Little Brother is a North Carolina based rap trio consisting of MCs, Phonte, Big Pooh and producer 9th Wonder. Jay-Z loyalists will remember 9th Wonder from his memorable interpolation of R Kelly's "A Woman's Threat" on the track, "Threat," from Jay's Black Album. 9th Wonder's superior production is the glue that holds the trio formed in North Carolina Central University together, on their pre-sophomore release, The Chittlin Circuit 1.5.
Omitting the trite intro, Big Pooh and Phonte set the tone for the album on the opening track, "War." 9th Wonder's base drummed, soul sampled beat serves as a perfect backdrop for his rapping counterparts to showcase their chemistry, as they trade brash verses about their microphone skills, while dismissing competition with unparalleled confidence. Guest producer Khrysis supplies the symphonic, flute driven instrumental on the track, "Third Party," which it's chorus samples vocals from the Jigga man. Big Pooh seems to pay homage to Hova by spitting a solid verse that is sprinkled with Jay's influence, with lines like, "His game like Sampras / serves official / his track record razor sharp / ready to kiss you." Another New York bred God mc, Rakim Allah is sampled on the preceding track, "The Honorable" featuring a lackluster guest appearance by a mortal mc at best, Chaundon. Neither Big Pooh nor Phonte can salvage what's left of the track that unfortunately climaxes with Rakim's vocals on the song's chorus.
Despite the previous self praising song titles, Phonte and Big Pooh truly show and prove on the aptly titled "On The Way." Both Big Pooh and Phonte deliver their best verses to one of 9th Wonders many poignant productions. Phonte effortlessly crafts complex lyrics like, "It's (Phonte) spitting game like a ref with a speech impediment / weather they radicals screaming impeach the president / or a senator caught in Middle East embezzlement." Big Pooh maintains the lyrical aptitude with witty wordplay like, "Serving green for the price of blacks / get your salary taxed / off the top cause you over the cap." Showing some much needed versatility, Phonte displays his comedic capabilities with his gut-busting verse on the tack, "The Yo-Yo" (remix). Phonte expresses his disgruntled thoughts about a particular religious sect with comedic rhymes such as, "N----s with dreads calling themselves gods / with white girls named Katelin / and Imp cool with interracial dating / but I ain't bout to hear no f---ing speech just because I wanna have some bacon."
Just when you think they've exhausted all avenues to conceptualize there braggadocios rhymes, Big Pooh and Phonte present, "Altitudes." The 9th Wonder produced track is a guile comparative that re-imagines Little Brother's brand of Hip-Hop as a superior airline flying miles above competitors. The track's melodic humming woven into enchanting piano keys, takes listeners on a first class trip, which arrives at the next track, "Welcome to Durham." With a recurring interest in New York's finest, Big Daddy Kane lays down a solid opening verse on the grimy track. Other notable tracks on The Chittlin Circuit 1.5 are the emotional "Doin' Me," where Phonte deals with sensitive issues pertaining to his mother, and "Nighttime Maneuvers," which seems more like an opportunity for 9th Wonder to shine, on the superbly soulful track that features a solo verse by Phonte.
9th Wonder shines regardless of how many verses, whether mediocre or outstanding are spit over his tracks. His production carries rappers Big Pooh and Phonte on tracks like "Ladies Jam" and "Flash and Flare," where the MCs overindulge in the stark lyrical content. Even when Big Pooh and Phonte falter lyrically, you can't help but nod to 9th Wonders supreme production, and this is what makes The Chittlin Circuit 1.5 worth your buck.
Features Lil Josh & Ernest : We Just Jigg'n Lil Josh & Ernest has infiltrated the music scene in Louisiana with their Jigga Juice Movement. Although their talent ... full story
Beyond Hip-Hop Game Review: Madden NFL 09 It's hard to believe that the Madden series has been around for twenty years now, transforming from a simple football ... full story
Digg It
Del.icio.us
