Minstrel Show

Little Brother | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 13, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Atlantic
• ASIN: B000A9QKCS
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (143 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,737 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Welcome to the Minstrel Show

2. Beautiful Morning

3. Becoming

4. Not Enough

5. Cheatin'

6. Hiding Place

7. Slow It Down

8. Say It Again

9. 5th And Fashion

10. Lovin' It

11. Notepad of a Mad Black Daddy

12. All For You

13. Watch Me

14. Sincerely Yours

15. Still Lives Through

16. Minstrel Closing Theme

17. We Got Now

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

If nothing else, North Carolina's Little Brother has gathered around it a very loyal fan base, one that sees the trio of Phonte, Big Pooh and produced 9th Wonder as the logical heirs of the Native Tongues Posse (De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, etc.) with their positive focus, jazzy, soulful sound and an anti-mainstream attitude. In that respect, the hype around them is reminiscent of what first greeted Slum Village in the late '90s though they've been more consistent than their Detroit colleagues. Yet, however likable their last album, The Listening and their latest are, the group are still an acquired flavor. To some, they turn out feel good, intelligent hip-hop for a more mature set. For others, they make throwback music that's pleasant enough but lacks punch otherwise. Phonte and Pooh sound solid throughout and 9th Wonder's much lauded production, while great in moments, can also drift into anemia too. An excess of skits is also a gamble with listener patience though the album's conceptual focus is a refreshing quality. For those who enjoyed Common's Be, this is better realized but musically, lacks the same depth. --Oliver Wang

Product Description

Touted as one of 2005's Top 10 Most Anticipated albums by XXL Magazine, Little Brother's latest masterpiece is reminiscent of the days when Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and others carefully crafted complete experiences from beginning to end. The North Carolina outfit made up of MC's Phonte, Rapper Big Pooh, and super producer 9th Wonder have truly made an album that is both thought provoking and humorous. The Minstrel Show is truly one great piece of hip hip that will stand the test of time.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smartest Album In Years...(And Easily One Of The Best), September 16, 2005

By 

Ludacris88 (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Minstrel Show (Audio CD)

The Minstrel Show isn't just an album title. And the album itself isn't just a rap music album. It's a concept album, based on the fact that North Carolina group Little Brother (comprised of MC's Phonte & (Rapper) Big Pooh and producer/DJ 9th Wonder) is extremely unhappy with the current state of not only hip hop, but black music, and how African American culture is portrayed by the media. They use minstrel shows as a metaphor for what they believe is happening today.

"And I ain't worried about n****s bitin' Minstrel Show
They still teethin' off 'The Listening'" Hiding Place (Phonte)

The way this is executed throughout the album (not to mention the addition of the most worth reading album booklet I've ever seen) is just genius, and takes an otherwise "very good/great" album to a CLASSIC album, which this is to me. But, it takes a couple listens for the whole album to sink in, and to really get a good feel for it. The afternoon I got this, I ended up listening to the album 4 times throughout the rest of the day...Probably the most times I've ever listened to an album in a single day, and it was worth it, as it got better with every listen. After the first time I listened to it, I was glad I bought it, and thought it was good, but by about the 2nd or 3rd time, I couldn't get enough of it, and decided it was the BEST album of 2005, and one of the best I had heard in years...

"This is a movement, n**** it's bigger than showbiz
I love hip-hop, I just hate the n****s in it" Say It Again (Phonte)

Now to the actual musical content, which is dope in its own right. One of the other things that makes The Minstrel Show great is that Little Brother ADRESSES their weaknesses and qualities they're most often criticized for, which would be "Big Pooh is garbage, a lot worse than Phonte", and that 9th Wonder's beats sound too similar (mostly due to his samples he uses on almost every track, and the fact that he almost always uses the exact same drums). Personally, although I think that Phonte is a good amount better (and one of the best MCs in the game), I would say Big Pooh is a good rapper. 'Sincerely Yours', 'Still Lives Through' & 'All For You' are just a couple examples of how he can be enjoyable to listen to, and actually spit some nice verses. Now, he's not GREAT, but he isn't as bad as he's usually made out to be. As for 9th, I like his style, and although he could change it up a bit more once in a while, I really don't have any complaints about him at all.

