Phonte, 9th Wonder, and The "L" Word

9th Wonder and Phonte are two-thirds of one of the most celebrated hip hop groups of the past decade, Little Brother. Here's a brilliant video of the two answering questions about love.

Where's Big Pooh!?

For a quick reference, Phonte and 9th Wonder haven't had the best of relationships lately. 9th left the group back in 2007 due to creative differences, a break that was publicized as mutual amicable for everyone involved. However, in the spring of 2010 Phonte and 9th had a very public dispute on Twitter regarding the release of a 9th Wonder produced track on Little Brother's album Leftback. For the sake of community, I'll leave it up to you to search all the particulars of the argument.

Fortunately, 9th and Phonte were able to reconcile their differences at the beginning of 2011, and seem to have renewed their friendship. They have yet to commit to any musical collaborations (although they haven't ruled them out), but rather are focused on rebuilding their personal relationship as friends and colleagues. Honestly, I feel that's much more important; good for them.

That's doesn't mean I don't want to hear another LB album! These cats are some of my favorites!

peace.

Emcee of the Month: Jean Grae

I'm excited I have an opportunity this month to discuss and highlight an artist whose work I've checked out before now. This is a track of off Jean's 2008 album Jeanius. Titled "The Time is Now", the production is handled by 9th Wonder with Phonte of Little Brother making a fantastic guest appearance.

This is my favorite jawn (Philly word!) on the Jeanius album, primarily because it exhibits Jean's sense of humor and spontaneity. Her verse on this track harnesses an energy that feels much more like free association or stream of consciousness than the more meditative lyrics she offers in other moments on the LP. But the verse doesn't seem sloppy or misshapen in any way. As the listener I'm able to follow the progression of her thoughts easily and clearly, even though the imagery makes significant shifts at times. Jean is very good at finding a balance in her writing that suggests an illusion of performing the verse for the first time while guiding us on a journey with her through the exploration of the text. And judging from the ad-libs that open and close the song, it's evident she's having a ton-o-fun.

Also, she's kickin' with the home state boys, Phonte and 9th Wonder (NC!). I'm always down with that!

peace.