LeftBack

iTunes Review

Back in the early ‘00s, North Carolina group Little Brother were arguably the biggest thing in the hip-hop underground, garnering accolades from ?uestlove, Pete Rock, and pretty much every website and magazine out there. 9th Wonder's sample-heavy beats set the perfect tone for Phonte and Big Pooh's relatable rhymes, touching on everyday struggles like money woes, parenthood, and trying to make it as a professional artist. Since 2003, they've dropped four full-lengths and several mixtapes, cut ties with one member, signed with and walked away from a major label, endured beefs with BET and ABB, and toured the world. LeftBack is their fourth and final album, and it plays like a swan song, albeit a really dope and funky one. Though 9th is long gone, KHRYSIS and Nicolay pick up any slack on the beats, while 'Te and Pooh sound stronger than ever. "Curtain Call" is easily one of the best songs of the year. Other highlights include the party jam "Two Step Blues," string-propelled "What We Are," and ultra-smooth "Second Chances," featuring Bilal and Darien Brockington.