Hardcore “Fandom”

You know its one thing to like an artist and go back and get all of their old stuff so you can hear how they have evolved over the course of their career.  But its another thing to have started keeping up with that same artist at the same time they’ve started.  Although they aren’t my absolute favorite, I can honestly say I have hardcore fandom for Little Brother.  There aren’t too many artists who’s entire catalog I have.  Only a few come to mind: Jill Scott, Mos Def and Talib Kweli.  I don’t even have all of the Wu catalog.  I mean I have about 80% of it, but they became hit or miss.  But for some reason I hold my Little Brother catalog close to my heart.  Maybe because I was there when they started off with The Listening.  There was some freshness behind the beats and rhymes.  There was substance, humor, not much vulgarity, and they kept themselves grounded.  Three albums.  Three mixtapes.  One video.  That’s what Big Pooh noted.  And for them to have the fanbase that they have is ridiculous.  When Pooh came to Memphis to open up for De La, I talked to him and Big Dho and they were surprised and shocked to see the love they received here.  Pooh was amazed when people not only know LB’s stuff, but he “Sleeper’s” stuff as well.  There was a genuine-ness about Little Brother.  You know how you have to question some rapper’s lyrics cause they just seem too outlandish?  You don’t have to do that with LB.  Its like every story told happened to them.  You can feel their pain and joy.  Their wins and losses.  Their triumphs and tragedies. The funny moments and the sad moments.  Them dudes were…no…ARE it.  Now they are set to release their last album together and the first one without any production from 9th Wonder.  I’ll admit, its kind of bittersweet, but I’m a fan of all three guys no matter who’s doing what.  Whether its Tigallo teaming with FE.  Big Pooh’s mixtapes and sports stuff.  9th collabing with Banner, Murs, Jean, or Buckshot.  On Gordon Gartrell Radio episode 16, Tay puts to rest that anything with LB/9th will never…ever….happen again.  I wasn’t upset.  Moreso sad.  Then I looked at my collection of LB music and smiled.  Can’t wait for LeftBack to drop.  This will be the first time in my life that I’ve witness the dawn of Hip Hop and the farewell of it.  Then again as I said, as long as The Listening, The Minstrel Show, GetBack, and soon to be LeftBack are in the fold, their music will never die.  My hardcore fandom lies in Durham, NC.  Thanks Phonte.  Thanks Pooh.  Thanks 9th.  Thanks Little Brother.

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