7L & Esoteric
Encyclopedia
7L & Esoteric are a Boston-based hip-hop duo, notorious for battle rhymes and boom-bap production. 7L is the duo's DJ/Producer and Esoteric the emcee.
show at a college radio station north of Boston
. 7L, a DJ and producer who listened to the show, contacted Esoteric in the interest of collaborating. The two found they shared a common love of the golden age of hip-hop and decided to form a group.
After performing for some time in the Boston underground, the duo, with MC Karma known at the time as God Complex, released their first single in 1996. This led to the release of the Rebel Alliance LP, featuring acts such as Virtuoso, Mr. Lif
, Tony Infamous and Force Five. Also at this time the two dropped the God Complex moniker becoming simply 7L & Esoteric.
Soon after, 7L & Esoteric put out their first 12” with re-mastered versions of their Rebel Alliance songs “Protocol” and “Be Alert.” "Be Alert", the B-side on the record, began to receive significant radio play, due to its unique sampling of the Transformers
TV theme song. The track, which was produced by Beyonder, became very popular in the underground scene.
The duo then dropped the “Def Rhymes” single which got them press in the Source
. “Def Rhymes” was also featured on the EP, Speaking Real Words, released in 1999. The album also featured Wu-Tang Clan
member Inspectah Deck
on the title track.
They released their debut LP The Soul Purpose in the summer of 2001. The album received the Boston Music Award for “Best Hip-Hop Album,” and led to the duo touring the United States and Europe. Upon their return, they recorded and released their second LP in the fall of 2002 entitled Dangerous Connection.
After taking a break from recording the duo released their third LP DC2: Bars of Death in the spring of 2004 with Babygrande Records
. The album received overall positive reviews and was lauded by long-time fans. In 2006, "Moment of Rarities" was also released with Babygrande. This CD was a collection of previously unreleased tracks. Esoteric has stated that this CD was put out to fulfill contractual obligations with Babygrande Records.
"Too Much Posse" was released in 2006, under Esoteric's own label, Fly Casual. This CD was a collection of songs where Esoteric rapped alongside other artists. It also contained a few previously unreleased remixes and freestyles. Later in 2006 "A New Dope" was released, taking the duo in a new direction with more a more electro influenced sound and the production shared between both 7L and Esoteric. The album featured Kool Keith on the track "Daisy Cutta".
7L & Esoteric are both prominent members of the underground hip-hop groups the Demigodz and Army of the Pharaohs
. Their work also features a long list of collaborations with artists such as Jedi Mind Tricks
, Apathy
, Celph Titled
, Outerspace, and John Cena
.
He has also sparked some comedic video entertainment with his Youtube
series Pterovision which serves as a bi-weekly broadcast to the 7LES fan base. The series was initially released as a build up to the release of Egoclapper.
On May 8, 2008, Esoteric released another solo venture, entitled Esoteric vs. Japan - Pterodactyl Takes Tokyo. This release featured Esoteric rhyming over beats sampled from Japanese music, TV and films, such as Godzilla
, Gaiking
, Force 5
, Shogun Warriors
and Rodan
.
Esoteric's latest project is a collaboration with rapper Trademarc and producer DC the Midi Alien. Together they form the group East Coast Avengers. Their debut album, Prison Planet, was released October 7, 2008, on underground rap label Brick Records. The album's lead single, "Kill Bill O'Reilly," quickly gained notoriety for its abrasive lyrics, and condonement of the murder of the right wing American television/radio host, Bill O'Reilly
, and former guest commentator, Michelle Malkin
. Following responses by Malkin another single was released, "Dear Michelle". MySpace
, owned by O'Reilly's employers Fox
, has censored the songs and taken down related graphics as they were deemed too offensive.
On 10 February 2009 Esoteric released his first solo instrumental album, Serve or Suffer.
Esoteric released Saving Seamus Ryan on September 22, 2009. Featuring appearances by Main Flow, K-Flay, Qwill, and Masta Ace. The Track list is a Story, so it should be listened to from beginning to end. The CD came with a "short story" bundled. This is basically the lyrics with some extra content. The story goes from saying goodbye to his dog Max, in the first track (Studio Time/Goodbye) To Eso getting shot and robbed. Developing the story into him joining up with Indie Solo, An odd character who speaks like Harrison Ford, Hunting down Benny Macko. In an interview, Esoteric said he would like to work on a new album with 7L for release after "Saving Seamus Ryan".
MC Esoteric also recently appeared on a episode of the show "SuperFetch" on the Animal Planet. The episode featured his dog "Logan" being trained to do special tricks for a music video Esoteric was working on.
