Formed in 2001 at North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, Little Brother has become one of the premier names in soulful hip-hop.

With influences that range from the expressive boom-bap of A Tribe Called Quest to the rugged back and forth chemistry of EPMD, the group’s members, Phonte and Big Pooh, have become essential names in hip-hop circles worldwide.

Little Brother released their debut album, “The Listening,” on ABB Records in 2003 to widespread critical acclaim. After receiving props from hip-hop luminaries such as Pete Rock and DJ Premier, and touring nationally and internationally with the likes of Hieroglyphics and The Roots, the group signed a deal with Atlantic Records in 2004. Their sophomore effort, “The Minstrel Show,” was released on Atlantic in 2005 to a mass of critical praise and media controversy. The video for ‘Lovin It,’ “Minstrel Show’s” lead single, was deemed ‘too intelligent’ by the BET network and was subsequently banned. Similarly, the group’s 4.5 mic rating in Source Magazine was challenged for political reasons, forcing the magazine’s editor-in-chief Fahiym Ratcliffe to resign from his position.

After the release of “Minstrel Show,” the group released a pair of stellar mixtapes; “Separate but Equal” with DJ Drama (2006) and “And Justus for All” with DJ Mick Boogie (2007). Boasting collaborations with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Kardinal Offishall and Ray Cash, “And Justus for All” continued Little Brother’s long running streak of critical admiration, receiving an XL rating in XXL Magazine, and made free to the public via internet download. Shortly after the release of “Justus,” Little Brother left the Atlantic label.

Little Brother recently completed work on their long-awaited third album, “Getback.” Featuring production from Illmind, Hi-Tek, Nottz, and 9th Wonder, as well as guest shots from Lil’ Wayne (the playful “Breakin My Heart”) and fellow Hall of Justus family members Jozeemo and Darien Brockington, (the bittersweet thump of ‘That Ain’t Love’ and the vibrant ‘Two Step Blues’ respectively), “Getback” will be released this fall on ABB Records.