Initially released in 2006 for D.J. Drama’s ‘Gangsta Grillz’ mixtapes, is another project from the North Carolina team that was holding their ground during the mid 2000’s. After a critically acclaimed debut with ‘The Listening’ and a controversial but beneficial follow up album with ‘The Minstrel Show,’ Little Brother needed to keep their brand alive. They no longer had the hope of assistance with a major label and as a group they did not rely on drug raps are artificial street narratives to appeal to the masses. Having a ‘Gangsta Grillz’ tape was a huge thing for them as it put them in front of a crowd that needed (although they will never admit) the co-sign of a major label and want to hear that “ignorant sh!t” (c)Jay-Z. ‘Separate But Equal’ provides a different sound for “LB” that further closes the gap for an audience not keen on “truskool” HOP music. A good thing for that crowd but maybe not as good for day one fans. Hearing D.J. Drama scream his name through the transitions of these tracks was a personal turn off for me so it was a pleasure when the “Drama free” version was available a couple of years later. This release felt more like an album and I could appreciate the songs more but there was still an air of thinking this is not the best “LB,” in terms off songs one could get from the group. Production was provided by 9th Wonder and Khrysis with tracks from Illmind, D.R., The Kreators and Young Cee. All managed to give this release a more rugged vibe to suit the D.J. Drama crowd. Little Brother fans were familiar with featured acts like L.E.G.A.C.Y., Joe Scudda, Chaundon, Skyzoo, Supastition and Darien Brockington but there were a couple of shocking features like Bun B. and Mos Def. My personal issue with this release is the very apparent content and lyrics which saw Big Pooh being even more aggressive in his approach, which feels more like overcompensating for a certain audience than being authentic. For many who discovered Little Brother due to ‘The Minstrel Show’ or later, will probably appreciate this project more as it doesn’t do much in progressing the creativity Little Brother is known for. What did you think of the album?

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