A man that wears many hats and plays many roles, Phonte Lyshod Coleman better known as "Phonte" is a singer/songwriter, rapper and comedian. The 37 year old multi-talented artist was born on December 29th, 1978 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was a member of the now defunct North Carolina trio, Little Brother and one-half of the duo, Foreign Exchange before becoming a solo artist.
Phonte released his debut album "Charity Starts at Home" as a solo artist on September 27th, 2011. The album is a well balanced marriage of all of Phonte's musical inclinations. The average artist discusses relations, family issues, life, and so on in an album but what makes this album different is that he's a realist.
This album comes across as naturally human with a comedic twist. His sense of humor on "Sendin My Love" turns the internal conflicts of a married man into a mockery. Like many rappers Phonte isnt one to tell fibs, he states "I do this all for hip-hop! I’m lying like sh*t. I do this for my bills” on the album’s opening track, "Dance in the Reign." This was his way of explaining that he's an entertainer not only because he wants to be but because he has to be. Charity Starts At Home proves that none of Phonte's talents are obsolete and he can merge all of them into one cohesive project that’s as much of a treat as any of his other acts, if not more.
Recommended Tracks: The Good Fight, Who Loves You More, and Eternally
Grade: 10/10