"One day, they giving you the thumbs up
The next, they tellin' 9th to go and switch his drums up" Still Lives Through (Phonte)

The production here is almost all handled by 9th Wonder (which should be obvious), but he gets some help from Khrysis of the Away Team ('Watch Me', with scratching provided by DJ Jazzy Jeff), Nicolay of Foreign Exchange ('5th And Fashion Skit') and Piano Reeves, who produces the song 'Cheatin', which is basically a parody of mainstream R&B music today. Personally, I think 'Cheatin' is very funny (and accurate), but a bit long (3:43 for a joke song). I was going to but this as the worst track, but in truth, it adds something to the album, and is entertaining enough not to skip.

""11, 12, 13, 14, 15...Cant think of nothin that rhymes with 15..." Cheatin'

Top 5 Songs (In Order):

1. Lovin' It (Featuring Joe Scudda) - I was surprised, but the single is actually my favorite song on the album. A GREAT sample, and my favorite production on here

2. Still Lives Through - Pooh & Phonte drop 2 of their best verses over some of 9th's best production

3. All For You - Most personal song on the album, and the deepest lyrically...Really just a song you can feel, not to mention one of the best samples

4. Hiding Place (Featuring Elzhi of Slum Village) - Elzhi makes a dope guest apperance, but all 3 drop some of the hottest bars on the album here

5. Slow It Down - Basically the ladies song on here, but VERY well done. Phonte's verses especially just make this a great song.

Worst Track:

None. All of the tracks are at least very good. I can't pick one to call "the worst".

Lyrics/Substance/Subject Matter - 9/10
Flow/Delivery - 9.5/10
Production - 9.5/10
Overall Feel - 10/10

Guest Apperances - 8.5/10 - Darien Brockington, Elzhi, Joe Scudda, Chaundon - All guests contribute to the album positively, but there aren't enough of them to make a big impact on the overall outcome
Overall Rating - 10/10 - Just a great great album...Pick this up, and make sure you don't pass your final judgement too quickly. I have a feeling this will be one of my all time favorites not too long from now...

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Dope beats, dope rhymes... this Hip-Hop ain't really that hard", September 15, 2005

By 

Scott D. Gribble (Baltimore MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Minstrel Show (Audio CD)

Little Brother seems to have made it from a success standpoint. The once obscure group that lived and died by shows and the internet buzz scored a major label contract after "The Listening" turned heads from Hip-Hop's finest including The Roots, Pete Rock and Jay-Z. Fans have not only been eagerly awaiting this album for its musical content, but to see if the self proclaimed children of the "golden era of hip-hop" would stick to their guns or fall victim of compromising towards the commercial lure of rap. Lucky for us, not only did the group stay true to themselves with The Minstrel show, but they've used their new found success to do more than just make you nod your head.

The concept of The Minstrel show is beautiful. Programmed around the fictional UBN Network, the skits play into stereotypes while the music attempts to break them. There's no direct dissing or name calling (aside from the hilarious R. Kelly & Mr. Biggs parody "Cheatin") and no trace of beef, which has become the industry standard publicity stunt. What's truly inspirational about the album is that Little Brother does not just talk a lot about raising the consciousness and demanding quality hip-hop, only to simply sit on their asses and do nothing about it. No... they actively challenge everyone in the game to step up through their album concept, lyrics and music. If nothing else, Little Brother should be applauded for making an album with a commendable purpose.

But the fact is, no matter how ingenious the concept works, if the music ain't top-notch the message will get lost and become meaningless. While I never feared Pooh or Phonte wouldn't step up (they both improved massively over the course of solo efforts and guest spots) one of my major fears was that 9th Wonder's production had been too diluted. His previous effort with Buckshot (Chemistry) was when I first started noticing some mediocre beats. A couple of tracks here and there had me wondering if 9th was maybe getting burnt out. Fans can sigh with relief because it's obvious now that he was merely saving his best for The Minstrel Show.

