Love this record so much. Reminds me of all that is good about Hip-Hop. I'd been bored with rap for a while. Then these chaps came and made me realize, that they are still wonderful expressions if Hip-Hop music out there. Thank you x

It doesn't really get much better than this easily the best hip-hop release of 2005. The killer production from arguably the best new producer in the game in the last 4 years 9th Wonder & also producer Khrysis give Phonte & Big Pooh the basis to provide your ears with the purest form of hip-hop due to the watered down products that surround the industry. Killer track is possibly Hiding Place but really the whole album is classic, it needed something big to top "The Listening" but "The Minstrel Show" is probably it!!

It's telling that this is one of the only recent albums (of any genre) that I have

copied to my iPod in its entirety!!

essence of hip hop.... this is definitely Hip Hop 101 for those who want to make real rap music.. defying whats out there to make the music u love. A must listen and a great LP...

Most rap cats take a break between projects, and after dropping one of the greatest hip hop albums of the 21st Century ('The Listening' in 2002), LB had deserved a rest. But for anyone remotely familiar with the trio from Raleigh NC, The Minstrel Show has been bridged by a barrage of hot mixtapes featuring the rest of LB's click, The Justus League. Each CD has showcased producer 9th Wonder's consistently dope soulful beats, but have also acted as a springboard for Phonte and Big Pooh who have both released their own highly acclaimed projects - and their abilities have come a long way since The Listening.

Phonte is easily on a par with modern day street speakers including Talib Kweli, MF Doom and Elzhi (who appears on 'Hiding Place') and his back and forth with the equally on point Pooh reminds me of the halcyon days of Tip and Phife. 9th's work behind the boards proves why he has become Jay-Z's beatmaker for hire. Each soulful track bounces and crackles like the dusty 45s he artfully manipulates.

My only gripe with the album is the central concept. 'The Minstrel Show' idea - a notion that reflects the current state of hip hop is underused - and if it had been allowed more room on the tracks instead of regulated to a few skits, I feel it would have made the album feel more weighty. As it is, The Minstrel Show is a great album that illustrates how hip hop can homage the glory days without dwelling in the past, but it comes short of pointing fingers at those responsible for the bad state hip hop is in.

This is not an album for the mass market hip-pop radio listener, the game & 50 cent fans can keep on going as there is nothing for you here.

If like me you remember the good old days of pete rock & c.l. smooth and tribe called quest this will feel like a rebirth. this album like little brothers debut the listerning is a solid complete album with no fillers and no fast forwards and is actually best experienced as a whole.

Album highlights for me are hiding place featuring elzhi of slum village (check out fantastic vol.2), say it again & lovin it (the first single).

This is a record collection Essential for any true (if i could underline the true i would) hip hop fan.

For those of you who started listening to hip hop wth artists like 50, Lil Jon and the likes...fair enough to you...but for me...i started in it's boom time...'93 Doggystyle...Illmatic...those were the times that hip hop caught me off guard...and i always had the dream ..that one day ...as a dj and lil producer..if i'm to EVER get my album out....it would be a proper contribution and dedication to hip hop and the influences it instilled in me......this album (The Minstrel Show) and the artists (Little Brother) are one of many that has sooo blessed the art from of hip hop.....it is here to stay because true hip hop will never die.....true hiphop....is LIFE!! Let's keep it that way..Peace..Dj SiDious a.k.a SiD