From the forthcoming release on Jamla Records entitled Rated Oakland due 6/24.

REKS has decided to delay the release of his highly anticipated Revolution Cocktail until 2-26-2013. In the meantime, he chooses to leak the A3 produced “I Remember” featuring Big Pooh. Fans can also look forward to the “Judas” video which REKS just wrapped up in Miami.

While we still haven’t seen a reuniting of the holy Little Brother trinity, each of the group’s members will release album’s by the end of 2011. Starting in July, Rapper Big Pooh will team with Stones Throw alum, Roc C, to form the Young Americans, and will release an as-of-yet untitled EP. Following that will be the September 27th release of Phonte Coleman’s long-overdue solo LP, Charity Starts At Home, as well as 9th Wonder’s The Wonder Years LP, via his IWWMG imprint. 9th will produce most of the tracks on Phonte’s LP, as the two have put aside past differences, while 9th’s LP will include collaborations with each Mac Miller, Warren G, Murs, Talib Kweli, Big K.R.I.T., Kendrick Lamar and others.

One of the staple forces behind Termanology’s ST. Da Squad, DJ Deadeye has been waiting patiently for his turn in the spotlight. Many already know the Puerto Rican-born, Massachusetts-raised Deadeye (born Dustin Hernandez) as Termanolgy’s DJ, but he’s spent the last six-years quietly building an impressive resume that goes far beyond just his inner circle. Having released multiple critically acclaimed mix tapes and touring extensively in the U.S. and internationally, opening for artists such as Kanye West, Ghostface Killah, M.O.P., DJ Premier and others, Deadeye has made a name for himself in the industry off the strength of his achievements with others. But in 2011, he’s ready to step to the forefront with his official debut album on Brick Records in collaboration with his own ST. Records imprint, Substance Abuse.

As executive producer, Deadeye crafts the album from top to bottom, assembling a fearsome cast of talent from across the hip hop spectrum, including Termanology, Cormega, Trife Diesel, Steele from Smif N Wesson, MC Esoteric, Reks, Big Rapper Pooh, Slaine, Reef the Lost Cauze, Skyzoo, Blacastan, ST. Da Squad and many others, with production from Statik Selektah (1982), DC the Midi Alien (East Coast Avengers), Arabian Knight, Moss, J. Cardim, Lee Bannon, MGI and Deadeye himself. Led by singles from Freddie Foxxx, Panchi (NYG’Z) & Big Shug (“Had It Comin’”) and Slaine, Esoteric, Krumbsnatcha & Ea$y Money (“Livin’ Lost”), Deadeye delivers a disc full of raw, exciting hip-hop that, despite its many contributors, remains an album with his own distinctive stamp on it.

DJ Deadeye’s debut, “Substance Abuse,” will be released on 3-22-2011 in conjunction with Brick/ST. Records and you can catch him at SxSW and on tour worldwide all throughout 2011 with Brick label mates 1982 (Statik Selektah & Termanology) and REKS.

LISTEN: DJ Deadeye – “Just In Case” (feat. Chaundon, O-Dash, & Big Pooh)

DJ Deadeye – “Just In Case” (feat. Chaundon, O-Dash, & Big Pooh)

Rapper Big Pooh and Tanya Morgan will join on The Value Menu Tour dates, all across the west coast, including some dates with Freddie Gibbs and Freeway & Jake One.

VALUE MENU TOUR DATES:

Thursday – Jan 20 – Seattle @ Habana Sodo
Friday – Jan 21 – Portland, OR @ Backspace (also w/ Freeway & Jake One)
Saturday – Jan 22 – Bellingham, WA @ The Wild Buffalo
Sunday – Jan 23 – Bend, OR @ Mad Happy Lounge
Tuesday – Jan 25 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Moe’s Alley
Wednesday – Jan 26 – San Francisco, CA @ 330 Ritch
Thursday – Jan 27 – Sacramento, CA @ Blue Lamp
Friday – Jan 28 – Santa Ana, CA @ Malones
Saturday – Jan 29th – Phoenix, AZ @ Chasers (also w/ Freddie Gibbs)
Sunday – Jan 30th – Los Angeles @ On The Rox

Mick Boogie teams with Freshness Mag for his latest mixtape endeavor. Featuring tons of new tracks from Big Pooh, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Don Will, 88 Keys, Joe Scudda, Talib Kweli, Skyzoo, Kardinal Offishal, and more.

Mick Boogie – “The Changemakers” (Mixtape)

With the release of their new Ning website today, Big Pooh of Little Brother speaks on the controversial track “Star” with 9th Wonder, that leaked here over the weekend.

