Live with Little Brother: The Curtain Call Experience

This one is personal. Little Brother is one of the greatest underground hip-hop duos—and one of the best artists of all time, period. I grew up listening to them. They’ve always been one of my favorite groups, and my father’s favorite as well, which is a big reason why I hold them so close.

Little Brother is a Hip-Hop duo from North Carolina consisting of rapper Phonte, rapper Big Pooh, and former group member and producer 9th Wonder. I remember going to see Little Brother for the first time back in 2019 with my father and a few of his friends. When they announced they were doing a final tour, it was bittersweet for me, but I knew I had to go—and it just so happened they were going to be in Philly the day after my birthday. I looked at that as a happy birthday gesture from my dad.

Little Brother performed at the Brooklyn Bowl near the Philadelphia Fillmore. The ambiance was dope—The venue was spacious, with food, drinks, merch, and bright lights. I was so proud to see the crowd fill up more and more as the minutes went by.

To kick off, DJ Blaaq Gold did his thing! He chopped up old-school classics with Little Brother’s catalog and it was phenomenal. The way each song transitioned so smoothly had everyone in the crowd bopping their heads, dancing, and singing along.

When Phonte and Big Pooh finally came out, the energy was unmatched. It was surreal—seeing artists I’ve admired since childhood felt like everything coming full circle. For me, Little Brother has always been tied to my dad. Any song, from any album, instantly takes me back to him.

They opened with a string of classics: Lovin’ it (chorus), The Becoming, Not Enough (The Minstrel Show, 2005) , War (The Chittlin’ Circuit, 2005), Tigallo For Dolo (Leftback, 2010) , Let It Go (Separate But Equal, 2006) , and more. Phonte came out with his witty charisma talking to the crowd about LB’s 22-year journey since their debut, emphasizing the importance of knowing when a chapter is complete.

“It has been over 22 years since our first album came out, 22 years man…When we announced it was our last tour, people was like ‘Oh my God! Oh my God!’...Listen, let me explain something…and we love you back, you know what I also love? My motherf*ckin’ house” - Phonte

“If you don’t take nothing else away from the LB story, regardless of how you feel about whatever, remember this…we came in this game on our own terms, and we leaving this motherf*cka on our own terms…When you know what it is and you can see out into the crowd, you don’t just have 20 years on stage, it’s 20 years of people pulling up on us. I’m seeing n*gga’s kids, n*gga’s families, n*gga’s are on their third wife or something by now…we have grown together, thank you for growing along with us man, for real”. - Phonte

It was heartfelt, funny, and true. The sacrifices that come with two decades in hip-hop—missed family moments, constant travel, endless studio hours—hit home. His honesty made me respect them even more. The bond between them and their fans was undeniable. A couple of people in the crowd shouted they didn’t want it to be over, and Phonte clapped back jokingly with, “N*gga it’s my work, how you gonna tell me I’m not done?!...shit!” 

The setlist was everything I hoped for and more. Alongside the classics, they performed deep cuts I didn’t expect to hear live. I was shouting every song word for word while thinking of my dad, it was fun and emotional at the same time for me. I recorded a few moments, but I wanted to be present.

Songs they performed included:

“Good Clothes” & “Dreams” (Getback, 2007)

“Light It Up (Remix)” (Nicolay, The Dutch Masters Vol. 1)

“Goodmorning Sunshine” (May the Lord Watch, 2019)

“Whatever You Say” & “Speed” (The Listening, 2003)

“Lovin’ It” & “Still Lives Through” (The Minstrel Show, 2005)

“Nobody Like Me” (The Chittlin’ Circuit, 2005)

“Life of the Party” (And Justus For All, 2008)

And of course, many more.

When they performed Lovin’ It, they surprised the crowd by bringing out Joe Scudda, who’s featured on the song. The place went crazy—it was legendary.

For their last track, they left the stage, but the crowd wasn’t done. Everyone shouted “LB!” until they came back to close with Speed from The Listening (2003). 

After the show, Big Pooh came down to meet fans, sign autographs, and take pictures. This was huge for me, since it was my first time meeting him. My dad had met both Pooh and Phonte multiple times, especially Pooh, and they stayed connected over the years. My dad was deeply respected in Hip-Hop for his unwavering support of artists, especially in the underground scene—he always showed up, and people remembered him for that.

When I met Pooh, I showed him a picture of him and my dad together at a past show in North Carolina. He was elated. I told him, “I just want to say thank you so much… for all that you guys do. Y’all’s music has been helping me through my grief…” and I broke down in tears. It was tears of joy and sadness—joy for meeting him, sadness for missing my dad, but grateful for the connection Hip-Hop gives me to him. Pooh gave me a big hug and thanked me for our support. I had a feeling that he knew of my dad’s passing but wasn’t sure until he confirmed it. When I posted the picture on my Instagram page, Pooh liked and reposted the picture writing: “Much love to you and your family. E 4eva!!!” my night was made.

My dad with 9th Wonder (Producer and former group member, top left), Phonte (top right and bottom left), and Big Pooh (bottom right).

This was truly the most amazing concert I’ve ever experienced. The chemistry, delivery, and energy between Phonte and Big Pooh—and their connection with the audience—was unmatched. I thank Little Brother for being legends, for making timeless music, and for leaving a legacy that will never fade.

I’m sad this was their final tour, but their music will always live on—especially in my playlist.

Check out Little Brother’s discography, and don’t miss their documentary to learn more about their journey.

©2025 Lauryn C. Powell