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History
The duo formed in 1992 when Esoteric DJed a hip hopHip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
show at a college radio station north of Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
. 7L, a DJ and producer who listened to the show, contacted Esoteric in the interest of collaborating. The two found they shared a common love of the golden age of hip-hop and decided to form a group.
After performing for some time in the Boston underground, the duo, with MC Karma known at the time as God Complex, released their first single in 1996. This led to the release of the Rebel Alliance LP, featuring acts such as Virtuoso, Mr. Lif
Mr. Lif
Mr. Lif is an American hip hop artist from Boston, Massachusetts. Often noted for his political lyrics, he has released two studio albums on El-P's Definitive Jux label and one on Bloodbot Tactical Enterprises. Mr...
, Tony Infamous and Force Five. Also at this time the two dropped the God Complex moniker becoming simply 7L & Esoteric.
Soon after, 7L & Esoteric put out their first 12” with re-mastered versions of their Rebel Alliance songs “Protocol” and “Be Alert.” "Be Alert", the B-side on the record, began to receive significant radio play, due to its unique sampling of the Transformers
Transformers
A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another by magnetic coupling.Transformer may also refer to:* ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, an Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet computer manufacturer by Asus...
TV theme song. The track, which was produced by Beyonder, became very popular in the underground scene.
The duo then dropped the “Def Rhymes” single which got them press in the Source
The Source (magazine)
The Source is a United States-based, monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture, founded in 1988. It is the world's second longest running rap periodical, behind United Kingdom-based publication Hip Hop Connection. The Source was founded as a newsletter in 1988...
. “Def Rhymes” was also featured on the EP, Speaking Real Words, released in 1999. The album also featured Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
member Inspectah Deck
Inspectah Deck
Jason Hunter, better known by his stage name Inspectah Deck, is an American rapper, producer, and member of the Wu-Tang Clan...
on the title track.
They released their debut LP The Soul Purpose in the summer of 2001. The album received the Boston Music Award for “Best Hip-Hop Album,” and led to the duo touring the United States and Europe. Upon their return, they recorded and released their second LP in the fall of 2002 entitled Dangerous Connection.
After taking a break from recording the duo released their third LP DC2: Bars of Death in the spring of 2004 with Babygrande Records
Babygrande Records
Babygrande Records is an independent record label based in New York City founded by Chuck Wilson. Babygrande is distributed by the The Orchard, and represented by the Creative Artists Agency in Hollywood.-Discography:...
. The album received overall positive reviews and was lauded by long-time fans. In 2006, "Moment of Rarities" was also released with Babygrande. This CD was a collection of previously unreleased tracks. Esoteric has stated that this CD was put out to fulfill contractual obligations with Babygrande Records.
"Too Much Posse" was released in 2006, under Esoteric's own label, Fly Casual. This CD was a collection of songs where Esoteric rapped alongside other artists. It also contained a few previously unreleased remixes and freestyles. Later in 2006 "A New Dope" was released, taking the duo in a new direction with more a more electro influenced sound and the production shared between both 7L and Esoteric. The album featured Kool Keith on the track "Daisy Cutta".
7L & Esoteric are both prominent members of the underground hip-hop groups the Demigodz and Army of the Pharaohs
Army of the Pharaohs
Army of the Pharaohs is a hip hop supergroup originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed by Jedi Mind Tricks MC, Vinnie Paz in 1998.-Recording history:...
. Their work also features a long list of collaborations with artists such as Jedi Mind Tricks
Jedi Mind Tricks
Jedi Mind Tricks is a hip hop duo with Vinnie Paz from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Jus Allah from Camden, New Jersey. The group was founded by two high school friends, rapper Vinnie Paz and former producer/DJ Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind...
, Apathy
Apathy (rapper)
Chad Bromley , better known as Apathy is an underground rapper and producer from Willimantic, Connecticut. He attended high school at various schools in Connecticut. He is a re-founding member and unofficial leader of the Demigodz crew...
, Celph Titled
Celph Titled
Celph Titled is an American hip hop solo artist, record producer and member of the hip hop supergroup Army of the Pharaohs, as well as the Demigodz Crew.-Biography:...
, Outerspace, and John Cena
John Cena
John Felix Anthony Cena is an American professional wrestler, actor, rapper, and television personality. He is currently signed to WWE as a member of its WWE Raw brand....
.
