Via @rareflavr on Instagram
One thing we seek at rareflavr is talent with a well driven purpose. Purpose that is driven by creativity, realness, persistency, artistry, and dedication. Luckily, we have the opportunity today to feature an original rap group that fits these characteristics. They have been in the rap/hiphop game since the late 90's and are grateful to deliver an Artist Snapshot to give you taste of their music and journey. From Los Angeles, CA if you have not already heard, we introduce to you rap duo Substance Abuse.
emcee Subz (left) & Eso Tre (right)
Substance Abuse is a rap duo consisting of emcees Subz and Eso Tre, who grew up together in Los Angeles, CA . They found their love for hiphop early in life releasing their first EP in 1998 titled, Brand New Crime and from there it all took off (substanceabusehiphop.com-- bio).
They gain traction b/c of their unique styles and staying true to their purpose and sound. That sound is lyrical and purposeful conscious rap. Today in our state of hiphop that can be considered more of background music. Hence the title their most recent EP, Background Music: The Redux
Originally, they released an EP titled, Background Music, but revisited the idea of the EP and wanted to give a new perspective of a few of the original tracks on the 1st album by dropping Background Music: The Redux -- (link to apple music)
“Background Music” refers to the state of hip hop today, explains Eso “where the music seems deracinated of the personality and edge that it once had.” It also refers to how our music is construed by the masses, people who generally seem to favor the popular over the obscure. Real hip-hop has been forced to play the “background” to club and dance music that seems devoid of any message or staying power."
"IT AIN'T ABOUT THE LOOT YOU GOT, BUT ABOUT JUST HOW YOU GOT IT" - Eso Tre- Substance abuse- "Slow Ya Roll"
Over time, Substance Abuse has collaborated with some reputable names in the game including: Saafir, Kool Keith, Motion Man, Kutmasta Kurt,Rasco, Thes-One, and MF Doom. They have a track titled “Rear View” which features legendary hip-hop artist KRS-One and this track has been remixed as Rear View: The Chase Remix and has been featured on DJ Premier's radio shows titled, DJ Premier's Live from HeadQCourterz radio show and other platforms.
"Rear View" sheds light on what hiphop truly is and that we are, "never going back" (KRS-One "Rear View") but enjoying the time it was and how great that is.
Greatly, have they collaborated with KRS-One, and they have also collaborated w/ another legend MF DOOM in 2006 on an track called "Profitless Thoughts". which has received much attention on the release of their album released titled, Overproof which is perfect for bumping in the whip. This track was featured on outlets including: YRB, URB, Scratch Magazine,and 944.
The game needs more people w/ a purpose and dedication. The music that is glorified does not necessarily always have the real glory that exists. The question we all need to ask is why? What makes us like music? If you are sick of the main stream media and music that is put out. Do yourself a favor and check out the most recent Project dropped by Substance Abuse: Background Music on Apple Music or substanceabusehiphop.com for some real hip hop!
click image to visit Substanceabusehiphop.com!!!
//We also had opportunity to gain some hiphop knowledge From Eso Tre...///
We noticed you dropped your first EP in 1998 as a duo.What is a key to your consistency/persistence performing & recording in a rap group?
Eso Tre: I think we always had a music first attitude. We had no idea where we would go in the industry, we just knew we wanted to be dope. When we first started putting out music even having a 12" out was a huge accomplishment. But you have to aim higher than that, and once you put out something, you want to have more exposure. Subz and I wanted to blow up, but we were always humble and put our music and our friendship before the business aspect of it. I think that has been the key to our longevity.
What impacts you the most when it comes to music?
Eso Tre: Hearing a beat idea that's dope. Whenever I'm in a creative lull and I hear a hype sample that one of the homies found I suddenly feel revived and enthusiastic about hip hop again. It was like that back in the day working with producers NO and Medicine, and now with our homies Waes One and our high school buddies Da Stig and Philm, who have become an indispensable part of our creative process.
Who or what is your biggest mentor? How do they help you along the way ?
Eso Tre: Kutmasta Kurt has always been a go to type of cat for advice and a big brother to us in the industry. He taught us a lot of stuff, how to deal with distributors and PR people and people who ran the business part of the game. He is calm and level headed about stuff, and I think that rubbed off on us a lot.
What are your three pieces of life advice you would give to anyone-- or in particular aspiring artists?
Eso Tre: The game is weird right now. Twitter beefs, dumb stuff trending, people jocking anyone with a name. Who's following who on Instagram. My advice to anyone trying to make it is try not to get distracted or discouraged by all this social media and internet stuff. You definitely have to use it to get your music out there, but don't think if people are more of an internet sensation than you that they're better. Second, speaking of the internet, don't think just having a Soundcloud account makes you dope. You actually have to practice to be a dope rapper, it's not just the ability to have people hear your music. Finally, don't be daunted by rejection. Half these reputable sites don't know sh*t from Shinola when it comes to dope music, and their snootiness hides their insecurity and inability to really be able to tell what's good.
What Can listeners expect when checking out your Album Background Music?
Eso Tre: Background Music: The Redux is just a little holdover EP we put out until we drop our next effort. We remixed some of our favorite joints off the OG version of Background Music we put out a few years back. The Redux was a companion piece to the original album, kind of a "Part 2" if you will. We love jazz, and on the EP we really tried to bring out that influence.
What do you have planned as a group for the future?
Eso Tre: A new album, maybe a documentary about us on some "Searching for Sugarman" vibe.
Anything else we should know that haven't gone over / not on website?
Eso Tre: We got some new joints and a new album in the works, with songs and lyrics that address the perilous times we're in. There has never been a stronger need for conscious hip hop than now, and there seems to be a dearth of it. People are angry, and they rightly don't believe that politicians represent their interests, or at the very least, empathize with them. That's why we need emcees with a strong message.
WORKS CITED:
WWW.SUBSTANCEABUSEHIPHOP.COM
INTERVIEW W/ ESO TRE & RAREFLAVR.COM
REVISITED BLOG ARTICLE
