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.
Starship
Little Brother Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I should've done things right lookin' back
But 20/20 eyesight, can't change the facts
Too much pride, pro'lly broke the back
Of the camel, not the haystacks
We was so right together, up on the phone late night
Just talking about whatever, yeah that's what couples do
We was together before it was official
It hurts my heart so much
Going these days without your touch
Not seeing you smile
Us breaking up, damn that shit was wild
Going back in time, I'd change a few things now
'Cuz you was more important than trips to the mall
I could've passed on shootin' ball, for a day or two
So instead you chose to pass on me
Since that day, Pooh has been free, until you come back...
(Chorus)
You are... my life... my love...
(Come take me up tonight)
Starship baby that's what you are
You are... my life... my love...
(Come take me up tonight)
Starship baby that's what you are
(Phonte)
Ayo, I think back to the days when I first was pursuing you
It's funny what distance can do to you
It make a nigga reminisce more than usual
Back to the times when we were innocent
When we was young, carefree, with crazy benefits
Cutting classes, skipping work, but didn't give a shit
I miss those simple days in a sense
Waking up next to you made all my mornings more intimate
Watching you sleep and breathe in and out
Holding you close, relieved any doubts
When all my dreams started withering
Inside myself I was livin' it
Selfishness sparked and not being half the man that I should've been
I'm sorry if I ever felt like a waste of time
But now I'm thinking from a longer term, state of mind
Tell me your dreams love, I'll make 'em mine
Yo, I ain't frontin' girl, it's you I'll always stand behind
You take me up...
(Chorus)
You are... my life... my love...
(Come take me up tonight)
Starship baby that's what you are
You are... my life... my love...
(Come take me up tonight)
Starship baby that's what you are
You are... my life... my love...
(Come take me up tonight)
Starship baby that's what you are
You are... my life... my love...
(Come take me up tonight)
Starship baby that's what you are
(Big Pooh)
It's been some months, but we back to speaking
"How you doing?" "How you been?"
"You look good." "So do you."
So what's up this weekend?
Let's hit the town say for old time's sake
I'll come get you girl, I won't be late
So watch you gonna do?
(Phonte)
Yo, don't be late tonight, I ain't even tryin' to hate tonight
Fuck watching T.V. we goin' on a date tonight
Dancin' in Japanese steak tonight
So won't change into that outfit I bought you
You know the one you got when you thought I ignored you
Doing that sexy little salsa move I taught you
Don't ever say that I've never did nothing for you
I know how relationships can bore you
(Big Pooh)
Or you can choose to chill from the night life
Kick back, it's sky blue tonight, me and you no moves tonight
(Phonte)
It's on you baby choose the night
You think I'm just trying to write songs?
With my words, I'm trying to right wrongs
Build a relationship that's like stone
Eighty years old ?a care of wince? holdin' hands on the cyclone
With a career that is life-long
Showin' you love with my mics on, take me up baby
(Chorus)
You are... my life... my love...
(Come take me up tonight)
Starship baby that's what you are
You are... my life... my love...
(Come take me up tonight)
Starship baby that's what you are
You are... my life... my love...
(Come take me up tonight)
Starship baby that's what you are
You are... my life... my love...
(Come take me up tonight)
Starship baby that's what you are
The song "Starship" by Little Brother is all about regret and longing for a lost love. Both rappers, Big Pooh and Phonte, reflect on their past relationship and how they could have done things differently. Big Pooh starts the song by admitting that he made mistakes and that his pride might have cost him a great relationship. He also talks about how much he misses his ex and her smile. Phonte joins and raps about the good times they had together, how he misses waking up next to her and how they used to skip work and enjoy each other's company.
Despite the rough patches, both rappers confess their love for the ex and invite her back into their life. The chorus is a plea for her to come back and that she is the love of their lives. The song ends with an invitation from Phonte to go on a date and he promises to cherish her and build a long-lasting relationship with her.
Overall, "Starship" is an emotional song that explores themes of love, regret, and longing. It shows how a failed relationship can leave someone feeling sad and how they may reflect on the past and wish they had done things differently. The song also highlights the importance of communication and putting in the effort to make a relationship work, rather than taking it for granted.
Line by Line Meaning
I should've done things right lookin' back
Reflecting on the past, I realize I could have done things differently
But 20/20 eyesight, can't change the facts
Even with perfect hindsight, I cannot change what has already happened
Too much pride, pro'lly broke the back
My pride likely caused the relationship to fail
Of the camel, not the haystacks
It was a big mistake, not a small one
We was so right together, up on the phone late night
We were a great match and enjoyed talking on the phone late into the night
Just talking about whatever, yeah that's what couples do
As a couple, we would talk about anything and everything
We was together before it was official
We were in a relationship before making it official to others
Picnics, restaurants, movies, I'm missing you
I miss the times we spent together doing simple activities like having picnics, going to restaurants and watching movies
It hurts my heart so much
The pain of missing you is unbearable
Going these days without your touch
I miss the physical touch and affection we shared
Not seeing you smile
I miss the joy and happiness your smile brought me
Us breaking up, damn that shit was wild
The break-up was a chaotic and emotionally painful experience
Going back in time, I'd change a few things now
Given the opportunity, I would make some changes to the past
'Cuz you was more important than trips to the mall
I neglected to prioritize you over materialistic things like trips to the mall
I could've passed on shootin' ball, for a day or two
I should have spent less time playing basketball and more time with you
So instead you chose to pass on me
As a result of my actions, you chose to end the relationship and move on without me
Since that day, Pooh has been free, until you come back...
