Little Brother is the upcoming trio based in North Carolina consisting of Phonte, Rapper Big Pooh and 9th Wonder doing the beats. This group has been churning the underground scene's pot for the last few years and after all that hard work Atlantic gave them a deal. With 9th Wonder doing songs with the likes of Jay-Z, Buckshot, Destiny's Child and Sean Price among others, Phonte teaming with Netherlands native Nicolay on the sonic Foreign Exchange project and Big Pooh coming out with Sleepers LP the team has been more than busy to get lazy on the group thing The Listening was a classic, one with a chock full of creativity, flow and beats. Can The Minstrel Show be the same and even more? Check out this GeoReview and get the scoop from a world perspective!

The album is set up like a Television show on the UBN network (Be creative on find on the acronym!) and the album follows like such including jingles by Yahzarah, Percy Miracles stopping in for a song and host Chris Hardwick hosting. Of course besides all that you have Little Brother rhyming on a myriad of different sounds and samples.

"Beautiful Morning" is a rush of song with a chorus of the songbirds cutting in between scratches. "Becoming" tells the people of where Little Brother is coming from. On a beat you'd expect to hear the greats on in the early to mid-1990's.

"Not Enough" another hitter featuring crooner Darien Brockington on the track hollering things never being enough on matter what goes down! The beat is hypnotizing and Phonte and Pooh sound right on the track in terms of cadence and subject matter.

"Cheatin" is the Percy Miracles track that reminds you of a R. Kelly track to the tee! While I'm sure it was a joke, Phonte actually does a good track on this song.

Elzhi from Slum Village fame joins the team on "Hiding Place" a track talking about there being no place to go and giving some scenarios to think about.

"Slow It Down" is for the ladies and D. Brockington comes on the scene for some vocals again. Pooh and Phonte breakdown the stories they've had to explain given their schedules and lifestyles and also what they do need!

"Say It Again" has a 70's feel to it and the team comes to play when talking about why lyrically and bond-wise they are tight as spandex!

Joe Scudda comes through on "Lovin' It" and Phonte bust the proverbial wall down from the get go. The chorus is contagious and Pooh talks with a bounce on this track.

The skit "Diary Of A Mad Black Daddy" is funny but oh so true as a pop ask his son to listen to his school work like he does the chorus on his favorite song.

"All For You" is a hot sentimental track that deals with rejection, irony and loss! The beat is crazy and once D. Brockington does his thing! Daddy issues are a major part of this song and both rappers go through what needs to happen and what didn't!

"Watch Me" brings Khrysis to the production table and he created a tough rainy day beat for the LB to flow off. Angry flow is what comes to mind on this song.

"Sincerely Yours" reminds you of something of the Chittlin' Circuit mixtapes and Big Pooh talks about feeling like he has something to prove and also people to thank for showing love among other subjects.

"Still Lives Through" sounds like a freestyle and both MCs run with the track featuring a oh my god Busta chant from the Tribe classic Midnight Marauders track of the same title.

"We Got Now" features New York native Chaundon and they basically talk about why they are the team of the future!

This album couldn't be better for a debut on a major! Not too long (like an all day fishing trip for this review), not too short (like putting the rod up after one or two lines in the water)! It keeps the originality that made Little Brother stand out from many! The beats are tight and the lyrics are quite hot, covering the gamut of topics.

The group doesn't talk about things that 90 percent of people will never experience and they are hungry for respect and let the world know about their journey! Phonte has the chance to regarded as one of the best lyricists in the game sooner than later and Pooh makes his own line in the rap sand! They display a healthy confidence that doesn't rub you the wrong way and also a respect for the past artists and music.

The chemistry between Pooh and Phonte is great and you can tell they are confidantes outside the booth! 9th Wonder does his thing again and makes this a terrible team Hip Hop is slowly returning to more than just crunk/crack music and Little Brother is one group breathing life into it! While they don't want people to judge it's hard not to when they do it so much better than most!

Filled with soul, spunk and skills this album gets 5 Globes.