Published: Monday - July 7, 2008
Words by Koquise Cobb
Little Brother (Photo: Hall Of Justus Music Group)
What's the haps with Little Brother since their last album Get Back? Phonte is prepping his podcast on Gordon Gartrell Radio and Big Pooh is gearing up for the release of his new album, Dirty Pretty Things. As far as Little Brother is concerned, their new album Justus For All is out now. Like all of their albums, Little Brother is sticking to their original recipe of bringing you nothing but that good music, only this time around they are focused on pleasing their fans. And yes, though he is no longer in the group, 9th Wonder has contributed to this album. This summer, Little Brother will be making moves all over, so stay tuned.
BallerStatus.com: So what are your plans for today?
Phonte: I'll probably hit the studio later on and do some work on my podcast and get that out. Probably do some recording and come home and play with my little boy.
BallerStatus.com: Are the podcasts available now?
Phonte: Yeah, it's me and my man DJ Brainchild and it's called Gordon Gartrell Radio at GordonGartrell.com, and you can go on there and download them. We're also going to have it on iTunes coming pretty soon.
Big Pooh: I'm at home in my office.
BallerStatus.com: You've made the move from a major label to indie, what was that transition like?
Phonte: Um, well it wasn't good.
Big Pooh: (laughs) It was the best transition I ever made. It was just one of them things that, I can't even really explain it. It's like you want to say it was good, but it wasn't really a good transition. But now we're indie and I think it is the best transition we have had in our career.
BallerStatus.com: What are some advantages of being on indie versus major?
Phonte: More flexibility and less red tape. You can get stuff out quick.
BallerStatus.com: You're latest album is Justus For All, who's on the album?
Big Pooh: Producers, Khrysis my homeboy, and we got Oh No. We have DJ Spinner, he produced on the album and 9th Wonder produced on this record. Jozeemo.
BallerStatus.com: What can fans expect from your new album?
Big Pooh: It's just a record. Well a lot of fans, every mixtape we put out, they always wanted a DJ free version of the mixtape. They just wanted the songs and not the scratching and mixing. They just wanted straight songs that they could play in their iPod or in their car. This is the first mixtape ever, in which we went back and took the DJ drops out, replaced some of the songs and decided to give it back to the fans the way they asked for it. For the new listeners, they should expect Little Brother; it's just us having fun making music and doing our thang.
BallerStatus.com: Who are you listening to right now? Lyrically speaking who is you favorite rapper or artist out right now?
Big Pooh: Right now I'm listening to that new Al Green, Lay It Down. As far as my favorite artist lyrically or out right now, I would have to say, I like what Lil Wayne and I like what Busta is doing right now. It's like Busta got his excitement back.
Phonte: I'm bumping that Al Green and a whole lot of Parliament and Funkadelic. As far as hip-hop, I got a new Jadakiss and Alchemist joint; that joint is dope. I'm still a fan of Jada, Jay-Z and I like T.I.
Ballertsatus: Who or what inspires you to make music?
Phonte: Bills, having to take care of my family and just knowing I have to work.
Big Pooh: My life and just knowing I have not reached my full potential yet.
BallerStatus.com: Any specific rituals or things you must have before getting in the studio and doing your thang?
Phonte: Water.
Big Pooh: Beats.
Phonte: That's it.
BallerStatus.com: If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?
Phonte: Marvin Gaye because he's my favorite singer.
Big Pooh: For me, it would be a joint with Biggie with Marvin Gaye on the hook.
BallerStatus.com: Is there anything you would like to add?
Phonte: Look out for my man's project, Zo and Tigallo, Love the 80s, coming soon. Me and my man Nicolay coming soon with the new "Foreign Exchange.
Big Pooh: Thank everybody for listening, you know and critiquing. Whether you are a fan or a hater, we thank you both. Keep paying attention and looking out for Little Brother.
Beyond Hip-Hop Shopping Guide: August 2008 Here's our August installment of the shopping guide for all your avid BallerStatus.com visitors who love the newest ... full story
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