Rapper Big Pooh, whose real name is Thomas Louis Jones III, is an American rapper, songwriter, and hip hop artist born in Alexandria Virginia.
Best known as a founding member of the influential underground hip hop group Little Brother, he has built a career spanning solo albums, collaborations, and roles as a DJ and artist manager.
Pooh co-formed Little Brother in the early 2000s while attending North Carolina Central University, alongside Phonte and producer 9th Wonder, creating a trio that redefined conscious, lyric-driven hip hop with albums like The Listening (2003) and The Minstrel Show (2005). The group disbanded in 2010 but reunited in 2019 for the album May the Lord Watch and embarked on a final nationwide tour in 2025, marking the conclusion of their collaborative legacy.
Transitioning to a solo career, Pooh released his debut album Sleepers in 2005, followed by notable projects such as The Delightful Bars (2009), the collaborative effort Words Paint Pictures with Apollo Brown (2015), Home Sweet Home with Nottz (2015), and his most recent full-length To Dream in Color (2022). These works highlight his versatile style, blending introspective storytelling with soulful production.
Beyond music production, Big Pooh has contributed to the hip hop ecosystem as a DJ and manager, notably supporting artists like Lute from J. Cole’s Dreamville label. His enduring influence stems from a commitment to authentic lyricism, earning critical acclaim for maintaining the essence of East Coast-inspired hip hop while based in North Carolina.
