In a poignant announcement that resonates with fans of hip-hop, the celebrated duo Little Brother has revealed their final tour, aptly titled “Curtain Call: The Final Tour.” The tour is set to kick off on May 24, 2025, at the Artscape Festival in Baltimore and will conclude with the Rock the Bells Cruise on October 31. This marks a significant moment for the duo, comprised of Grammy Award-nominated artist Phonte Coleman and Rapper Big Pooh, as they prepare to bid farewell to their loyal fans.
The tour will feature a series of performances across various cities, including Boston, Brooklyn, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Atlanta, Napa at the Blue Note Jazz Festival, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Raleigh, North Carolina. Big Pooh expressed his gratitude for the journey they have shared, stating, “I wanted to let people know, me and Phonte, we super good. We had a chance to reconcile, come back, and I believe put Little Brother to bed the proper way.”
Phonte echoed these sentiments, reflecting on their reunion and the milestones they achieved together. “We came back after a decade and got our first No. 1 record, we did our own movie, we did our own block party, and regained control of our catalog. Our work is complete. Our mission as Little Brother is complete,” he shared. This tour not only marks the end of an era for the duo but also celebrates the strong bond they have rebuilt over the years.
Originating from North Carolina, Little Brother was formed in 1998 alongside producer 9th Wonder. Their debut album, “The Listening,” released in 2003, showcased their introspective lyrics and soulful production, establishing them as pioneers of alternative hip-hop. The group’s name symbolizes their intent to carry on the legacy of influential acts like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul.
Their sophomore album, “The Minstrel Show,” released in 2005, further solidified their reputation, blending sharp social commentary with humor and creativity. Despite facing challenges, including the departure of 9th Wonder in 2007, Phonte and Pooh continued to craft music that resonated with fans, releasing “Getback” in 2007 and “Leftback” in 2010.
After a lengthy hiatus, Little Brother reunited in 2019 to release “May the Lord Watch,” an album that revisited themes from their earlier work while showcasing their growth as artists and individuals. Their journey has been chronicled in documentaries like “May the Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story,” which highlights their rise, struggles, and the complexities of their brotherhood.
Reflecting on personal challenges, Pooh shared insights from a life-altering experience when he faced a pulmonary embolism. He described the moment as a wake-up call, prompting him to reassess his life and priorities. Phonte acknowledged his own regrets during that time, admitting he didn’t reach out to Pooh when he was hospitalized, a reflection of the conflict and growth within their relationship.
As they embark on this final tour, Little Brother hopes to create lasting memories for their fans and celebrate the journey they have traveled together. While their time as a duo may be coming to an end, their friendship and the impact they have made on the hip-hop community will endure. Tickets for the “Curtain Call: The Final Tour” go on sale April 9, inviting fans to join in this bittersweet celebration of Little Brother’s legacy.
