Interview: Big Pooh of Little Brother

Little Brother is one of the dopest new acts to come out in hip-hop lately dropping three classic albums The Listening, Chitlin’ Circuit 1.5, and The Minstrel Show in the last few years. They have a classic hip-hop feel that takes me back and makes me appreciate what the music can be. So it was my honor to interview Big Pooh of Little Brother and talk about their new album The Get Back. Gander On for the interview.

JB: When’s the new album coming out
BP: October 23rd

JB: I’ve heard that you and 9th wonder have split up since the last album. How has this and other changes that have occurred in your lives affected what we will hear on The Get Back?

BP: The two main changes that have happened since the last one came out have been 9th leaving the group and us leaving Atlantic Records. Besides that the production has opened up a little more but that actually began to happen before 9th left.

JB: We heard that 9th left the group because you guys wanted the opportunity to work with other producers and to try to work with more diverse beats. What can we expect from the new album? The others were very soulful. Can we expect more experimentation? Is it more commercial?

BP: That wasn’t the basis for the split with 9th. This album will still be soulful but there’s a lot more live instrumentation on this record.

JB: Are you guys still cool with ninth and are there possibilities of you guys working with him in the future?

BP: On a personal note it’s not the same and probably never will be but we still have a lot of respect for each other’s work. As far as I’m concerned I have laid down some songs for 9ths solo project the Dream Catcher so you’ll see that coming soon. As far as Little Brother is concerned you will probably see us work together in the future but there won’t be any reunions. He’ll definitely be called to produce whenever myself or the group are planning to put out another album. But no reunions.

JB: Since the last album The Minstrel Show both you and Phonte have released solo projects. Phonte with Foreign Exchange and yourself with Sleepers. Why does great hip-hop continue to be overlooked by the masses?

BP: It’s not what they’re used to. It’s not what they’re being fed. I equate it to junk food. These companies are making money off of junk food which may be good for you now but later you’ll be hungry again which is what they want.

JB: We haven’t seen too many huge Big Brother collaborations. You had Rhymefest on the new mixtape but what artists would you like to work with and/or compete against on the mic?

BP: We got Weezy (Lil’ Wayne) on the new album so your gonna see him on there. I’m a huge
fan of making music and music in general so there’s a ton of people out there. A lot of times we exchange info but just as the nature of the business it doesn’t always work out.

JB: Any specifics?

BP: Outkast. I’ve been listening to them for a long time. Since they came out. Also some of the other legends that I’ve respected. DJ Quik. DJ Quik I feel is one of the most underrated producers in hip-hop. And Dr. Dre definitely Dre. He’s the Master.

JB: Coming from North Carolina what advice can you give to MC’s coming up especially in areas outside of New York, LA, and Atlanta?

BP: Figure out who you are and be consistent. Stick to your guns. Don’t go for the allure of being famous. Being famous doesn’t equal being Rich and being Rich doesn’t equal longevity. You gotta grind, grind, grind. Some people are lucky and have a hit single and get big early but that doesn’t mean they’re gonna be around forever. Nothing is given in this business. It’s a sacrifice.

JB: You guys just left Atlantic. Given the current state of music would you stay away from the major labels if you had the opportunity to do it again?

BP: Naw. We’d do the same thing. You need to go through the experience. It was a great experience and it helped me become who I am and it helped Phonte to become who he is. Naw you can’t sit back and think about what if?

JB: When can we see ya’ll in Seattle?

BP: We’ll be in Seattle November 3rd and Bellingham November 5th

JB: Who are some other dope MC’s coming out of NC right now?

BP: You got Josey Loc, Superstition out of Charlotte, Big Reno outta Salem, and Trill all from North Carolina.

I’d like to thank Big Pooh and Little Brother for taking their time out and for making dope hip-hop which is sorely lacking today. I had the opportunity to listen to portions of the new album The Get Back recently and from what I’ve heard so far it should be another dope outing from Little Brother. And be sure to check out The Listening, Chitlin’ Circuit 1.5, The Minstrel Show, all Gooseninja and JBuc certified hot!!!