Phonte surprised fans today with the release of his Pacific Time 2 EP.  Pacific Time debuted in 2019, and KAYTRANADA and Devin Morrison were among the producers to put their stamp on it. Pacific Time 2 has AbJo, Trackademicks, Focus, and Foolie $urfin providing the soundbeds for Phonte’s verses and choruses. Carlitta Durand and Carmen Rodgers, who have crossed paths with Phonte thanks to the Foreign Exchange universe, also show up for the love-chasing duets “Follow” and Outta My Head.”  The singer/emcee shared his feelings about the latest EP in a press release:

“I dropped the first Pacific Time EP in 2019. I really liked the idea of working with my friends on the West Coast to craft these mini-worlds. It gives me room to experiment and push myself even further. I had a lot of fun making this one, and I hope it brings people joy.” 

Phonte spends more time singing than rapping on Pacific Time 2, and that choice, plus the carefree tempos and R&B rhythms, are a sonic match for the warm breezes of summer. 

Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh debuted their documentary over the holiday weekend via their YouTube channel.  The Little Brother co-founders have hosted film screenings nationwide in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Georgia, New York, New York, and Los Angeles, California. They both made statements explaining the choice to present the movie on the platform. 

“Little Brother entered this business independently, and based on the current landscape, we see no need to change course. This film is a love letter to our fans, a celebration of the people who made us, and a testament to our core values of authenticity, ownership, and craftsmanship. It took us five years to complete this, and it finally feels right.” – Phonte

“One of the things I’ve been hearing people talk about is how our music was either shared with them or they shared our music with someone else, sometimes even forming life long bonds. YouTube is the perfect intersection where all demographics meet. Having the ability to release our documentary via YouTube felt like the perfect way to share our story with Little Brother fans while leaving open the possibility of introducing ourselves to an entirely new group of potential fans.” – Rapper Big Pooh

The documentary chronicles their rise, breakup, and reunion. Director Holland “vacay” Gallagher and writer “Yoh” Phillips helped them tell their story as one of the preeminent rap groups of the 2000s with former producer 9th Wonder. Fans will get to see how Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh experience the challenges of the music industry, which strains their relationship, but they eventually reconcile. May The Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story is streaming now on their YouTube channel. Fans who are interested can make a donation to the film via the Southern Documentary Fund.

Little Brother is having free nationwide screenings of their documentary, May The Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story, this month. The film will screen in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, GA, Los Angeles, and New York, New York. The movie is accessible to the public, and those interested are encouraged to register immediately because space is limited. Fans can donate to the film via the Southern Documentary Fund. The group celebrated the 20th anniversary of their debut album, The Listening, with a year-long celebration, a four-city tour, and their Made In Durham: A Little Brother Block Party. 

Filmmaker Holland “vacay” Gallagher directs, and “Yoh” Phillips wrote the documentary about the friendship between Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh and their experiences in the music industry. There is commentary from Questlove, DJ Drama, industry executives, cultural critics, and more. 

Screenings

11/9 @ Eaton DC in Washington, DC
11/10 @ Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, GA  
11/12 @ Cinemark Baldwin Hills Crenshaw in Los Angeles, CA 
11/15 @ New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in New York, NY  
11/16 @ Carolina Theatre in Durham, NC

Little Brother is having a block party in their hometown of Durham, North Carolina as part of their yearlong celebration of their debut album The Listening. Group co-founders Rapper Big Pooh and Phonte kicked off the 20th-anniversary celebrations in March with a four-city tour.  Made In Durham: A Little Brother Block Party will take place on October 7th. They will perform and Big K.R.I.T., The Cool Kids and Zo! & Tall Black Guy are the supporting acts. Comedian Sam Jay will host the event and DJs Wally Sparks and DJ Hourglass will be behind the decks.  The duo released a video parody of wrestler Booker T’s infamous use of the N-word use in a 1997 promo with Phonte posing as Booker and Big Pooh playing his partner Stevie Ray aka Harlem Heat. The party starts at 12 noon and performances begin at 3 PM. The location is 310 East Main St, Durham, North Carolina 27701. Tickets can be purchased here.