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.
Time of Your Life
Little Brother Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah...Little Brother
So provacative, so sexy
Listen...I want you to go put on your best pair of dancing shoes
I want you to put on your favorite outfit, let's do this
[Phonte]
Uh, for this night I say, "Thank you, ma'am"
Rollin out in or four-door Sedan
But I'ma pimp it like it was an Escalade
"Oh, that's a beautiful mess you made"
I always know if you ain't feelin alright
So kick your shoes off, just take it light
and let me give you this night, you've had a stressful day, let's go!
[Chorus]
I got room reservations, everything's paid for
Hey baby this is your niiiiiiiiight...
Friday night just got paid so, that's what it's made for
Make it the time of your liiiiiiiiife...
[Carlitta Durand]
Whether are we just, here with my man (with my man)
Make sure I look good, cause I know he got plans
Whether on a town or, in the room
Gonna have a good time just, me and you
[Rapper Big Pooh]
Uh! Marc Jacob cologne scent fillin the room
Thinkin bout tonite, this only afternoon
Not a moment too soon, the sun is fadin west
Got on my blazer - check! My hair's correct
And I do step, out under the stars
You the brightest one, you deserve appluase
And we do cars, people to stop and stare
We belong together - such an obvious pair, oh yeah!
[Chorus 2X]
[Rapper Big Pooh]
Yo, when all is said and done, I know you had some fun
Cause we ate together, then we played together
Then we laid together, I pray you stay forever
Girl, no matter the weather, you should never fall off
[Phonte]
Call off your job, call off your plans
Call off your chores, call on your man
In our private suite, chefs cookin up
at the Marriott, Harper hooked us up
Feel good to go out for a night on the town
and baby girl, just hold ya hand
Remind me of back in the days when we would watch the old folks
Get down to that old school jams - now how they used to sing it?
[singing break sung in style of Kool & the Gang's "Ladies Night"]
This is your night, tooooonight
Everything's gonna be, allllllright
This is your night, tooooonight
Everything's gonna be, allllllright
[Chorus and background music til fade]
The song "Time of Your Life" by Little Brother is about the perfect night with your significant other, filled with love and relaxation. Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh are both expressing their love for their partners and how they want to make this night special for them. Phonte starts off the song by telling the listener to wear their best pair of dancing shoes, emphasizing the idea of going out and enjoying the night. He then compliments his partner's appearance and ensures that he knows when she isn't feeling alright, so that he could make her feel better. The chorus reiterates that everything is paid for and that this is her night, to make it the time of her life.
Carlitta Durand, the only female voice in the song, emphasizes the idea that even if they stay in the room, they would still have a good time together. Rapper Big Pooh continues the song by sharing how he prepares for the night, by wearing a blazer and checking his hair. He acknowledges the attention they receive as a couple and how they belong together. The chorus repeats, and with the singing break in between, it solidifies the idea of having a good time and making the night unforgettable.
Overall the song's lyrics revolve around the idea of showing love toward your partner and making them feel special. The song emphasizes the importance of taking time off from busy schedules and enjoying the little moments in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah...Little Brother
Introduction to the song by Little Brother, setting the tone.
So provacative, so sexy
The song is meant to create a romantic and exciting atmosphere.
Listen...I want you to go put on your best pair of dancing shoes
Encouragement to get dressed up and enjoy the night.
I want you to put on your favorite outfit, let's do this
Further encouragement to have a good time and feel confident.
Uh, for this night I say, "Thank you, ma'am"
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to spend the evening together.
Lookin so good in that dress you made
Complimenting the person's appearance and fashion sense.
Rollin out in or four-door Sedan
Going out for the night in a comfortable and stylish vehicle.
But I'ma pimp it like it was an Escalade
Even though the car may not be the most luxurious, it will be treated as if it is.
"Oh, that's a beautiful mess you made"
Praising the person's unique and creative style.
I always know if you ain't feelin alright
Being attentive to the person's emotional state and well-being.
So kick your shoes off, just take it light
Encouraging the person to relax and enjoy the evening.
and let me give you this night, you've had a stressful day, let's go!
Emphasizing the goal of ensuring that the person has a pleasurable and stress-free experience.
I got room reservations, everything's paid for
Announcing that all the arrangements for the evening have been taken care of.
Hey baby this is your niiiiiiiiight...
Reiterating that the focus of the evening is on the person's enjoyment and happiness.
Friday night just got paid so, that's what it's made for
Implying that the night was made for having fun and enjoying oneself.
Make it the time of your liiiiiiiiife...
Encouragement to make the most out of the evening by having an unforgettable experience.
Whether are we just, here with my man (with my man)
Suggesting that the person is in the company of someone special and enjoying that time together.
Make sure I look good, cause I know he got plans
Indicating that the person wants to look their best for the occasion.
Whether on a town or, in the room
Indicating that there are different possibilities for the evening's activities.
Gonna have a good time just, me and you
Stating the intention of having a good time together with the other person.
Uh! Marc Jacob cologne scent fillin the room
Describing an alluring and pleasant smell.
Thinkin bout tonite, this only afternoon
Anticipating the excitement and enjoyment of the upcoming evening.
Not a moment too soon, the sun is fadin west
Implying that the timing of the night is perfect, as the sun is setting and the night is about to begin.
Got on my blazer - check! My hair's correct
Making sure that the person is well put-together and looking their best for the evening.
And I do step, out under the stars
Walking out into the night and admiring the beauty of the stars.
You the brightest one, you deserve appluase
Complimenting the other person's radiance and beauty.
And we do cars, people to stop and stare
Driving around in a vehicle that draws attention and admiration from others.
We belong together - such an obvious pair, oh yeah!
Asserting that the two people are meant to be together and their connection is obvious to all who see them.
Yo, when all is said and done, I know you had some fun
Reminding the other person of the enjoyable time they have had together.
Cause we ate together, then we played together
Recalling the shared experience of having a meal and enjoying recreational activities.
Then we laid together, I pray you stay forever
Expressing a desire for a long-term connection and a hope that the good times will continue.
Girl, no matter the weather, you should never fall off
Staying committed to the relationship regardless of challenges or difficult times.
Call off your job, call off your plans
Encouragement to prioritize the evening above other obligations or commitments.
Call off your chores, call on your man
Prioritizing spending time with the other person over completing household tasks or other mundane activities.
In our private suite, chefs cookin up
Enjoying luxurious accommodations and high-end dining.
at the Marriott, Harper hooked us up
Expressing gratitude to someone for making arrangements at a nice hotel or resort.
Feel good to go out for a night on the town
Feeling excited and optimistic about enjoying the night together out and about.
and baby girl, just hold ya hand
Physical affection and closeness is important to the relationship.
Remind me of back in the days when we would watch the old folks
Reflecting on fond memories of spending time together and the longevity of the relationship.
Get down to that old school jams - now how they used to sing it?
Recalling the shared enjoyment of classic music and wondering how it was originally performed.
This is your night, tooooonight
Repeating that the focus of the evening is the enjoyment of the other person.
Everything's gonna be, allllllright
Reassurance that things will go well and the night will be happy and memorable.
[Chorus and background music til fade]
Repeating the chorus to emphasize the theme of the song.
Contributed by Scarlett V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.