The Listening album by Little Brother will always be one of my favorite albums of all time.  I remember first hearing about them in 2003 from a review of the album in The Source.  I heard about LB previously from the okayplayer forums but once The Source gave the album 4 mics and drew A Tribe Called Quest comparisons, I knew I had to see for myself what all the hype was about.  First song I heard was “Nighttime Maneuvers.” I said to myself, ” Whaaaaaaat??!!!. (Lil Jon was really big at this time also)  I couldn’t believe what I just heard I had to listen to it again.  Phonte just straight murdered that track talkin about the aids cure and heinikens.  And the 9th Wonder track was like a breath of fresh air compared to all the Synth and Korg Triton beats that were filling the airwaves at the time (it’s actually even worse nowadays now though right?!).  I was also really spinning records in clubs heavy around this time with my crew and this was the inspiration I needed.  This group really reminded me of why I love hip hop so much and 9th Wonder was a big reason why I decided to learn production and not just dj.  Although it felt like my dog died when 9th Wonder left the group, I’ll never forget how this group made me feel when I first heard them.  So here’s some of my favorite joints from Little Brother.  Support real hip hop.  Peace.

- DJ Mike Rizzy 

ps. by popular demand here is the track listing

1. And I Love Her - Bobby Womack
2. Speed - Little Brother
3. Phonte Freestyle
4. Light It Up - Little Brother
5. The Honorable - Little Brother
6. Speed Racing - Little Brother feat. Skyzoo
7. Soul Control - Supastition feat. Little Brother
8. Between The Lines - Rapper Big Pooh
9. Tension - Little Brother
10. Give It To Ya - Pete Rock feat. Little Brother
11. On And On - Little Brother
12. Home - Little Brother
13. Nighttime Maneuvers - Little Brother
14. Away From Me - Little Brother
15. I Believe You - Claire Laine
16. Whatever You Say - Little Brother
17. I See Now - Little Brother feat. Kanye West and Consequence

* For Promotional Use Only

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