Esoteric solo venture
Esoteric has recently embarked on a solo venture. In October 2007 he presented his debut Egoclapper on his own label Fly Casual Records, in which he took both the rhyming and production duties. A Limited Edition version was also available, packaged with bonus cd Esoteric Vs Gary Numan: Pterodactyl Tubeway. This featured Esoteric both rhyming and producing beats heavily sampling 80's Electro icon Gary Numan.He has also sparked some comedic video entertainment with his Youtube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
series Pterovision which serves as a bi-weekly broadcast to the 7LES fan base. The series was initially released as a build up to the release of Egoclapper.
On May 8, 2008, Esoteric released another solo venture, entitled Esoteric vs. Japan - Pterodactyl Takes Tokyo. This release featured Esoteric rhyming over beats sampled from Japanese music, TV and films, such as Godzilla
Godzilla
is a daikaijū, a Japanese movie monster, first appearing in Ishirō Honda's 1954 film Godzilla. Since then, Godzilla has gone on to become a worldwide pop culture icon starring in 28 films produced by Toho Co., Ltd. The monster has appeared in numerous other media incarnations including video games,...
, Gaiking
Gaiking
was a Japanese Super Robot mecha anime series produced by Toei Animation.It ran from April 1976 through January 1977 and consisted of 44 26-minute episodes. Gaiking was notable for being one of the few super robot series to take place in real places outside of Japan, and for being the first Super...
, Force 5
Force 5
The Force 5 is a small one-design racing sailboat that is similar to the more well known Laser but with a hard chine aft. Although it is designed for single-handed racing, two people can easily fit into the large cockpit...
, Shogun Warriors
Shogun Warriors
The Shogun Warriors were the central characters of a line of toys licensed by Mattel Inc. during the late 1970s that consisted of a series of imported Japanese robots based on the then popular anime shows featuring giant robots...
and Rodan
Rodan
is a fictional Japanese mutated pterosaur introduced in Rodan, a 1956 release from Toho Studios, the company responsible for the Godzilla series. Like Godzilla and Anguirus, he is designed after a type of prehistoric reptile...
.
Esoteric's latest project is a collaboration with rapper Trademarc and producer DC the Midi Alien. Together they form the group East Coast Avengers. Their debut album, Prison Planet, was released October 7, 2008, on underground rap label Brick Records. The album's lead single, "Kill Bill O'Reilly," quickly gained notoriety for its abrasive lyrics, and condonement of the murder of the right wing American television/radio host, Bill O'Reilly
Bill O'Reilly (political commentator)
William James "Bill" O'Reilly, Jr. is an American television host, author, syndicated columnist and political commentator. He is the host of the political commentary program The O'Reilly Factor on the Fox News Channel, which is the most watched cable news television program on American television...
, and former guest commentator, Michelle Malkin
Michelle Malkin
Michelle Malkin is an American conservative blogger, political commentator, and author. Her weekly syndicated column appears in a number of newspapers and websites. She is a Fox News Channel contributor and has been a guest on MSNBC, C-SPAN, and national radio programs...
. Following responses by Malkin another single was released, "Dear Michelle". MySpace
MySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
, owned by O'Reilly's employers Fox
Fox
Fox is a common name for many species of omnivorous mammals belonging to the Canidae family. Foxes are small to medium-sized canids , characterized by possessing a long narrow snout, and a bushy tail .Members of about 37 species are referred to as foxes, of which only 12 species actually belong to...
, has censored the songs and taken down related graphics as they were deemed too offensive.
On 10 February 2009 Esoteric released his first solo instrumental album, Serve or Suffer.
Esoteric released Saving Seamus Ryan on September 22, 2009. Featuring appearances by Main Flow, K-Flay, Qwill, and Masta Ace. The Track list is a Story, so it should be listened to from beginning to end. The CD came with a "short story" bundled. This is basically the lyrics with some extra content. The story goes from saying goodbye to his dog Max, in the first track (Studio Time/Goodbye) To Eso getting shot and robbed. Developing the story into him joining up with Indie Solo, An odd character who speaks like Harrison Ford, Hunting down Benny Macko. In an interview, Esoteric said he would like to work on a new album with 7L for release after "Saving Seamus Ryan".
MC Esoteric also recently appeared on a episode of the show "SuperFetch" on the Animal Planet. The episode featured his dog "Logan" being trained to do special tricks for a music video Esoteric was working on.
Studio Albums
- Speaking Real Words EP - 1999
- The Soul PurposeThe Soul PurposeThe Soul Purpose is the first LP released from the Boston hip hop duo, 7L & Esoteric.-Track listing:#"Dwight Spits "#"Verbal Assault"#"Terror To Your Ear"#"Operating Correctly "#"Call Me E.S."...
