Esoteric [Import]

Product Description
Japanese Release featuring Two Bonus Tracks: "Runaway", and "Maybe".

Esoteric,Eric Roberson,Pony Canyon,World Music

Average customer rating:

Esoteric Eric Roberson ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items: Left Appetizer Presents: The Vault, Vol. 1.5 Collaborations ASIN: B000IPS86U

Average customer rating: A fine comeback after all these years Devastating Quite frankly, Amazing Crushing and melancholic Heaven Help Us From the Heavy

Subconscious Dissolution into the Continuum Esoteric Manufacturer: Season of Mist ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Quietus The Call of the Wretched Sea In the Depths of R'lyeh Stormcrowfleet Tides of Awakening ASIN: B000287XZA Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

1. Morphia
2. Blood of the Eyes
3. Grey Day
4. Arcane Dissolution

Customer Reviews:

A fine comeback after all these years.......2006-12-26

Many years have passed since Esoteric's latest masterpiece and they seem to have returned with 4 killer songs in this amazing album. Those familiar with the distinctive sound of these Brits will quickly fall in love with this album while some others may find it difficult to follow. All of the elements that made Esoteric such a big name in the Doom scene are still here. 3 guitars with sounds ranging from drones to melodic passages, slow and repetitive rhythm passages and the distorted vocals which add to the unique atmosphere of this album. The songs are huge ranging from 10 to 17 minutes each but never fail to catch the listener's attention with their hypnotizing heaviness. Be sure to check this, one of the best doom releases in years. I hope that Esoteric won't take 5 years before they release another album. This one was sure worth the wait though.

Devastating.......2005-12-28

Prior to purchasing this album, I had only heard of Esoteric. They first became known to me while listening to a radio interview with Porcupine Tree frontman Steve Wilson. He cited Esoteric as a strong influence for the album In Absentia. Though I now see very few similarities between the albums, I am very glad that I was introduced to Esoteric in this manner. After reading reviews online, I was very intrigued with Esoteric and went ahead with buying the album. It arrived in the mail and I listened to it for the first time, from start to finish.

I felt myself slipping into a surreal, nightmarish world of bleak, crushing emotion and atmosphere. I certainly couldn't deny the doominess of the music, which is driven by slow, heavy, sludgy riffs and shrieking, growling vocals that transcend this dimension. The music was at once hynotizing and disturbing, never really letting me become comfortable, with the ongoing dissonance and conflict. On the three "real" tracks of this album, the almost painfully slow, repetitive, organic tone of the music gives the impression that the songs are simply never going to end. Of course, they eventually do, but not for 12, 16, even 17 minutes. The final track is a creepy, 5 minute closer which lets us wind down from the turmoil of the previous three relentless journeys.

In many ways, Dissolution into the Continuum is one of the heaviest albums I have ever experienced. However, heavy is a very subjective term. I'm a fan of a wide variety of metal bands, from Iron Maiden to Opeth to Cryptopsy. There are faster, more chaotic bands out there, with much more mind-numbing displays of technicality and flash. That being said, Esoteric's heaviness lies in its methodical, drudging hopelessness and despair. The vocals are sincerely haunting, and the riffs chug along with a genuinely unsettling determination and automated destructivity. There is really very little more that can be said, except that you simply must hear this album if you consider yourself a fan of metal. If you are not familiar with Doom Metal, then you are in for a very unique experience. And if you are, I still think that Esoteric are creative and original enough to surprise a seasoned metalhead.

Quite frankly, Amazing.......2005-04-16

Whoa, where to start. Well first off, Esoteric are essentially a doom metal band but with death metal(as heard in the vocals) and progressive influences. They are much more than your normal doom band, while they still retain the slower tempos and the forlorn and gloomy atmosphere. Oddly, there is also something transcendent about this album, surpassing time and space and bringing your concious into a new plane of being while listening...and the melodic beginning of the songs(all over 10 minutes in length except for "Arcane Dissolution" mind you) are simply magnificent. This is one melancholic journey not to be missed. I think i've said all I could except for you to pick up this album, you won't regret it.

