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.
sinners
Little Brother Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord forgive us
We all look for guidance
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage, to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference
[Phonte]
Cocky son of a you know, the word be traveling
And my thoughts unravel when I stopped and got near to ya
And checked out your posterior, oh lord it's
So gorgeous, so fine, so thorough
Body like a goddess, it's out of this world
Not a sex therapist looking for inner peace
I'ma sex terrorist hitting your Middle East
And I know my sins won't get me to the promised land
And for eternal life my chances ain't promising
But I'm gonna find a way to shake these sinner heathens
And take these inner demons out my life, I promise man
[Hook - Pooh & Phonte]
God delivers, God forgive us
We all hustlers and thieves, we all sinners
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all praying to heaven, can y'all hear us?
God delivers, God forgive us
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all crazy deranged and off-center
We all guilty of lust, we all sinners
[Pooh]
Got the perfect scheme, got the perfect team
Got the perfect way where we can come up on cream
Talking 'bout more money than you ever seen
Talking 'bout enough money so you can live your dreams
Got the perfect time, got the perfect date
Got the perfect place, got the perfect weight
Gotta slow it down, gotta catch my breath
Gotta keep us on track 'fore we track a mess
Got this lady upstairs in my busy-ness
Gotta keep her upstairs causing me stress
Gotta keep order, maintain the cover
Gotta keep these dudes apart 'fore they kill each other
He gotta keep his job, he had to tell his wife
I'd be surprised if time come man we get it right
The time's here, everybody in they places right?
Time to go to work, let's have a great night
[Hook]
[Pooh]
So when my time come please remember
That I'm still just a man, just a lowly sinner
Who's repenting right now God I hope you remember
Please open up your gates allow me to enter
[Phonte]
I know my sins won't make me a better man
But now I'm hoping for a life in a better land
Where I can find a way to shake these sinner heathens
And take these inner demons out my life, forever man
[Hook]
The song "Sinners" by Little Brother addresses themes of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption. The opening lines of the song, spoken by Phonte are a plea for guidance and forgiveness. Phonte's opening verse delves into the areas in which he feels he's falling short. He takes on a self-deprecating tone, labeling himself with a slew of pejorative descriptors. Despite his flaws, he still can't help admiring others, particularly the physical attributes of women. "Sinners" acknowledges the internal struggle that individuals face when attempting to reconcile their moral failings with their faith.
The following verses by Big Pooh explore the theme of greed and the lengths to which one might go to obtain wealth. Pooh characterizes himself and his team as perfect and describes a foolproof plan to achieve financial success. However, he also acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining control of the situation and keeping his team and scheme from falling apart. The hook is a conversation with God, in which the group is collectively asking for forgiveness and guidance, as they recognize that they are all sinners in need of redemption.
"Sinners" is a deeply introspective song that examines the human experience of attempting to reconcile one's faith with one's own moral failings. Little Brother acknowledges that nobody is perfect but that striving for improvement and redemption is a constant journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord forgive us
We acknowledge our wrongdoings and ask for forgiveness from God
We all look for guidance
We all seek guidance and direction in life
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
We ask for the emotional and mental calmness to accept things that are beyond our control
The courage, to change the things I can
We ask for the bravery to change the things in our lives that we do have the power to alter
And the wisdom to know the difference
We ask for the understanding and discernment to know the difference between the things we can and cannot change
I'm a nasty, filthy, disgusting, arrogant
I'm flawed and imperfect, with negative qualities such as arrogance and uncleanliness
Cocky son of a you know, the word be traveling
I'm known for my arrogance and my reputation for it has spread
And my thoughts unravel when I stopped and got near to ya
When I'm around someone I'm attracted to physically, my thoughts become scattered and unfocused
And checked out your posterior, oh lord it's
I looked at your rear end and it's an attractive physical feature
So gorgeous, so fine, so thorough
It's very beautiful, attractive, and well-formed
Body like a goddess, it's out of this world
Your body is stunningly perfect, as though it were a mythical goddess's form
Not a sex therapist looking for inner peace
I am not seeking out a therapist to help me achieve emotional or psychological stability. Instead, I am focused on sexual pleasure and activity
I'ma sex terrorist hitting your Middle East
I am like a terrorist in the bedroom, aggressively pursuing sexual satisfaction from my partner
And I know my sins won't get me to the promised land
I am aware that my wrongdoings will not earn me a place in heaven
And for eternal life my chances ain't promising
I am not optimistic about my chances for eternal life in the afterlife
But I'm gonna find a way to shake these sinner heathens
I am determined to rid myself of my sinful ways and become a better person
And take these inner demons out my life, I promise man
I commit to overcoming my negative traits and becoming a better person
We all hustlers and thieves, we all sinners
We are all guilty of wrongdoing, whether it be through illegal activity or other sins
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We are all searching for direction and meaning in our lives
We all praying to heaven, can y'all hear us?
