Little Brother can't disappoint! If you are a fan of them then you know the quality they bring with their work, and there was no way you could expect anything less of excellence!
From the jump you got the same feeling from their unrivaled classic "The Minstrel Show" on this project which instantly made you scream as a fan, they're back. Production from beginning to end was fantastic even though on this project there was not any production from 9th wonder, however it still held the feel that made Little Brother climb to notoriety!
Discussed through their album was an array of subjects stemming from their lives as they sit right now. They spoke about how they have critical acclaim and respect amongst their peers and hip-hop heads, but not famous enough to shut the mall down like Drake. It's a bittersweet feeling rapped that you can be noticed but not to the degree that warrants your worthiness. Little Brother stayed true to representing themselves as real individuals. What was most appreciative is that they didn't even attempt to try to capture today's sound. Which I personally love, because nothing is more disappointing than seeing older artists trying to do songs that sound like today. Stick to who you are, if you are legendary then your sound is legendary! That is what Little Brother proved.
I think the avenue that Little Brother is opening along with artists like Jay-Z, Q-Tip, Gang Starr, and much more is beautiful because it is allowing the older hip-hop artists to still have life like rock groups like Sting, Rolling Stones, and Kiss among others have. Longevity is starting to find its way into hip hop which will keep the core elements of hip hop around for the younger generations to learn and hold the roots!
As always Little Brother tackled issues like the youth and the lack of education and knowledge being bestowed upon them about who they are and who they can be. I loved how they talked about as grown men they don't find the things they use to do as fun or amusing anymore. It could come off as corny but it was more refreshing, because again I can't harp more on how it is so disappointing to see older acts still talking about how they are hitting strip clubs and partying every night like it's the early 2000's for them. It was an honest antidote to this larger than life appeal rap has to always have in order to be appreciated.
The album was a helping hand to those who are younger and listening to be encouraged to not be afraid to grow up. To be open to change and the wisdom life brings, while maintaining the understanding to still enjoy life and have fun. What can I say, the album is classic, standing at 15 tracks and 37 minutes of playing time. Just like most of their work this will be an album you can always go and revisit, and when you get to their age more and more of their content you will find relatable. You have to live the moments they talk about in order to feel it, but that's always been the core of hip-hop. It's the music of struggle, knowledge and growth, and if you are not on the paths where these things come together then you will never be able to grasp the weight of what's going on.
What perfectly established the point of this album was the "N***** Hollering skit' which recorded males arguing about who is the greatest basketball player of all time from all different age groups. And just like any barbershop conversation it got rowdy and multiple answers were given all based around the time you grew up watching and who you were watching. Ultimately, it perfectly encapsulated the notion that everyone holds down their generation, but even more proved that each generation holds a responsibility to pass down their stories and wisdom to help the next one. Each One, Teach One!
May the Lord Watch came "Right on Time"!
Tribe Rating:
9.2/10
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