Crushing and melancholic.......2005-01-23

this is a great album, full of pludding riffs, melodic guitar and keyboard lines, and of course tortured screams. with the last track being an outro, we are presented with basically three songs, and it all adds up to 50 minutes. the standout track is "the blood of eyes," begining with a beautiful guitar lead, it slowely works its way into a chugging riff; going through some immensly complex progresions and chords. esoteric is truly as complex as almost any prog band, but they are of course very much doom metal, and this album is a true staple to that fact. however, if you are not into music that takes a few listens to get into, or cannot handle metal that isn't played as fast as possible, i don't really recomend this. more over, this is not my dying bride, there are no romantic themes, this is philosophical, and destructive stuff. i would say that a comparision to sunn O))) that an earlier reviewer stated is a bit off, this has a full band and is much faster(still slow). there are no bands like esoteric. if you like winter, skepticism, evoken, thergothon, i'd give this a try. it is probably one of their best albums, best record of 2004 in my opinion.

Heaven Help Us From the Heavy.......2005-01-20

Imagine a storm so oppressive, so devastating that it grinds you into the earth. The thunder is so deafening, that you shudder in fright and yet, there is a surreal beauty to the sky. The colors are intense - the many hues of purple and dark blue. This is the feeling(s) Esoteric invokes in me. "Subconscious Dissolution Into the Continuum" is one of the most cyclopean, disastrous and beautiful albums to ever grace the airwaves.

Average customer rating: Pretty ill for a first dealt EP

Speaking Real Words 7L & Esoteric Manufacturer: Direct Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Too Much Posse DC2: Bars of Death A New Dope The Soul Purpose Dangerous Connection ASIN: B000E1NWUK Release Date: 2006-01-31

Tracks:

1. Speaking Real Words feat: Inspectah Deck
2. Bound To Slay
3. Def Rhymes
4. Essays On Esoterrorism
5. Headswell feat:Virtuoso
6. Learn From the Druid
7. Be Alert feat:Beyonder + Virtuoso
8. Observe the Sound feat: Apathy, L the Headtoucha + J-Live
9. Def Rhymes (First Version)

Product Description

When 7L & ESOTERICs groundbreaking EP Speaking Real Words originally dropped in 99, it helped mold and define the East Coast indie/underground movement. Known to go for upwards of $200 on EBAY, the label decided to reissue this long out-of-print classic CD, only this time include a couple banging bonus cuts from the precious era in which it was created. After EMINEM and JAY-Z rhymed over the SPEAKING REAL WORDS beat on SWAY & TECHs World Famous Wake Up Show, the interest factor had risen astronomically. Featuring the blazing title track with WU-TANG hero INSPECTAH DECK, and the infamous Transformers themed Be Alert, the original CD has been sought after for ages. Get yours now, complete with the never before heard bonus track Observe the Sound featuring APATHY, J-LIVE, and L the HEADTOUCHA and the first version of Def Rhymes, available on CD for the first time.

Album Description

When 7L & ESOTERIC's groundbreaking EP Speaking Real Words originally dropped in `99, it helped mold and define the East Coast indie/underground movement. Known to go for upwards of $200 on EBAY, the label decided to reissue this long out-of-print classic CD, only this time include a couple banging bonus cuts from the precious era in which it was created. After EMINEM and JAY-Z rhymed over the SPEAKING REAL WORDS beat on SWAY & TECH's World Famous Wake Up Show, the interest factor had risen astronomically. Featuring the blazing title track with WU-TANG hero INSPECTAH DECK, and the infamous Transformers themed Be Alert, the original CD has been sought after for ages. Get yours now, complete with the never before heard bonus track 'Observe the Sound' featuring APATHY, J-LIVE, and L the HEADTOUCHA and the first version of 'Def Rhymes', available on CD for the first time.

Album Details

When 7l and Esoteric's Groundbreaking EP "Speaking Real Words" Originally Dropped in '99, it Helped Mold and Define the East Coast Indie/Underground Movement. Known to Go for Upwards of $200 on Ebay, the Label Decided to Reissue this Long Out-of-print Classic CD, Only this Time Include a Couple Banging Bonus Cuts from the Precious Era in which it was Created. Featuring the Blazing Title Track with Wu-tang Hero Inspectah Deck, and the Infamous Transformers Themed "be Alert," the Original CD Has Been Sought after for Ages. Get Yours Now, Complete with the Never Before Heard Bonus Track "Observe the Sound" featuring Apathy, J-live, and L the Headtoucha and the First Version of "Def Rhymes", Available on CD for the First Time.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty ill for a first dealt EP.......2007-01-03

Probably more like a 3.5, but Inspectah Deck, Apathy, and Virtuoso pick up the game on this C.d. a little bit. If you like 7LES how they USED to be, cop this and Soul Purpose, but i'm sure ppl who liked how they used to be already knew that. Peace.

