Phonte

Phonte Coleman, better known as Phonte, is an American rapper who is one-half of North Carolina duo Little Brother and one-half of the duo The Foreign Exchange. He has also recorded R&B-flavoured output as a singer (often under the pseudonym Percy Miracles). His rhymes tend to be no-frills perspectives on working-class life. [http://www.mvremix.com/urban/interviews/littlebrother.shtml MVRemix Urban Interviews Phonte of Little Brother ] ]

Career

With Little Brother

Phonte first met the other members of Little Brother, Rapper Big Pooh and 9th Wonder, in 1998 while attending North Carolina Central University, as an English major. The three shared common musical interests and decided to form a group. "Speed", the group's first song recorded together, led to them signing a deal with the independent ABB Records, and recording their debut album, "The Listening". The album's success led to the group signing a non-exclusive deal with major label Atlantic Records.

The group's 2005 album, "The Minstrel Show", was a concept album dealing with the current state of hip hop music. The album received a positive critical reaction but very little commercial success. During the recording of their third album, the group announced the departure of producer 9th Wonder on amicable terms, as well as a parting of ways with their label. Through a contractual clause they landed back on ABB Records and released "Getback" in late 2007.

Solo work

Phonte has appeared on numerous records by other artists, often as a vocalist. He made a guest appearance on the song "Beats N' Rhymes" from producer Kev Brown's album "I Do What I Do", and has also recorded tracks with producer Oddisee, both members of the Maryland-based Low Budget collective. In 2006, he was featured on producer DJ Shadow's "The Outsider" album. In the following year he contributed vocals to rap group Playaz Circle's "Paper Chaser", from their album "Supply & Demand". Phonte's upcoming projects include The Foreign Exchange's second album, "Leave It All Behind", as well as a collaboration (as Tiggalo) with Detroit-based musician Zo! titled " Zo! & Tigallo Love the 80’s". The latter of these is intended as an homage to early 1980s R&B and pop music and features covers of popular songs such as a-Ha's "Take on Me", Toto's "Africa", and Joe Jackson's "Stepping Out". [ [http://www.myspace.com/littlebrother MySpace.com - Little Brother - Durham, North Carolina - Hip Hop / Rap / Soul - www.myspace.com/littlebrother ] ]

Discography

Little Brother

:"See Little Brother discography"

The Foreign Exchange

*"Connected" (2004, BBE)
*"Leave It All Behind" (2008, BBE)

Zo! & Tigallo

*"Love the 80's" (2008, Hall of Justus)

External links

*
* [http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/TUTORS.9.0.html?act_session=266 Phonte RBMA video lecture session Pt.1]
* [http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/TUTORS.9.0.html?act_session=279 Phonte RBMA video lecture session Pt.2]
* [http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/TUTORS.9.0.html?act_session=280 Phonte RBMA video lecture session Pt.3]

References