Little Brother Get Back

Published January 29, 2008

By Peter Casasa-Blouin

With two Wu albums hitting the market one would think that hip-hop is revitalizing itself. Instead, Ghostface makes another classic but in the same formulaic mold that sacrifices creativity for success.

Inversely, Ghost’s group Wu-Tang drops an album in which RZA took some serious chances in production, but the result is still a lullaby of an album where even raw talent like Raekwon’s could put you to sleep. Still, the Wu album will grow on me.

After several months of productivity in the hip-hop world from Kanye, Jay-Z, and Lil’ Wayne, the album that had the most profound effect on me and those I exposed it to was (who naturally feature Lil’ Wayne). This masterpiece is a combination of the risk taking of 8 Diagrams and the instant appeal of Big Dough Rehab.

Phonte and Big Pooh constantly remind their listeners throughout the record that what they are hearing is supposed to be “young, fresh, and clean.” In fact, the whole catalyst for the album was to revive their own passion for music and invigorate a listenership that has become complacent and ignorant.

Brother sacrifices the sex appeal of gangster mentality for the sincerity of genuine poetry. Behind one infectious beat after another they explore retrospectively their careers as artists, their roles as men and lovers. Yet they divulge that they are victims of the same culture that puts a premium on “good clothes” and “blowing a pay stub on expensive ass liquor I don’t even like the taste of.” This introspective approach to rapping provides lyrics that are so succinct that you will wonder why no one had put it like that before.

Although this album is an important social critique the combination of beat and flow provides a sound that could be enjoyed at the loudest house party. They bring vibe that is so upbeat and powerful that it is impossible to skip songs. It is simply the complete album that many people have been waiting to hear-I know I have. If Little Brother can continue in this vein, it can have an effect on hip-hop in general and listeners could expect to hear more tangible, honest music.

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