Average customer rating: Out There Scandinavians

The Esoteric Circle Jan Garbarek Manufacturer: Freedon/Da Music/Ka ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000046IX Release Date: 1988-01-01

Tracks:

1. Traneflight
2. Ralbalder
3. Esoteric Circle
4. Vips
5. Sas 644
6. Nefertite
7. Gee
8. Karin's Mode
9. Breeze Ending

Customer Reviews:

Out There Scandinavians.......2000-02-09

I actually own this on vinyl and I think I bought it because Terje Rypdal plays on it. While I tend to find Garbarek's recent work a tad sterile, this album really shows him at his Coltrane-inspired best. Good out ensemble playing. Definitely worth a listen.

Average customer rating: The one that got me hooked. Singin' shake whatcha mama gave ya to a thug WOW could go either way Think Back

A New Dope 7L & Esoteric Manufacturer: Babygrande Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Speaking Real Words The Gatalog: A Collection Of Chaos Moment of Rarities No Place Like Chrome Too Much Posse ASIN: B000EUMK68 Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

1. Get Dumb
2. Everywhere
3. Feel the Velvet
4. 3 Minute Classic
5. Daisycutta
6. Eso Ain't Shit
7. Dunks Are Live, Dunks Are Dead
8. A.O.S.O.
9. Cemetery
10. Reggie Lewis Is Watching
11. Girls Gone Wild (Then & Now)
12. Most
13. Take Note
14. Perfect Person
15. Play Dumb

Customer Reviews:

The one that got me hooked........2007-06-30

I had bought a few 7LES cds about 8 months ago, during a period when I was trying to get back into hip-hop but wasn't really feeling ANY music at all; I think my brain couldn't handle anymore music. I listened to them a few times then forgot about 'em.

After about 6 months I realized I still hadn't opened A New Dope. Well when I did, I was stunned. This album has fire, and Esoteric has improved plenty and even further diversified his style. This album is the reason I've picked up the other CDs I was missing. I still need Warning: Dangerous Exclusives and Dope Not Hype, though.

People might hate on Esoteric, but this and DC2 show an evolved man who continues to improve, and I would find it hard to dislike the lyrical content on this album, save for maybe 2 or 3 songs.

Singin' shake whatcha mama gave ya to a thug.......2007-05-08

While this album is obviously not for everyone, it is an AMAZING album. It to me was paying homage to what hip hop once was. Now alot of these kids out here who did not grow up listening to old school hip hop(not like when you hear a 16 year old call Dre's "The Chronic" old school) will probably have little respect for an album like this. 7L's beats are always catchy and there is no exception with this album and ESO's flow is non-stop throughout. Great samples too, 7L even samples the Twin Peaks theme on Perfect Person.

WOW.......2006-12-10

most of these reviewer should Listen to the Firt (and Last) track on this CD. They are DUMB. Damn this Cd is nice. I am from NEW york and generally hate everything Boston. But these two have been hitin hard ever since they was 'speakin real words'. To put it briefly, this is what hip hop should progess to. 7L is one of the best beatmakers ever, and Esoteric is a renown battle MC who can also make an album. This is very different from their old albums, but not in bad way. They out in left field with Manny Ramirez with this one, and like Manny they should be feared and most of all respected though many don't understand. YOu don't like his album you probably don't listen to hip-hop and listen to R&B like G-Unit and Dipset. Stick with that garbage and don't listen to music.

could go either way.......2006-11-09

This is my first 7L and Esoteric album and I didn't know what to expect. I heard them once on an iTunes radio station, remembered the name and came across them a couple week later at my record store. I've never heard their previous work, so I'm making no comparisons here, just observations of this album. It's got an old school feel to it, which is kinda nice to hear. Esoteric (he's the one rapping, right?) drops some clever rhymes. Although nothing special, it's got a nice, slow flow to it. I was a little dissapointed with some of the music, but the samples 7L uses are pretty good (twoards the end of 3 Minute Classic and then Cemetary is just hilarious). The reason I only gave this 3 stars is because although Eso has some good and funny rhymes, his voice and flow get boring after a few listens and the music on some songs make me skip to the next track. It's a good album to listen to every once in awhile, just to listen to something different then the same old underground (admit it, underground rappers sound a lot better than the mainstream crap, but they do tend to all have a similar sound to them). I can honestly say I don't have anything else like this in my collection.