We all ask for divine intervention and guidance in our lives
We all crazy deranged and off-center
We are all a little bit off-kilter and abnormal in some way
We all guilty of lust, we all sinners
We all give in to desires of the flesh, and are all guilty of sin in some way
Got the perfect scheme, got the perfect team
I have a foolproof plan and a competent group of people to help me execute it
Got the perfect way where we can come up on cream
I have the perfect strategy to make lots of money
Talking 'bout more money than you ever seen
I am discussing making so much money that it would be unimaginable to most people
Talking 'bout enough money so you can live your dreams
With this much money, you could achieve all of your aspirations and lead the life you've always wanted
Got the perfect time, got the perfect date
I have chosen the perfect time and date to execute the plan
Got the perfect place, got the perfect weight
I have selected the ideal location and amount of product for the scheme
Gotta slow it down, gotta catch my breath
I need to take a breather and calm down
Gotta keep us on track 'fore we track a mess
I need to make sure everyone is staying focused and on task to prevent any complications
Got this lady upstairs in my busy-ness
I have a woman upstairs in the midst of all of this activity
Gotta keep her upstairs causing me stress
I need to keep her away from the situation to avoid further complications
Gotta keep order, maintain the cover
I need to ensure that everything is running smoothly and that no one finds out about our activities
Gotta keep these dudes apart 'fore they kill each other
I need to keep certain individuals from interacting with one another to prevent violence and conflict
He gotta keep his job, he had to tell his wife
Someone had to tell their spouse about the scheme to prevent any suspicions or conflicts of interest from arising
I'd be surprised if time come man we get it right
I am doubtful that everything will go according to plan
The time's here, everybody in they places right?
It's time to start the scheme. Is everyone in their proper positions?
Time to go to work, let's have a great night
Let's get to work and make this happen. Let's have a successful night
So when my time come please remember
When I die, I hope people will remember
That I'm still just a man, just a lowly sinner
I am still a human being with faults and vices, just like everyone else
Who's repenting right now God I hope you remember
I am currently asking for forgiveness and trying to make amends, and I hope God remembers that
Please open up your gates allow me to enter
I hope to be granted access to heaven when I die
I know my sins won't make me a better man
I realize that my wrongdoings will not improve my character or make me a better person
But now I'm hoping for a life in a better land
I am now hoping for a better afterlife where I can find redemption and peace
Where I can find a way to shake these sinner heathens
In the afterlife, I hope to leave behind my sinful ways and become a better person
And take these inner demons out my life, forever man
I commit to purging myself of my negative traits and temptations, forever
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOSEPH HENRY BURNETT, PHONTE LYSHOD COLEMAN, PATRICK DOUTHIT, THOMAS LOUIS III JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Limits98
Lyrics
[Intro - Phonte]
Lord forgive us
We all look for guidance
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage, to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference
[Verse 1: Phonte]
I'm a nasty, filthy, disgusting, arrogant
Cocky son of a you know, the word be traveling
And my thoughts unravel when I stopped and got near to ya
And checked out your posterior
Oh lord it's so gorgeous, so fine, so thorough
Body like a goddess, it's out of this world
And I'd do anything to get a piece of it
One taste, one touch, one little squeeze of it
Let me set your body afire and be public
Fulfill your dirty thoughts, yes indeed love it
Not a sex therapist looking for inner peace
I'mma sex terrorist hitting your Middle East
And I know my sins won't get me to the promised land
And for eternal life my chances ain't promising
But I'mma find a way to shake these sinner heathens
And take these inner demons out my life, I promise man
[Hook - Pooh & Phonte]
God delivers, God forgive us
We all hustlers and thieves, we all sinners
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all praying to heaven, can y'all hear us?
God delivers, God forgive us
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all crazy, deranged and off-center
We all guilty of lust, we all sinners
[Verse 2: Pooh]
Got the perfect scheme, got the perfect team
Got the perfect way where we can come up on cream
Talking 'bout more money than you ever seen
Talking 'bout enough money so you live your dreams
Got the perfect time, got the perfect date
Got the perfect place, got the perfect weight
Gotta slow it down, gotta catch my breath
Gotta keep us on track fore we track a mess
Got this lady upstairs in my busi-ness
Gotta keep her upstairs causing me stress
Gotta keep order, maintain the cover
Gotta keep these dudes apart 'fore they kill each other
He gotta keep his job, he had to tell his wife
I'd be surprised if time come man we get it right
The time's here, everybody in they places right?
