Little Brother Album: “Chittlin Circuit 1.5”

"The Listening" was unquestionably the best Hip Hop album of 2003 that nobody heard of. It was an impressive and focused debut, which brought about a refreshing sound while simultaneously invoking an old-school vibe. The flow of the debut was consistent while "The Chitlin' Circuit (1.5)" is not. Perhaps the problem lies in the concept itself; emphasizing the 1.5, "The Chitlin' Circuit" is not meant to be the sophomore album for Little Brother. Instead, it is a collection of unreleased tracks, b-sides, and remixes. While listening to the album, you don't get that feeling of cohesiveness, where the upcoming track builds off of what preceded it; it's very hit-or-miss, on and off. Also, some of the production is awkward, noticeable in most of the remixes and the latter half of the album. But under all of that, there are some noteworthy tracks including "War," "The Honorable," "Nobody Like Me," and "Altitudes." But truthfully, I don't think any of the tracks are prominent enough to be highlights. When opening the album and taking the CD out, the first thing you'll probably notice is the "The Minstrel Show... coming soon" subtext. Set to be released sometime in September, the (real) sophomore album has been previewed by various members of the press, and is already being highly praised. Hopefully, it will redeem with exceptionality and make up for what this circuit has lacked.

LB is one of the predominate acts in rap's underground that have been steadily garnering much attention and praise for their excellent music. Their the able The Listening was considered a classic by many. Now they present their fans with the mixtape Chitlin Circuit 1.5. Firstly, one must understand that this is a mixtape, which is made up of scrapped songs, a few exclusives, and remixes, and thus lacks quality of a cohesive project. However, this one excellent mixtape that is filled with many quality tracks and quality lyrics. Songs that stand out the most include: "The Honorable", "Nobody Like Me", "Starvation", "Welcome to Durham" "Flash and Flare (very unique song)", "Doin Me", and "The Beginning". The the remixes, in my opinon, are a waste space that could have been filled with other songs. The guest producers Illmind, Young Guru, and Khrysis help to add diversity to the sound of the cd, which is filled with much of 9th Wonder's sound (not that that's an issue ofcourse). The mixtape is an excellent appetizer until the release of The Minstrel Show.

it seems alot people dont like this album very much, as it is a crude sampling of left-over songs and spur-of-the-moment stuff, but thats part of what makes it good. the fact that this is scrap material makes every other LB release so much better.

the cd starts off banging, and stays that way through the entire album. if you havent heard Little Brother before, i suggest checking this cd out.

Best Song: What You Do / The Beginning

Worst Song: Third Party

OK, I'll be the first to admit that the lyrics are not "groundbreaking" but the style and beats makes all come together in what is one of the best pieces I have spent my hard earned money on in some time. This is a perfect recording to sit down and chill with. Also look at The Foreign Exchange.

I get weird vibes from Little Brother... I love the production and Phonte and Poo definitely do their thing - but someway somehow, something doesn't mesh. I can't put my finger on exactly what, but all I know is - I'm feelin' the album one minute and the next I'm like... it's Aaight. I felt the same with the first album. Everyone was all on the debut like that was the best album of the year, but I don't know - it was Aiaght. Needless to say, I copped Chitlin Circuit, and again it's Aaight. I respect their skills and all, but I think I gotta be in the mood for them. It's not that their wack or anything - it's just that certain joints bang hard and others are just... Aaight. Then they kill me when they go ahead and put on a couple of cats with zero rhyme skills. I don't get it. I guess their albums haven't been consistent enough for me. But I did love Foreign Exchange! I was feeling that!