“We decided to give that song to people for two reasons. First, the people have been asking for another 9th/Little Brother song since this is the last Little Brother album. We had intended for that song to be an iTunes bonus track but certain circumstances led us to leak it, which leads to the second reason: We got word late Friday from our distribution company that iTunes took the song down following a call from 9th or someone in his camp. I feel that if he didn’t want the song out then he could have easily contacted any one of us (Big Dho, Phonte, or myself) and explained his reasoning and the issue would have been dealt with accordingly. Instead we find out on some “oh yeah, I forgot to tell” type shit while trying to figure out other information. “Star” was recorded in 2005-2006 for use by 9th on his Wonder Years album that has yet to get a release date.

A lot of people have been asking and waiting for my response regarding the twitter outburst over the weekend. I posted a few statements via twitter myself, but, for the most part, I have chosen to remain silent. I have never believed in airing out business on the internet. I have tried to be as diplomatic as possible when answering questions about the situation in an effort to move on. Unfortunately, the same passion that people have had for Little Brother since we came on the scene in support of us is the same passion that fuels a lot of the extra back and forth between parties. You would have never witnessed what you did over the weekend if 9th actually spoke to us instead of speaking to you, the fans, via social network about the situation. Telling people, “You don’t know the REAL story,” and “It ain’t on me, they wanted me out the group,” and other comments of that nature does nothing but agitate the situation. It’s only so much you can take before you finally explode and ask, “Why not talk to me instead of talking to those who have nothing to do with our problems?”

Phonte and myself have always been made to look like the mean, jealous, bitter, former group members in the situation when that is far from the case. 9th has taken the “high road” because at the end of the day, there isn’t too much he can say if we really started throwing out the facts behind his departure from the group. We have issues that can and will only be worked out by us, if at all. Some of your outside input is appreciated but not necessary as we sort through this situation. At the end of the day it doesn’t help, it only adds fuel, regrettably. As always, we appreciate you support and thank you for listening.”

Little Brother – “Star” (prod. 9th Wonder)

Not quite a full Little Brother reunion, but two outta three ain’t bad. – DJ Pizzo

    With the rest of the Justus League not too far behind, Rapper Big Pooh attempts to make a stand as a solo artist. From the outset Pooh showcases above average wordplay  with the nonchalant “I Don’t Care”. While Pooh could have easily relied on the strength of 9th Wonder and Khrysis to carry him through the album, Pooh instead hones his craft behind the mic and comes off harder than many would expect. “Strongest Man” is the perfect blend of 9th Wonder-ism and Pooh-etics and shows that Rapper Big Pooh can hold his ground as a solo artist. The 9th Wonder bangers continue with “Heart of the City” as Pooh describes his environment to a tee. Now many would think that the beautiful production displayed alone would carry the track, but Pooh comes correct lyrically and upon multiple listens this becomes a true gem of a track. Even though Pooh has proven that he can stand on his own two, this doesn’t cause the listener to forget how wonderful it is to hear him rock the mic alongside partner Phonte. “Every Block” resonates of that unbelievable Little Brother chemistry as the two bound off of each other with superb energy.  But from there on out it is truly all eyes on Pooh as he projects his outlook on relationships that should have just remained friendly (“Just Friends”) and the soulfully uplifting elements of life (“Live Life”). This is definitely Pooh’s coming out party as a solo artist.

     On a production tip, Khrysis steps out of the tremendous shadow that 9th wonder has cast from behind the boards with production that rivals his Justus League cohort. It almost seems as if Khrysis and 9th trade blows with ridiculous production. Whether it be 9th head rocker “Cut Me Deep” or the Murs assisted Khrysis banger “Now” it seems as if the production has just as much to prove as the emcee. But the best thing about Sleepers is that Pooh will not take a backseat and gaze at the production heavyweight battle….not by a long shot. Pooh polishes off each joint as if they were meant for him to tear apart. Like a defiant but mature child fighting for prodigal recognition, Pooh fights the modern man struggle and achieves with brilliant success. 

     If there is one complaint that could be brought up about the album, it would have to be the fact that it feels as if the listener is cut short. Just when the album really gets rolling, it ends almost abruptly. It also could have lost the “Dash Interlude” because at this point all everybody really wants is Pooh with no interruptions. Though no fault of his own, Pooh would have benefited by a slightly longer album. But honestly that’s a tough thing to complain about. With so many albums wearing the listeners ears thin, it’s hard nowadays to complain about an album that leaves the listener wanting more. Nonetheless, Sleepers accomplishes two vitally important things. One, it proves that Rapper Big Pooh can easily stand on his own two and deliver a nice pimp slap for those who slept on his skill. Two, it definitively keeps the listener salivating over another successful release from the Little Brother camp that is sure to lead up to the group’s defining moment. Until The Minstrel Show hits later this year, we have to all be contempt with great albums from within the camp. And who can complain about that?