After the break-up, I have been single but will still welcome you back into my life if you decide to return
You are... my life... my love...
You are everything to me and the love of my life
(Come take me up tonight)
Let's spend some time together tonight
Starship baby that's what you are
You are my shining star, my guide, and my rock
Ayo, I think back to the days when I first was pursuing you
I reminisce about the early days of our relationship when I was trying to win your heart
It's funny what distance can do to you
Distance has made me nostalgic and reflective about our past together
It make a n***a reminisce more than usual
It causes me to reminisce more than normal
Back to the times when we were innocent
I remember our early days when we were young and carefree
When we was young, carefree, with crazy benefits
We were young and enjoyed the benefits of being in love
Cutting classes, skipping work, but didn't give a shit
We enjoyed being together so much that we skipped responsibilities like classes and work
I miss those simple days in a sense
I miss the simplicity and carefree nature of our early days together
Waking up next to you made all my mornings more intimate
Waking up next to you was an intimate and meaningful experience for me
Watching you sleep and breathe in and out
Watching you sleep was a calming and peaceful experience for me
Holding you close, relieved any doubts
Being close to you helped me feel secure and relieved any doubts I had about our relationship
When all my dreams started withering
As our relationship deteriorated, I began to lose hope and my dreams started to fade away
Inside myself I was livin' it
I was struggling internally with my own thoughts and emotions
Selfishness sparked and not being half the man that I should've been
My own selfishness caused me to fall short of the partner I should have been
I'm sorry if I ever felt like a waste of time
I apologize if I ever made you feel like our relationship was a waste of time
But now I'm thinking from a longer term, state of mind
I am now thinking long-term and considering the bigger picture for our relationship
Tell me your dreams love, I'll make 'em mine
I want to know your dreams so that I can support you and make them mine as well
Yo, I ain't frontin' girl, it's you I'll always stand behind
I am not just saying this, I will always have your back
Let's hit the town say for old time's sake
Let's go out like we used to back in the day
I'll come get you girl, I won't be late
I will make sure to be on time and pick you up for our date
Yo, don't be late tonight, I ain't even tryin' to hate tonight
Please don't be late tonight, I don't want any negativity on our date
Fuck watching T.V. we goin' on a date tonight
We are going out and having a real date tonight, not just sitting at home watching TV
Dancin' in Japanese steak tonight
We will be dancing and having steak at a Japanese restaurant tonight
So won't change into that outfit I bought you
Please wear the outfit I got you for this special occasion
You know the one you got when you thought I ignored you
I got you this outfit to show you that I care, even when you thought I didn't
Doing that sexy little salsa move I taught you
I want you to show off the salsa move I taught you
Don't ever say that I've never did nothing for you
I have done things for you, and I don't want you to forget that
I know how relationships can bore you
I understand that relationships can become stale and unexciting
Or you can choose to chill from the night life
We could also choose to stay in and relax tonight
Kick back, it's sky blue tonight, me and you no moves tonight
We can relax and enjoy each other's company without doing anything extravagant or exciting
It's on you baby choose the night
You can decide what we do tonight, it is your call
You think I'm just trying to write songs?
I am not just singing about our relationship, I mean every word that I sing
With my words, I'm trying to right wrongs
Through my lyrics, I am trying to make up for my past mistakes
Build a relationship that's like stone
I want to build a strong and lasting relationship with you that is unbreakable like stone
Eighty years old ?a care of wince? holdin' hands on the cyclone
I want to grow old with you, still holding hands and enjoying life's adventures together
With a career that is life-long
I want to have a long and fulfilling career with you by my side
Showin' you love with my mics on, take me up baby
Through my music, I will continue to show you love and support, please take me back into your life
Contributed by Reagan W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ahhh Productions
Classic,real hip-hop never gets old
RobSamurai
This that Soulful Hip Hop the game is missing :)
Nikia Morgan
9th wonder got my respect when i seen J Dilla holding his album (The Listening) before dilla died that's proof to show you that the King Of Beats J Dilla liked 9th music too........real shit/ real hip hop cause, Little Brother is a reincarnation of Slum Village and I think that's why dilla fucked with them.
Viv Lara
If that's supposed to be a compliments it's not, any normal human being with ears who listened to Little brothers album could see that all three of them Phonte, Big Pooh and 9th Wonder were talented. In 2002 their album was a breath of fresh air at a time when real hip hop heads saw the scene as dead.For a couple of years they were seen as the last hope.It shouldn't have taken Jay Dee appreciation for you to finally respect 9th Wonder.
Tinita
2022 still here ❤️
Backofthegarden
was fürn herrlicher beat....
Igotcha05
When Ny niggas was claiming hip hop was dead. She was deep in the underground in N.C.
Freedom Jones
I think de la stole this...." Memorys of us"
Zonens
Al Jarreau - Singing I Will Be Here For You
bigvance84
Yyyyeeeeeepppppppp!!!!!!!