Although words cannot give these songs their proper due, an attempt should be made. The outstanding sample lead "Beautiful Morning" is a great start to the album, a great preview but only a glimpse of what is to come. "The Becoming" has Phonte breaking down the tale of his rise with Little Brother ("I went from ni**s telling me I really shouldn't rhyme/ to dropping a classic album muthaf****rs couldn't find./ Took my respect, took lessons and took the time/ and if you want a success story just take a look at mine.") Experiences in record industry get aired out in "Not Enough". The production is sick here as 9th uses an obscure sample of some guy breathing to the track (Gives Primo's beat for "Come Clean" a run for most random sample). The Elzhi (of Slum Villiage) blessed "Hiding Place" is a classic and personal favorite from the album. Lyrically stunning, the flow of each in the trio is perfect with the amazing production. "Slow it Down" is an ode to relationships and is another highlight, Phonte's verse is so introspective on the nature of men that it'll have even the most foolish cats saying "damn." "Say it Again" is a familiar fun loving track ("I'm overweight, raps are fat to death/ Obese when these beats catch wind in my breath.")

The single "Lovin' It" is simply stunning... production wise it's easily one of 9th's best efforts and each emcee rips the mic. Don't be surprised if it instantly becomes your favorite track from the group ever. The duo laments their family issues again on the album, this time through the mouthpiece of "All for You." Phonte's verse gets about as revealing and personal as they come. "Watch Me" features the only song not produced by 9th, but you wouldn't know the difference due to Khrysis spot on beat. As an added bonus we've got Jazzy Jeff scratching the last part of the track. (Side comment: Perhaps the only thing that limits 9th from being truly great is that he always has to get others to do his scratches for him... he'd be the complete package otherwise.) "Sincerely Yours" allows for some cheap shots at Pooh only setting him up shine and once again squash doubt from haters (as if he didn't prove himself with "Sleepers"??). As the crew paid their respects to Pete Rock at the end of "The Listening," Little Brother does it again with their obvious dedication to Tribe Called Quest with "Still Lives Through." Finally they get a well deserved encore for the WNBA mocking yet appropriately titled "We Got Now."

The guests are limited, but solid each time. Elzhi's verse is incredible and Justice League members Joe Scudda and Chaundon prove they are easily the best from the extended crew. The skits and structure work masterfully as well. The way the life inspiring "Beautiful Morning" flows into "The Becoming" can't be understated. The way Joe Scudda's appearance is announced backstage, the phone call to a father, the concert inserts, the commercials, the way the announcers come in at the right time to keep the show concept going... its hand crafted as one cohesive album almost like no other I can remember in recent times (Price Paul would be more than proud). All the intangibles are here.

My only complaint is that the ending to the album was not nearly as powerful at the title track was for "The Listening". That's a minor personal observation, but it really doesn't faze me all that much, because pound for pound The Minstrel Show is the better album. Each member of the crew sounds infinitely more polished in every aspect. It's so good I cannot believe this album is only 53 min long. Because it's so enjoyable (skits and tracks alike) the repeated listening factor makes it seems much longer than it is.

The only thing The Minstrel Show really has left to stand up to is time. Who knows how the sound will fare months or years down the road. Who knows how well the concept will motivate hip-hop. If either of those hold up as time goes on, you can beat you're listening to a classic right now. But, regardless you cannot deny the sure genius of it. Maybe it won't be a classic in your book, but I can guarantee right now it'll be a classic in mine... but in breaking this down too much I've already gone against what the purpose The Minstrel Show should serve. As Phonte declares: "If ya'll feeling this, ya'll ain't gotta anaylize it/ This sh*t is dope and we ain't changing up" Truth be told: this IS dope! And with that, I'll just shut up and get back to the listening.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pass the Advil., November 1, 2006

By 

J. Jenkins (New York City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Minstrel Show (Audio CD)

Because this album is sick. Okay, I must admit I'm a sucker for a story-telling hip hopera. (Slick Rick, where are you son?). And I must tell you that this minstrel show was pure happenstance for me, a blessing from a "big brother" of mine. And while I'm at it, I'll add that I'm writing this at the witching hour so my mind isn't at all clear enough to formulate clever verbiage that will entice the reader/potential buyer, so I'll keep it simple: the production is somehow hot AND real, indicative of what a 16-bar backdrop can be when the hot part isn't ripped, unedited, from a Sam Cooke or Ray Charles classic. The lyrical content will choke you to damn near death because it has, well, content. Yes, content is back baby! There is even a central theme for you technical cats who would read rap cliff notes if the makers of cliff notes dared to create such a monster. Okay, so I'm a year and change late. Let that speak to the power of good musicianship, so much so that linear time has no place in the underground.