Making his entrance on the rap scene with Little Brother then venturing off to The Foreign Exchange. Phonte finally gives us his solo debut. Enter: “Charity Starts At Home” a picture perfect mixture of the two groups. Any hip hop head would fall in love but this does not stray too far from the rhythm or the blues.
Phonte has clearly showcased his many lyrical and creative talents all through his career this album is no different adding that same content with his singing abilities. To top it off reuniting with power producer 9th wonder is nothing short of genius. Phonte hits some high notes in this album as the “OG” Original Gentleman with quotables galore.
On “Sending My Love” Phonte takes a journey into the mind of a man that ventures for a quick break from the everyday norm of the woman he loves. (“ Just take it on home it’s about 4:30 ain’t nothing open this late but legs and hospitals”). “Not Here Anymore” is worth mentioning for the sample alone. Who doesn’t love Rolls Royce – Love don’t live here anymore. The song is a classic not to mention ideal for riding with the sunroof back anytime of the day.
Through “Ball and Chain” Phonte tells a story of a relationship so controlling to the point of being suffocated. (“She keeps me so secure/Until I can’t escape/ So unpredictable that it’s all the same/ So many nights I wish/I knew the moment when/Your anchor turned into a ball and chain”). “Who Loves You More” features Eric Roberson, or the dynamic duo as I like to call them. Ending loudly with “Always take care of home, because home is where charity starts.”
Phonte has truly showed that as a gentleman it is okay to talk about love, life and struggles all while still roaring on the underground scene. In his own words Cuz I go off, yeah I go off /Negro spiritual rap, slave to the rhythm looking like I might go North/ Cuz I go off. I love the “Tigallo flow” and am ecstatic that he is doing his thing. Outside of that Absolutely Foxx Approved.