Think Back.......2006-10-09

For those who looked at this album and booed its departure from 7L ES of five years ago, find new music, cuz you missed the point entirely. I put A New Dope into the deck, replacing Paid in Full. 7L ES are blazing onward where hip hop should have gone. Who cares if they're No. 1? Who gives a dismount if they dont' sound like they used to? You suckas who thought memorizing tricky punchlines would make you an indie icon - get a new hat.

For those who were waiting for someone to put down somethin new school, it's this album. This takes us back ten years to when someone should've been makin a follow up for the classics, not beefin like slaughterhouse garbage cans.

I heard Rakim, I heard Guru and even Eazy E crept up On the Radio--- but it wasn't an imitation, it was Eso's voice and 7L's hand, put together makes em one intelligent band.

A New Dope is the Real Deal.

Average customer rating: Beantown Represents this album rocks best of 7l & esoteric Best of 7L and Esoteric GOOD HIP HOP FROM UNDERGROUND EMCEE/PRODUCER DUO

Dangerous Connection 7L & Esoteric Manufacturer: Landscape Germany ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rap & Hip-Hop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: DC2: Bars of Death Moment of Rarities Speaking Real Words The Soul Purpose Where's Your Album?!! ASIN: B00006IUC2 Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

1. One Six
2. Watch Me
3. Warning - Knife In The Face
4. Terrorist's Cell
5. Precision
6. Word Association
7. Stalker
8. Speak Now
9. Rules Of Engagement
10. Riccardi Man
11. Herb
12. What I Mean
13. Rest In Peace
14. The Way Out

Customer Reviews:

Beantown Represents.......2007-06-03

I've been into these two for a little over 8 months now, even though I've known about them for years when 88.9 was GOOD, but I'm not sure I heard anything by them before. Just heard the name dropped and decided I should see if I could find their music online when their name suddenly popped in my head.

Anyway, when I stumbled upon tracks like "Murder-Death-Kill", "Terrorist Cell", "Word Association", and "Operating Correctly", I knew I was onto something. Nasty production, sick lyrics and tight flow. Esoterodactyl even channels Jay-Z at times, but don't worry; it's just the sound of his voice. His ability shames Jigga and you wonder how that fool even got big.

Just don't sleep on these guys like I did. I had A New Dope (along with 3 other 7LES joints I had bought and listened to) for SIX MONTHS before I opened it (musical disinterest), but once I did, I couldn't get enough of these guys. Tracks like "Feel the Velvet" and "Play Dumb" are why I can't get enough. After I finally listened to A New Dope, I bought DC2: Bars of Death, Too Much Posse, and Moments of Rarities. I'm usually focused on drums and melody, but Esoteric got me listening. And that's sayin' something.

this album rocks.......2005-06-08

I first heard of this act when i was listening to jedi mind tricks and heard this kid esoteric spit a verse on violent by design. i first picked up DCII which is a great album then i got this one. WOW that intro gets things going, just like eso says, "something bout the way i use breaks and loops" it is incredible that 7l and eso have. 7l is definately one of the best producers in hip hop, better than 99% of these commercial producers and esoteric is a lyrical monster. The best tracks are: One Six (the intro), Watch Me (has a great hook), Precision (great beat that eso flows nicely to), Word Association (eso is being interviewed by a psychologist and has to say the first thing that comes to mind when he hears a word, this song is hilarious), Stalker, is a cool song with so much imagery that you wonder if he really does stalk girls, Rest In Peace is a good track in which eso raps about what it would be like if he were dead and the last track Way Out is amazing, my favorite track the beat is a perfect finale track with trumpets and eso spits two hot verses to it.

Overall this album is hot and it shows you why the best hip hop comes from the northeast. Philly to Ny to Boston is where the best rap acts come from especially underground and 7l and esoteric repping beantown are proof.

best of 7l & esoteric.......2005-06-01

out of their three full length LP's, i have to say Dangerous Connection is by far the best, the beats fit perfectly with Esoterics flow and lyrical content / rhymes are better than ever

