Conversation with Little Brother
Buy Little Brother’s album “Get Back” [from Amazon] [ from iTunes]
Little Brother did it big in Houston on November 18. The Durham, North Carolina duo Phonte and Pooh performed hits and soon to be hits from their latest album Get Back. I had the honor of witnessing their stellar performance and the opportunity to talk to them after the show. Of course I had to ask the prerequisite questions about their label situation and the absence of former member 9th Wonder but it was evident from the sweat equity they put in on stage that it’s not about the hype. It’s about the work they do daily beyond the spotlight and media glare. It’s about the love of the music and the fans who love and admire them.
In a perfect music world Little Brother would be highly rewarded for their creativity and work ethic. They would receive countless awards and recognition and probably be Grand Masters in the “Hip Hop True School” parade. But we all know it’s not a perfect music world or a perfect world period. To live their dreams and provide for their families they’ve got hit the road. It’s not enough to have internet presence. You’ve got to have record store presence and concert presence to survive the long road to being an overnight sensation and prolong your years of fifteen minute fame. You’ve got to meet the people, shake some hands, kiss some babies. It’s business and politics. But where is the art and music in this equation? Little Brother brought that to the stage with their charismatic presence and rhyming skills. They displayed their art and put it center stage for all to admire and discuss. Only there was no discussion. Just heads bobbing and faithful fans reciting word for word lyrics from one of hip hop’s real messengers. On this night Houston showed their enthusiasm and appreciation for Little Brother. As Phonte said to me “We go where the love is.” I guess we can expect the Little Brother international tour soon because love for Little Brother is worldwide.
In this conversation Phonte talks about Little Brother, new projects with Zo and Foreign Exchange and working with Darien Brockington. He talks about leaving a major label, leaking the album and gives advice to new artists. We’ll also hear music from Little Brother’s album Get Back. Listen below.
Read the “GetBack” CD Review
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note: The question about Lupe Fiasco refers to this situation. Phonte’s response is found under the date Sunday Oct. 7.
B&W photo in LB graphic by Jalani Morgan
press play to listen
*adult language
The thing that stands out to me most, is what he had to say about either being an artist, or a businessman. I totally agree. I have a new name for him too ~ Potty Mout Phonte! LOL j/k
—lisPhonte knows what a grind is! Great interview V!
peace and blessings!
—Dan Tha FanThe interview is / was great! Tay’ drops some wise words, and the whole convo went smooth. You played songs inbetween, that I ordinarily would not have played. Now I’m listening to the CD again. You (and your radiant smile) need to be on TV..(hint hint)
:)
—Super KWow, you covered it ALL….9th Wonder, Lupe, the Atlantic deal… thoughts on the industry!!! DOPE interview for real!
—Rob aka R7the show was definitely on point. these are 2 the new millennium, what ATCQ + De La Soul were 2 the 90s. their art form is real + i plan on being an LB fan 4 a very long time.
—Favecan’t wait to see little brother again in washington d.c. true messengers of real hip hop !!!! LB D.C.’S GOT LOVE FOR U ALL DAY!!!! WHAT’S UP WITH YUMS CARRY OUT YA HEARD !!! PEACE ! FPS VIDEO SERVICES
—PATRICK SMITHlittle brother is great musically. i absolutely hate their annoying interludes and dumb comicals at the end of each song. it ruins bumping the record in your car because you have to spend all your time busy skipping around or lowering the volume every 3 minutes.
who wants to hear about soap and butt-crack hairs at a loud volume? catch my drift
—the surg3onGood interview! Phonte always comes with interesting answers and insight.
—Fat TonyHi Honey, Little Brother stays on rotation in the Chevy. I can really appreciate their grind. I also really appreciate what you bring to the table. Keep doing you.
—Careygreat interview indeed
—chrisI know I’m so late on this, but great interview! I always appreciate Phonte’s honesty and Little Brother’s work ethic (plus great music). (especially as a North Carolinian) ;) lol
—kn0519[...] Exchange Live in Chicago! Maybe because it features some of my favorite artists Yahzarah, Nicolay, Phonte, Zo and Darien Brockington. Don’t even get me started on DBrock lol. Witness what great music [...]
—Honey Soul Music » The Foreign Exchange Live