28 Sep Phonte – Charity Starts At Home | Album Review
Even though much time has passed since the split of revered trio Little Brother, one of Hip Hop’s most cherished groups, deep rooted amongst many fans has been an impatient craving for something new from either 9th Wonder, Rapper Big Pooh or the artist in question today; Phonte. Whilst Wonder has given us his Wonder Years and the Foreign Exchange (Phonte’s most recent project) provided some warm, glorious memories of his musical past, the urge for something closer to home was desired by many. So for the Greensboro, North Carolina born lyricist “home” is where he returned; back to the circle of dope beats and dope rhymes for his first solo album. Having spent numerous years sharing the plaudits with his two brothers in rhyme, how would one of Hip Hop’s most revered poets handle an entire project in which it would only be him and his thoughts occupying the recording booth?
Passing the torch has always been mandatory in Hip Hop. No matter how big their ego, a successful rapper, DJ or producer always wishes to find their sucessor to ensure their legacy carries on into the new generation. From Rakim passing the lyrical baton to Nas or Eminem's co-sign of XXL Freshman Yelawolf, the trend continues, none so much so than in the producer field; namely one 9th Wonder. From carrying the same soulful blends as Pete Rock to constructing abstract drum patterns which channel DJ Premier, the genre’s greats have been quick to laud the praise of the former Little Brother member, not only for his remarkable sounds but for drawing out the superior artist within each individual he works with. As his collaborative effort The Wonder Years finally dawns, all ears will be intensely listening to hopefully discover whether the fusing of 9th's luscious sounds with a range of vocal juggernauts results in a timeless project which will sit amongst the great works of decades past.