Best of 7L and Esoteric.......2005-05-07

The Soul Purpose was good, as was DC2:Bars of Death, but Dangerous Connection is better than both.any find Esoteric's flow awkward,monotonous, and one-dimensional, and sometimes, they are right. But just listen to the first 8 tracks on Dangerous Connection, and you'll find the Esoteric is a clever MC who just happens to sound like Kermit the Frog. The intro, "One Six" is just that, an intro. Esoteric drops about 16 bars to get you ready for what's to come. "Watch Me", which samples Ghostface Killah's "Apollo Kids", opens up and Esoteric lays down 3 excellent verses. "Warning" is a great track, dark and ferocious. It shows Esoteric's abilty to really get into his tracks. "Terrorist's Cell", which is essentially Esoteric breaking down a terrorist's motives. Produced by Stoupe (Jedi Mind Tricks), it gets better the more you listen to it. "Precision" is a track that I didn't like when I first heard it, but after a few more listens, I began to appreciate it. The beat is alright, but Esoteric's writing skills really shine here. "Word Association" is a great overall track, and Esoteric once again shows off his lyrical skills. "Stalker", my favorite track, is a clever track where Esoteric eloquently tells of his obsession with a girl. The beat on this track is my favorite on any 7L ES cd, and 7L really does a great job with the horn samples. "Speak Now" is an overall good track as well, with guest spots from Jedi Mind Trick's Vinnie Paz and Apathy from the Demigodz. A good track, but to me it seems like it would be better on a different cd. "Rules of Engagement", my least favorite track, has a mediocre beat, but the vocals aren't bad. "Riccardi Man" is a pointless skit, but it is kinda funny. "Herb" a quick track dissing losers (herbs). Esoteric does a great job with a great beat. "Know What I Mean" which features Beyonder is a great song, and Beyonder's production is stellar. Both MC's do a great job on the track. "Rest in Peace" is good, but some of the lyrics fall a little bit flat. "No Way Out" is a good way to end the cd, and Esoteric drops some great punch lines (nice Jim Abbot reference here).
Overall, Dangerous Connection is a very nice cd with only one or two bad tracks. Esoteric's constant references to sports sometimes get annoying, but that's just a minor thing.
Beats:9/10
Lyrics:9/10

GOOD HIP HOP FROM UNDERGROUND EMCEE/PRODUCER DUO.......2005-02-16

7L and Esoteric have been putting it down for a long minute now, dropping vinyl singles and albums for heads in the know. Since '96, I've been itching to hear this producer/MC duo (they dropped a 12" I wanted to hear back in the day) but being in the south, it's hard to get your hands on underground east coast hip hop.

This is their second full-length album - it's good, but not without shortcomings, at least in my opinion (and this is my review - my opinion counts here!). To me, Esoteric isn't the best emcee around...in fact, I've heard better; there are unsigned cats that possess more lyrical dexterity and potency. He has an awkward style in terms of vocal delivery: he has a choppy flow, sometimes annoying tenor voice, and the way he spits his words is, well, he either has some kind of thick (New Yorker) accent or has a slight speech impediment. While Esoteric is no (Mad) Skillz, he gets his point across most of the time.

This album has a nice handful of featured artists, mostly underground, which means for mainstream rap heads, this album features people you don't know about (although you should, and should be ashamed of yourself for not knowing). Track 8, "Speak Now" features Vinnie Paz, of Jedi Mind Tricks, dropping more Islamic and biblical references (stuff he's known for, which you'll either love, hate, or have gotten used to by now). The song also features the emcee Apathy - this kid is maaddd nice, just check out his verse. Producer/spitter J-Live and the always interesting Count Bass D are featured on the nicely produced "Rules of Engagement." These guests provide a nice lyrical balance to the album, because Esoteric's staccato flow and semi-high voice can grate on your nerves at times. I'm not sure about you, but the song "Terrorist's Cell," a tale about an Islamic fundamentalist suicide bomber, seems to be a little much...perhaps it's dope to others. To me, he just didn't freak it right, and in this respect, his storytelling skills are straight, but subpar by normative standards.

The production here, handled mostly by 7L, consists of creative scratches, nice usage of minimalistic instrumentation, and interesting vocal samples (I like the way 7L freaked Ghostface's vocals from "Apollo Kids" on the second song "Watch Me," the latter song's title which is taken from a phrase within Ghostface's sample). However, the production is largely lopsided, flat, two-dimensional, and left me wanting more (a lot more) out of the beats.