- 2001 - Dangerous ConnectionDangerous ConnectionDangerous Connection is the second LP released from the Boston hip hop duo, 7L & Esoteric.-Track listing:#"One Six"#"Watch Me"#*Sample: "Apollo Kids" By Ghostface Killah#"Warning - Knife In The Face"#"Terrorist's Cell"...
- 2002 - DC2: Bars of DeathDC2: Bars of DeathDC2: Bars of Death is the third studio album released from the Boston hip hop duo, 7L & Esoteric.-Track listing:#"DC Theme"#"Ring Music" #"Loud & Clear"#"Rise Of The Rebel"#"Rogue Nation"#"This Is War"...
- 2004 - A New DopeA New DopeA New Dope is the fifth released and the fourth studio album from the Boston hip hop duo, 7L & Esoteric.-Track listing:#"Get Dumb"#"Everywhere"#"Feel The Velvet"#"3 Minute Classic"#"Daisycutta A New Dope is the fifth released and the fourth studio album from the Boston hip hop duo, 7L &...
- 2006 - Dope Not Hype - 2006
- 1212 - 2010
Esoteric
- Too Much Posse - 2006
- Egoclapper - 2007
- Esoteric Vs. Gary Numan - Pterodactyl Tubeway - 2007
- Esoteric Vs. Japan - "Pterodactyl Takes Tokyo" - 2008
- Serve or Suffer - 2009
- Saving Seamus Ryan - 2009
- Fly Casualties - 2010
- Boston Pharaoh - 2011
Collaborations
- 7L & BeyonderBeyonderThe Beyonder is a fictional character in . Created by Jim Shooter and Mike Zeck, the immensely powerful Beyonder first appeared in Secret Wars vol. 1 #1 as an unseen force. He reappears in Secret Wars II #1 , which was created by Jim Shooter and Al Milgrom.-Publication history:The Beyonder was a...
- Vinyl Thug Music - 2003 (7L with BeyonderBeyonderThe Beyonder is a fictional character in . Created by Jim Shooter and Mike Zeck, the immensely powerful Beyonder first appeared in Secret Wars vol. 1 #1 as an unseen force. He reappears in Secret Wars II #1 , which was created by Jim Shooter and Al Milgrom.-Publication history:The Beyonder was a...
) - Vinyl Thug Music - Welcome to Shaftville U.S.A. - 2005 (7L with BeyonderBeyonderThe Beyonder is a fictional character in . Created by Jim Shooter and Mike Zeck, the immensely powerful Beyonder first appeared in Secret Wars vol. 1 #1 as an unseen force. He reappears in Secret Wars II #1 , which was created by Jim Shooter and Al Milgrom.-Publication history:The Beyonder was a...
) - Army of the PharaohsArmy of the PharaohsArmy of the Pharaohs is a hip hop supergroup originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed by Jedi Mind Tricks MC, Vinnie Paz in 1998.-Recording history:...
- The Torture Papers - 2006 (Babygrande Records) - Army of the PharaohsArmy of the PharaohsArmy of the Pharaohs is a hip hop supergroup originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed by Jedi Mind Tricks MC, Vinnie Paz in 1998.-Recording history:...
- Ritual of BattleRitual of BattleRitual of Battle is the second album by underground hip hop supergroup Army of the Pharaohs, released September 21, 2007 on Babygrande Records. The album features group members Vinnie Paz, Jus Allah, Outerspace, Chief Kamachi, Reef the Lost Cauze, Esoteric, Celph Titled, King Syze, Des Devious,...
- 2007 (Babygrande Records) - East Coast Avengers - Prison Planet - 2008 (Esoteric, Trademarc, DC The Midi Alien)
- Army of the PharaohsArmy of the PharaohsArmy of the Pharaohs is a hip hop supergroup originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed by Jedi Mind Tricks MC, Vinnie Paz in 1998.-Recording history:...
- The Unholy TerrorThe Unholy TerrorThe Unholy Terror is the third studio album by underground rap super group Army of the Pharaohs. The official street release date was March 30, 2010, but the album was released early on March 19, 2010 on UGHH.com. The album debuted in the Billboard 200 at number 179 selling 3,200 units in its first...
- 2010 (Babygrande/Enemy Soil)
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External links
- 7L and Esoteric at DiscogsDiscogsDiscogs, short for discographies, is a website and database of information about audio recordings, including commercial releases, promotional releases, and bootleg or off-label releases. The Discogs servers, currently hosted under the domain name discogs.com, are owned by Zink Media, Inc., and are...