Phonte shocked many fans this morning by posting the above Twit picture of himself and former Little Brother band mate 9th Wonder.
9th left the group over creative differences several years ago. After initially appearing like an amicable breakup, the facade soon ended after each side took to interviews to reveal the split had been less than civil. Just last year, Phonte and 9th Wonder engaged in a terse exchange of words on Twitter over comments 9th made about the breakup.
This reconciliation comes just a few short months after Little Brother did their “last” official show, held in Atlanta. Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh proclaimed they’ve taken the Little Brother brand as far as it can go, and will now focus on solo music and other collaborative projects. Debuting in 2003 to much critical acclaim, Little Brother recorded four albums: The Listening, The Minstrel Show, The Getback, and Leftback. The last two were released without 9th Wonder as a member.
With many feeling Little Brother created their best music with 9th in the group, some fans are now clamoring for a reunion project. But Phonte quickly played down the speculation, stating amends made with 9th focused solely on rebuilding their friendship.
“I appreciate the love for me and @9thwondermusic, but us mending our rift had nothing to do with music and everything to do with manhood,” Phonte Tweeted.
However, the Foreign Exchange frontman did not completely rule out future work.
“We may collaborate in time, but this is not the start of a LB reunion, as neither of us have interest in doing so. Sorry to disappoint,” Phonte clarified. “Our friendship began as Phonte Coleman and Patrick Douthit, long before a ‘LB’ or ‘9th Wonder’ existed. This was about rebuilding that bond.”
At press time, 9th Wonder and Rapper Big Pooh have not publicly commented on the reconciliation.
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Great to see these brothers starting 2011 off correctly. This was a sad split, just as it was for Hip-Hop a decade previous when EPMD and Pete Rock & CL Smooth called in quits amidst controversy.
What is cool about this “reunion” is that it wasn’t over music. Too often, groups just get back together not because they miss their old friends, but simply because they can’t cut it solo. You can look at the recent Dipset reunion as a clear example. With 9th and Phonte, you can tell this was about getting right with each other. Musically, they’re both good and will continue having fine careers.
Now, that doesn’t mean we won’t ever see another Little Brother project. When they start hanging out again, they’ll inevitably start stopping by each other’s studio sessions. And when creatives get together in the studio, great things happen, and they’ll start feeling that old Little Brother magic.
Happy New Year, indeed.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 