This is good release by 7L and Esoteric: strong in certain areas, but weak in others. Everyone else is giving it five stars like it's a classic: well, speaking objectively and as an avid hip hop fan for about 14 of my 21 years, there are few albums that are in most people's eyes classics (e.g. the undisputed "Resurrection" by Common Sense)..."Dangerous Connection" is not one of them - it's your average underground hip hop album. I'm not sure if 7L and Eso will ever see the "light above the underground," but they probably don't want to either. I'd cop this joint used...buying this at regular price in the plastic, opening it up, and playing, you wouldn't regret it, but you might be a little disappointed. Peace.

Average customer rating:

Esoteric Eric Roberson Manufacturer: Blue Erro Soul Records/Liaison ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music ASIN: B000I6B6QI Release Date: 2007-06-26

Average customer rating: W. Ware "WadeWilson" get it correct SICK HIP HOP Top of the Underground Excellent collection of previously unreleased material...

Moment of Rarities 7L & Esoteric Manufacturer: Babygrande Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: DC2: Bars of Death Dangerous Connection A New Dope Speaking Real Words The Gatalog: A Collection Of Chaos ASIN: B0009UVCLW Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

1. Knockout (Victory Lap)
2. Boxcutter Rap
3. Axe Hurlers
4. Psychohistorians
5. Culture Of Death
6. Lurkers At The Threshold
7. Face Defeat
8. God's Angry Men
9. Boston To Chi-town
10. Cobra
11. Word Association (Remix)
12. Throw 'Em Up
13. Olde English
14. Rucker Promo
15. This Way

Customer Reviews:

W. Ware "WadeWilson" get it correct.......2006-03-21

7l is the dj and esoteric is the mc. Good day.

SICK HIP HOP.......2005-09-02

THE LAST REVIEWER WAS RIGHT NOT MANY PEOPLE (INCLUDING HIM) NO ABOUT THESE GUYS AND IT IS A SHAME SINCE THEY ARE ONE OF THE TIGHEST GROUPS OUT NOW. LET ME CLEAR UP WHAT HE SAID 7L IS THE PRODUCER AND ESOTERIC IS THE MC IF YOU REALY NO THE GROUP YOU ALREADY NO THAT. PICK THIS CD UP AND ALL THERE OLD MATERIAL SUCH AS THE SOUL PURPOSE, DANGEROUS CONNECTIONS AND DC2 BARS OF DEATH ALSO CHECK OUT THE DEMIGODZ SUPER GROUP WITCH IS THEM & APATHY CELPH TITLED RISE STYLES OF BEYOND ECT, AND THE AOTP GROUP WITCH IS THEM JEDI MIND TRICKS LOUIS LOGIC APATHY ECT REAL HIP HOP FOR PEOPLE WHO NO REAL HIP HOP

Top of the Underground.......2005-08-02

The beats and lyrics from 7L and Esoteric are always on point. If u r interested in underground rap definitly check these guys out. Not many people know about them which is a shame because esoteric produces some of the hottest beats and 7L's flow and lyrics are crazy. Id say dangerous connection and this cd are their best, but all their stuff is tight. Dont even listen to the samples just go buy it!

Excellent collection of previously unreleased material..........2005-07-27

Not new material, but it's new to me... There's not much to say, other than if you like 7L&Esoteric -- undeniably one of the best acts in underground rap today -- get this immediately.

Average customer rating: 8 Bars in...I wanted to die Great Album this is boston's finest Crazy!!!! very solid release!

DC2: Bars of Death 7L & Esoteric Manufacturer: Babygrande Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dangerous Connection Speaking Real Words Moment of Rarities Where's Your Album?!! The Soul Purpose ASIN: B0002BO0GM Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

1. DC Theme
2. Ring Music
3. Loud & CLear
4. Rise Of The Rebel
5. Rogue Nation
6. This Is War (featuring Army Of The Pharoahs)
7. Graphic Violence
8. Neverending Saga
9. Grace Of Gods (featuring Rise)
10. Murder-Death-Kill (featuring Celph Titled)
11. Battlefield
12. Touchy Subject (featuring Uno The Prophet)
13. Deathgrip
14. So Glorious
15. Way Of The Gun (feat. Celph Titled, Lord Digga & Apathy)
16. Another Way Out
17. That's Right (featuring Main Flow & K.T.)

