“He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper”, the tried and true formula of DJ first emcee second has held up for quite awhile in the hip-hop world. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Pete Rock and CL Smooth, 7L & Esoteric. At this point in their careers, 7L & Esoteric haven’t built a legacy like Gang Starr or Pete Rock and CL, but they have forged a following who has been devoted to their hard, uncompromising sound. With their third album now under their belts, “DC2: Bars of Death” may be their most important work that will define their growth as artists.

Since the DJ is presented first, the beats will be examined first and foremost. 7L still builds relentless production to accompany Esoteric’s style as seen with vile string arrangements of “Murder-Death-Kill” appropriately titled with the guest spot of the venomous Celph Titled. 7L has become accustomed to crafting incredibly hard production to coincide with his rhyming half’s unyielding battle tinged flow. The punishing romp of “Way of the Gun” featuring grueling emcees Apathy, Lord Digga, and Celph Titled wouldn’t be so bananas if it weren’t for Apathy’s soundscape. Just when you thought it was over 7L, tosses in a “Bonus Track” that is just as ill as everything else featured on the album. Grinding production resonates throughout, bringing the album to a close and making many a listener say “Damn…that kid’s got heat.” Being as though 7L & Esoteric are a duo it would be thought that nobody could coexist with Eso like 7L does. What becomes ironic is that the one producer who jumps on board nearly upstages 7L, which is the ever-ridiculous production of J-Zone on the pounding “Neverending Saga.” What is even more ironic is how smooth and comfortable Esoteric’s vocals sound amongst Zone’s backdrop. Nonetheless a solid performance from 7L once again.

Esoteric on the other hand is so straightforward at times that he leaves you with a “love me or hate me” attitude, which is appropriate to describe his performance. His monotone stylings of tough talk may be great to some but may bore others. But I’m sure that Eso really doesn’t care what you think. But just to show you that he can become a little diverse he blesses heads with the intuitive “Loud & Clear.” Esoteric lets his mind run rampant as he touches on problems that extend outside of the streets and towards the political realm. Don’t fret though Eso fans, the bruising punchlines are still intact as he rips into tirade after tirade with joints like “Ring Music” and “Graphic Violence.” The most interesting joint on here has nothing to do with hard rock verses; it actually tackles a subject that tends to be a little touchier. When Uno The Prophet joins Eso on the wonderfully insightful and aptly titled “Touchy Subject” it makes Eso step his game up several levels. 7L’s rolling pianos become the perfect backdrop for the two to debate the white influence of hip-hop. The two make this a moment worth listening to.

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As with their previous works, DC2: Bars of Death is catered to a select set of fans. Those fans love their hip-hop rough edged and packed with punch. For those fans this album is just another notch under the belt of 7L & Esoteric. For those who are a little bit naïve to the steeze that the duo has forged, it may not do much for them. While entertaining, sometimes it becomes too much of the same thing. Which at the end of the day won’t win over new fans, but will still satisfy the hunger of those who wait. And frankly I really don’t 7L & Esoteric give a damn what you think. Respect that.

6.5/10