Time to go to work, let's have a great night
[Hook]
God delivers, God forgive us
We all hustlers and thieves, we all sinners
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all praying to heaven, can y'all hear us?
God delivers, God forgive us
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all crazy, deranged and off-center
We all guilty of lust, we all sinners
(Interlude)
[Pooh]
So when my time come please remember
That I'm still just a man, just a lowly sinner
Who's repenting right now, God I hope you remember
Please open up your gates allow me to enter
[Phonte]
I know my sins won't make me a better man
But now I'm hoping for a life in a better land
Where I can find a way to shake these sinner heathens
And take these inner demons out my life, forever man
[Hook]
God delivers, God forgive us
We all hustlers and thieves, we all sinners
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all praying to heaven, can y'all hear us?
God delivers, God forgive us
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all crazy, deranged and off-center
We all guilty of lust, we all sinners
Laura Tack
I’m surprised this track never received more airplay and attention. Great song, lyrics, beat. Excellent!
Dominique Jones
I lost my mind when I was watching athe Lady Killers & this was played when Marlon was walking thru the casino
Marvelous of Philly
Wow. I haven't heard this song in almost 15 years, man. Damn how time just flies by.
Blerdpool
I forgot I uploaded this song. I wish I had the full song tho.
nick brown
Doesn't that shit just trip you out sometimes ?
Limits98
Lyrics
[Intro - Phonte]
Lord forgive us
We all look for guidance
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage, to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference
[Verse 1: Phonte]
I'm a nasty, filthy, disgusting, arrogant
Cocky son of a you know, the word be traveling
And my thoughts unravel when I stopped and got near to ya
And checked out your posterior
Oh lord it's so gorgeous, so fine, so thorough
Body like a goddess, it's out of this world
And I'd do anything to get a piece of it
One taste, one touch, one little squeeze of it
Let me set your body afire and be public
Fulfill your dirty thoughts, yes indeed love it
Not a sex therapist looking for inner peace
I'mma sex terrorist hitting your Middle East
And I know my sins won't get me to the promised land
And for eternal life my chances ain't promising
But I'mma find a way to shake these sinner heathens
And take these inner demons out my life, I promise man
[Hook - Pooh & Phonte]
God delivers, God forgive us
We all hustlers and thieves, we all sinners
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all praying to heaven, can y'all hear us?
God delivers, God forgive us
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all crazy, deranged and off-center
We all guilty of lust, we all sinners
[Verse 2: Pooh]
Got the perfect scheme, got the perfect team
Got the perfect way where we can come up on cream
Talking 'bout more money than you ever seen
Talking 'bout enough money so you live your dreams
Got the perfect time, got the perfect date
Got the perfect place, got the perfect weight
Gotta slow it down, gotta catch my breath
Gotta keep us on track fore we track a mess
Got this lady upstairs in my busi-ness
Gotta keep her upstairs causing me stress
Gotta keep order, maintain the cover
Gotta keep these dudes apart 'fore they kill each other
He gotta keep his job, he had to tell his wife
I'd be surprised if time come man we get it right
The time's here, everybody in they places right?
Time to go to work, let's have a great night
[Hook]
God delivers, God forgive us
We all hustlers and thieves, we all sinners
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all praying to heaven, can y'all hear us?
God delivers, God forgive us
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all crazy, deranged and off-center
We all guilty of lust, we all sinners
(Interlude)
[Pooh]
So when my time come please remember
That I'm still just a man, just a lowly sinner
Who's repenting right now, God I hope you remember
Please open up your gates allow me to enter
[Phonte]
I know my sins won't make me a better man
But now I'm hoping for a life in a better land
Where I can find a way to shake these sinner heathens
And take these inner demons out my life, forever man
[Hook]
God delivers, God forgive us
We all hustlers and thieves, we all sinners
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all praying to heaven, can y'all hear us?
God delivers, God forgive us
We all wandering men with lost spirits
We all crazy, deranged and off-center
We all guilty of lust, we all sinners
Christian Williams
I remember when I joined myspace 2 yrs ago this was one of the first songs that I had on my page...I've been looking for this song ever since then and I'm glad someone posted the song up on here b/c this is going straight towards my "favorites"
Wes T
Missed this one back in the day Ill
Richer p Sicker
9th samples A Christian's plea and made it a banger. This shit lowkey in inspired me to sample and produce.
realhiphopnation25
Too good