Album Description

The third official full-length release from 7L & Esoteric: DC2: Bars Of Death will be released July 13, 2004. This album shows the maturity of the pair that has given us twelve straight years of raw Hip-Hop. 7L handles all the production save one J-Zone-produced banger and Esoteric shows why he is one of the most consistent and talented writers in the game today. The duo is supported by lyrical appearances from Army Of The Pharoahs (Vinnie Paz, Outerspace & King Syze), Demigodz (Apathy Celph-Titled, & Rise), MainFlow, & Boston vets Beyonder, KT & Uno The Prophet. Sit back, relax, and remember why you got into rap in the first place...7L & Esoteric proudly present DC2: Bars Of Death.

Customer Reviews:

8 Bars in...I wanted to die.......2006-05-20

First off, Celph Titled is a great MC and Esoteric can hold his own when he is a featured MC. However, I am in no way a 7L & Esoteric fan and never have been. Overall, they put together some decent music usually and I have not hated their previous albums. Bars of Death is a horrible album all around. 7Ls beats are the worst he has ever put together and the ones that show promise seem rushed. "This is War" is the only track on the album worth anything.

The best lyrics on the album come from Main Flow who really brings it and makes "That's Right" a decent song. The worst song is "Rogue Nation." This beat and the lyrics just do not fit at all and the scratches lack any originality. I think the whole "that ain't right" phrase died on that track. Esoteric has never had good choruses and this album is a celebration of weak hooks. They never fit the song and all sound exactly the same no matter the rest of his flow or the beat.

The underground has a lot of diversity and I would never want to comment negatively on someone else's art, but this album is way below what can be expected from some good MCs and a generally good producer. One of the major drawbacks from the album is that it lacks any flow from track to track. This is one of the biggest difference between this album and Dangerous Connections which really had a good feel to the entire album.

Listen to some of the tracks and if you dig it then get it. However, there is some good Jedi Mind Tricks, Army of the Pharoahs, or Celph Titled albums that are a lot better than Bars of Death.

Great Album.......2005-08-10

Friend reccomended this album to me, and its a real good album. Nice voice and lyrics flow good together. Cop this album.


#1.DC Theme
#2.Ring Music - 4/5
#3.Loud And Clear - 4/5
#4.Rise Of The Rebel - 5/5
#5.Rogue Nation - 3/5
#6.This Is War - 5/5
#7.Graphic Violence - 5/5
#8.Neverending Saga - 4/5
#9.Grace Of Gods - 5/5
#10.Murder Death Kill - 5/5
#11.Battlefield - 4.5/5
#12.Touchy Subject - 5/5
#13.Deathgrip - 4.5/5
#14.So Glorius - 4/5
#15.Way Of The Gun - 5/5
#16.Another Way Out - 3/5
#17.Thats Right - 3.5/5

Great album! Good lyrics!

this is boston's finest.......2005-06-10

This album is dope. Especially the first five or so track are amazing. I didn't expect that level of brilliance could be maintained throughout the album and it isn't. After the first five tracks, there are some good songs interspered between song not so great ones. This ablum has eighteen songs and the intro is just a skit but the rest is all music. Eso's lyircs have grown and the lyrics as well as the beat are very ecclectic from mellow tracks to hype energy filled tracks. This is one of the best undergound albums of 2004 if not the best. I would definately reccomend this one!

Crazy!!!!.......2005-02-26

This is a 4or 4.5 for sure, and I'm a big fan of immortal technique, babygrande, alchemist etc. From DC Theme with the big guitar riffs and JayZ type flow to Ring Music with the George Bush disses and good lyrics to the best cuts Grace of Gods, Another Way Out, So Glorious and This is War the album is crazy tight.
Definitely worth it! this is my first but not the last time i'll cop 7L and Es

very solid release!.......2004-10-09

One word. Solid. what else can you ask for? great lyrics - great beats.

Average customer rating: OLD REVIEW from 2001 In a class by himself... a sound for only a chosen few Thank Goodness... Music For Grown Folks Thank GOD!

