“I Learned from Little Brother 2” by Prince Wiser (Album Reflection by MC Till)

The other night I sat down with “I Learned from Little Brother 2” by Prince Wiser. While I was listening I started jotting down some notes in real time. Then went back and reworked the notes a bit into a little song by song breakdown of the album. Here we go…

“Consume the World” sets it off lovely. Prince Wiser jumps right in giving us bars of empowerment over a funky boom bap beat. I love how the song starts really simple and then builds as Wise is rhyming, finally hitting a climax after an onslaught of meaningful rhymes. He trades in the raps for some singing. It all works and is a compelling way to start the album.

This flows into “United Masters” featuring Ramzy. This an excellent continuation of what Wiser started on the first track. Ramzy sounds great too. Really dope beginning so far.

Okay now we settle into a more laid back groove on “Fiddy, Fiddy” featuring one of my favorite emcees, Skyzoo. Wiser continues to speak to black culture. It reminds me of the Hip-Hop I grew up on. I would be surprised if Wiser is not inspired by the likes of Public Enemy, KRS-One, X-Clan, the Native Tongues, etc… This album thus far is of that vein and is holding its own. Skyzoo spits an excellent verse as always and I absolutely love this beat provided by A-G. Definitely my favorite joint on the album so far. Let’s see what’s next…

Oh, before I head on, let me just say that Prince Wiser is doing an excellent job of bringing in the Little Brother influences. There is a lot of soul and he also features singing just as LB does. You can tell this is a nod to the North Carolina duo (wish I could say trio:)

“Tom Holland” is a nice little joint. It does not feature many drums. Typically, I want the drums! But, there are times when the drumless production really works for me. This is one such moment. This song naturally flows out of “Fiddy, Fiddy.” That song definitely has some full drums and also it is very chill. That chill vibe is extended here on “Tom Holland.” 

All right we are back to the drums with the very first moment of “The King of Comedy.” Drums and singing set this song off. Then about 20 seconds we get blessed with even more drums. This is a nice chill vibe too. This album is coming together with a very consistent laid back feel. I like this. 

Next join is “Promises” featuring Shahrazad. This beat is hard and also laid back to keep with that musical theme. The lyrics are deep. That’s another element to this album I really appreciate. Wiser is not on any nonsense. He has something to say. He is exploring. He is opening up. I love this kind of Hip-Hop.

Sadly, at track 7 we are at our last song, “Tarajis Tears” featuring Shakinah Iman and Marcus Stokes. This a great ending to a really solid EP. Marcus Stokes provides a really dope, insightful verse as does Prince Wiser. Shekinah Iman sounds lovely singing over another excellent and chill beat.

That’s it folks. If you have only read these words and have yet to listen to the album, stop reading:) Go listen!!! If you are a fan of soulful boom bap with a message, then I think you will really dig this project. Prince Wiser is on point lyrically and chose a really nice selection of beats to create a very uplifting, chill, and enjoyable piece of art. To give it a listen click here.