Album: 7L & Esoteric - Egoclapper

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Despite maintaining a solid reputation within the independent Hip Hop community for the past decade, Massachusetts duo 7L & Esoteric have always been underachievers, a fate many of their independent brethren also face. Looking to change that perception and enter new territory, the dynamic duo release the comic book-themed Egoclapper.

Picking up where the avant garde A New Dope left off last year, 7L & Esoteric continue to experiment with their trademark sound. This unique progression, best described as ‘futuristic boom-bap’ or the result of being in a smoke-filled room with MF Doom and Kool Keith for several days, can be heard on the likes of Watch The Pro, the bangin’ Typhoons In Japan and the psychedelic-styled instrumental interlude Ego Empire. The more straight-laced flavor of Incredible Hulk Rap is a lesson in Hip Hop Braggadocio 101, as Eso trades bars with dynamic star on the rise Termanology.

While staying in his prototypical battle MC stance for much of the album, Esoteric’s rapid-fire lyricism is sprinkled with enough clever comic book, cartoon and sports references to set it apart from his previous work and dictate the direction of the album and its theme. The twisted futuristic theme is further held together by bizarre sound effects and snippets from the likes of the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk and the National Wrestling Alliance.

The hyperactive sonic palette, as well as Esoteric’s seemingly unchanging vocal cadence may leave some listeners feeling uneasy, otherwise there is plenty to enjoy. Luckily the veteran duo are able to maintain their style while going in an intriguing new direction, carving out their own niche. Thumbs up!

Available Through Fly Casual Records