The Esoteric Movement ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005MCWC Release Date: 2001-06-15

Tracks:

1. Genesis
2. 4U
3. Please Don't Leave Me
4. Morning After
5. Crazy
6. Rain On My Parade
7. Miles Away
8. Funny Feelings
9. She Went Away
10. What Is Love Made Of
11. New Born Child
12. Woman

Album Description

To know me, is to know that music is my life! Not only do i consider myself a student of how authentic music used to be done, but also a visionary for where it needs to go in order to stay creative and true. The word "esoteric" is defined as something that is "meant to be understood by only a chosen few." This album embraces that concept. I am totally uncompromising in my craft, and the passion i have for music has been described in a similar fashion. This is my way of expressing artistic freedom. I welcome you into my world - my way of life, my thoughts, and my opinions. ENJOY

Customer Reviews:

OLD REVIEW from 2001.......2006-05-14

I am a music fan and i will buy just about any Cd that catches my attention. During the summer time, i was in Sam Goody's Music store buying cds and i heard music playing throughout the store. Immediately this man's voice caught my attention. I than asked who is this man. They told me it was Eric Roberson but his album was not released at that moment. The man behind the counter told me that he knew ER and reccommended that i buy the album. Weeks later i brought his album.
Its so funny the best music that we ever hear in our lives come from the people that we never hear about. I mean this guy is local and no one really knows him and it just amazes me at how talented this guy is and no one has heard of him.
Every song on that cd is nice. He kind of reminds me of Jill Scott. When i brought her Cd i had no idea of who she was and months later i started to hear her name all over the place. Its the same thing with Eric Roberson. I attend college in NJ and everyone that knows me stop and knock on my door and say "kk who is that you are playing". I simply reply by saying "My friend Eric Roberson". They ask me who is that and i say I don't know. All i know is that he is from NJ and his Cd is lovely.

I had to add this review with my rest. since 2001, I had to change to a different account and wanted to keep this review i gave on this guy in 2001.
I love Eric. 5 years later, I don't I found anyone else that did it for me the way that he did. This was a break out CD.

or me.

In a class by himself... a sound for only a chosen few.......2005-12-28

Eric Roberson is an artist whom I would purchase without hesitation. He is not a mainstream artist, and that is a wonderful thing. He has his own sound, and is someone who will withstand the test of time. I own all three of his CD's and I can tell you that to not have them, my collection would be incomplete. He tells a story in a manner which many artists simply cannot. This is a CD truly for the mature folk who like to groove to a sound that has no time limitations. It sounds good today, yesterday, and in many years to follow. Definitely one of the top 5 artists in the neo soul arena.

Thank Goodness..........2005-04-18

With the state of R&B today, thank goodness there is Eric Roberson and a few others holding true to their musical creativity! I'm sure it would be easy to simply give in and take the money and let the industry dictate your style, but he refuses to budge and for that he gets a standing O! He's talented beyond belief...his lyrics, grooves, hooks and storytelling is second to none! Pick any of his CD's and I guarantee you will be grooving in no time at all and wondering..how in the heck you missed him and what took you so long to catch on!

Everyone that I've turned on to him...is still thanking me profusely! The glowing reviews here are not just blowing smoke, they are all true and he's worth all the 5 stars, plus some!

Music For Grown Folks.......2005-01-06

For years now the only music in the African-American community has been created by or geared to young people and thugs. I am neither. If you go on any music site and search the word "ghetto" you will get nearly 2000 hits.

None of them will be Eric Roberson. Eric's music is far from bland. He has more soul in his little finger than most of the TOP 100. His songs are without expletives or crass content. But that's not what I like most about ERRO, its just what makes me able to listen to his music.

What I LOVE about Eric's music is that he tells stories in his songs. Instead of lyrics he provides background on how the song was written. Now that's an artist! His content is original. his music soothing (or funky) and his voice is amazing. "The Esoteric Movement" was his first project but released after The Vault 1.5. a more moody but excellent outing. Esoteric opens with some great driving jams like "4U" "Runaway" and "Crazy." He slows it down with amazing emotion with "Funny Feelings" and the soon to be anthem, "New Born Child."

I had the pleasure of meeting Eric and I was not surprised how full of love he is. Upon saying hello, I got a hug. Although he was just arriving at the venue, he took time to talk to me about his work and the show I was about to experience. When he came of stage more hugs as I congratulated him on a job well done. He told me I would have "fun" and he was right.

I have to thank ERRO for bringing me back to a genre I'd grown tired of. I could not bare to listen some hoochie sing about her baby daddy or some thug talking about who he was going to kill or sex. Eric has finally brought some "intelligent R&B" to the stage and I thank him.

Thank GOD!.......2004-05-01

This album is the manual for real R&B. A number of these songs will sound familiar because 112, Case, Musiq among others have used songs written by Eric Roberson. He pours out his heart and manages to maintain respect for himself, his listener and love. I had to search for this far and wide, but I found it. Every major label exec needs to listen to it before they call themselves trying to make a record... I have submitted to my contacts.

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