should be
Right here next to me
Come around, I'll slow it down just for you
If our feelings for each other aren't enough to make things work, that's okay. We don't have to rush into anything. I want you to feel comfortable and to take things slow with me
We can go to the movies
I'll take you to the park and promise to have you home before the lights go out
Steady asking you questions what your life about
Oh and me, mine's everything I scribe about
No doubt this my life and
Dedicated to this witting sacrificing everything for it
Wasted time I can't afford
So if it ain't you/then you know I'm cooped up to the record..
Let's spend some time together and get to know each other better. I'm passionate about my music and writing, and I've sacrificed a lot for it. If we don't have a connection, I'll pour my energy into my work
I'll scoop you up in me Porshe, sike
You know I got a Nissan
That I'm still paying for, still got a lease on
But it don't matter 'cause that ain't my aim to get you
I got fame, but you know that just ain't the issue
Because you're looking like a woman of virtue
So well-rounded, no wonder your're in my circle
And normally you probably wouldn't give me the time of day
'Cause Tay got rhymes, but no he ain't got time to waste
I may not have the most impressive car or financial stability, but I don't want you to be with me for those things. I'm interested in you as a person because you seem genuine and well-rounded. I don't want you to waste your time on me if we don't have a real connection
Sometimes I think I'm from another world (preach)
When I'm trynna tell a woman just exactly where I stand that (aight)
I want a girl, when I want a girl
And when I don't want a girl, I want a girl who understands that
And that's some hard shit to explain
To a woman that's in love with you, it's a pitiful thing
Until I had to figure
That I don't wanna play around, but I don't wanna settle down
And that's a man's dilemma, 'cause every man remembers
How his daddy and his uncles did it
'Cause more than likely that's the way they're gonna do it
I know it sound fucked up and most won't admit it
But yo, I gotta face it 'cause I know I'm living through it
'Cause when the party stops and niggas get old
And the chain and the cars and the houses get sold, and that
Other side of the bed gets cold, you don't wanna be alone
So girl I'm trynna hold you
Sometimes I feel like I have a hard time explaining my stance on relationships to women. I don't want to play games or lead people on, but I also don't want to settle down. It's a dilemma that many men face due to familial and societal expectations. I admit it's a difficult situation, but in the end, I don't want to end up alone. I want to hold onto the right person
Oh baby (Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
What you need to do is
Take it slow with me
Slow it down a little bit (Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
We don't have to rush into anything serious
(Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
No we don't, take it from me (Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
My name is Percy and I make miracles if you take it slow with me baby
(Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
Let's take things slow and not rush into anything serious. I promise to make it worth your while if you give me a chance. My name is Percy and I can create something miraculous if you're patient with me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PHONTE COLEMAN, PATRICK DOUTHIT, CURTIS GADSON, THOMAS JONES, ROZ NEWBERRY, RON SANDERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sadie Graves
OVERVIEW
LYRICS
SIMILAR SONGS
1 of 3
2 of 3
This some grown man shit right here
Listen
I'm trying to man up see what's really good with you
Gentleman's approach, not bring it hood to you
Same things that you hear everyday like
"Hey ma, hey boo, baby what's your name"
Please pull up a seat, I'm so glad you came
My mother call me Thomas you can do the same
Damn its so refreshing when you calling out my name
Been Pooh for so long it doesn't sound the same
My occupation rap and I make a little change
I see you not impressed with what this life brings
Finished school, got a job, girl do your thing
It's a lot of independent women wanna be claimed
Marry into money or marry into fame, or at least give birth to a check
With all due respect lets two-step in the name of like
Who says we gotta do the waltz all day and all night, it's like
If love is not enough
We don't have to rush
Come around, I'll slow it down just you
Lady you should be
Right here next to me
Come around, I'll slow it down just for you
We can go to the movies
I'll take you to the park and promise to have you home before the lights go out
Steady asking you questions what your life about
Oh and me, mine's everything I scribe about
No doubt this my life and
Dedicated to this witting sacrificing everything for it
Wasted time I can't afford
So if it ain't you/then you know I'm cooped up to the record..
I'll scoop you up in me Porshe, sike
You know I got a Nissan
That I'm still paying for, still got a lease on
But it don't matter 'cause that ain't my aim to get you
I got fame, but you know that just ain't the issue
Because you're looking like a woman of virtue
So well-rounded, no wonder your're in my circle
And normally you probably wouldn't give me the time of day
'Cause Tay got rhymes, but no he ain't got time to waste
If love is not enough
We don't have to rush
Come around, I'll slow it down just you
Lady you should be
Right here next to me
Come around, I'll slow it down just for you
Sometimes I think I'm from another world (preach)
When I'm trynna tell a woman just exactly where I stand that (aight)
I want a girl, when I want a girl
And when I don't want a girl, I want a girl who understands that
And that's some hard shit to explain
To a woman that's in love with you, it's a pitiful thing
Until I had to figure
That I don't wanna play around, but I don't wanna settle down
And that's a man's dilemma, 'cause every man remembers
How his daddy and his uncles did it
'Cause more than likely that's the way they're gonna do it
I know it sound fucked up and most won't admit it
But yo, I gotta face it 'cause I know I'm living through it
'Cause when the party stops and niggas get old
And the chain and the cars and the houses get sold, and that
Other side of the bed gets cold, you don't wanna be alone
So girl I'm trynna hold you
If love is not enough
We don't have to rush
Come around, I'll slow it down just you
Lady you should be
Right here next to me
Come around, I'll slow it down just for you
Oh baby (Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
What you need to do is
Take it slow with me
Slow it down a little bit (Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
We don't have to rush into anything serious
(Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
No we don't, take it from me (Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
My name is Percy and I make miracles if you take it slow with me baby
(Take it slow, take it slow, take it slow, take it slow)
DaKhemist217
This track gets played about 10 times back 2 back because it's that cold. This album is pure classic Hip Hop. If you went back in time to the 80's or 90's and released it would still be fire. One of my top 10. Miss y'all.
Marcus Billett
Truth... same here, repeat rotation. #ClassicsNeverGetOld
Pilgrim
That back 2 back ain't no joke
Lara Gamble
I can listen to it on repeat for a good hour. So fresh.
anwjuice
tbis album and Consequence take em to the cleaners both in my top 10.both can go from Start to finish
Janet Blake
dznutz217 ugh yess I love this track I always play it when I get into a new crush and shit haha
clifton kilpatrick
If your listening to this in 2022 your a legend! I love the soul of a great woman!❤️🙏🏾
Ronnie Lekaram
Still hits the same like the first time I heard it...this is a masterpiece 🔥
YaRona B
Almost 20 years and I still bop this like it’s 1995!! LB is one of few groups that is beyond classic Hip Hop and ahead of their peers! (Black Sheep honorable mention) 9th is a genius with the beats!!! ❤❤❤❤
Jay Moore
4:19