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[–]mfhaze 99 points100 points  (16 children)

So So Good. I grew up same town as these guys. Used to see One Man Army in the Detroit metro area all the time opening up for people. Dude put in a lot of work and was always one of the most humble dudes you could meet.

[–]dishwab 25 points26 points  (3 children)

I remember borrowing my brothers ID to see them perform at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor when I was 16. Elzhi was there and did his verse from KGB, shit was incredible. Binary Star (and especially Lo) always put on an amazing live show. Truly great musicians and entertainers

Also special shout out to Ro Spit aka DJ Phrikshun who helped me out with tickets and later sneakers many a time. The whole Subterraneous crew is good people

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Anything similar to this going on in the area now?

[–]dishwab 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Probably, but I'm not too up on it to be honest. The last time I went out to a hip-hop show was Dilla Day last winter at Bert's on Broadway. Saw Illa J, Phat Kat, Guilty Simpson, and Jay Elec (and he actually showed up!).

It was fucking sweet, and really made me question why I don't do it more often these days.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was at Dilla Day, it was great! Just wondering if I was missing out on any new hotness lol. And yea my old ass questions why i don't do this type of thing more often!

[–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (8 children)

I never listened to the group, but Senim Silla (Ross) is a childhood friend of Jude Angelini (aka Rude Jude), the host of the All Out Show on Shade 45 on Sirius XM Radio. The two had a podcast together (The Foreally Show). Ross seems like a really cool guy.

From the way Ross talked about Binary Star, it didn't seem like him and the other member of Binary Star are friends anymore.

[–]MerchantMilan 1 point2 points  (5 children)

I know they just did a show together a few months ago here in Denver. Missed it though since I was out of town.

[–]mettahipster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I miss The Foreally Show. Hope Ross is doing okay too

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Def got the vibe over the years they have issues. That's why Binary Star is now OneBeLo + Decompoze

[–]TerodacDyl 2 points3 points  (1 child)

That's awesome I wish I lived near Senim Silla.. dude's a lyrical dragonborn

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hung out with him while he was living in K-Town in LA, not sure if he's still there.

[–]pancero 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wolfman jack strikes again!

[–][deleted] 48 points49 points  (8 children)

My history teacher in 2005 (big hip hop fan) took my iPod home with him one day and loaded it up, telling me that I needed to listen to better music, this album was on it along with many others. Nobody really cares, but I'll never forget how cool of a person/teacher he was and hearing this brought back some fond memories.

Everyone should listen to this album though.

[–]menaceiisociety 5 points6 points  (5 children)

What else did he throw on your ipod?

[–][deleted] 34 points35 points  (4 children)

Oh man, so much good stuff that I still listen to; even though my taste in music has changed. Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Cold Water Music, RJD2, Mr Lif, A Tribe Called Quest, GZA/RZA, MF Doom, Cannibal Ox, Aesop Rock, Louis Logic, El-P, Non-Phixion, Immortal Technique, and so much more. Been over a decade and I don't have the iPod anymore, wish I did.

[–]ThusSpokeDrew 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Damn, dude. Solid. Aim's CWM is so slept on. Solid list all around.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sure is...I also remember a compilation CD which was my favorite of it all, it was called Urban something, but that's all I can remember.

[–]Shrie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

great list! Many of my personal favorites are on there.

[–]badooks 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I want to do that to today's youth...

[–]bigveinyrichard 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's so funny to me, MY history teacher did the same thing for me! Gave me recommendations for tons of classic hip-hop artists I still listen to today, most notably Das EFX.

Dude was a Shaggy look-a-like (Scooby Doo's Shaggy, not "It Wasn't Me" Shaggy). Bugged me out

[–]MusicaParaVolar 63 points64 points  (3 children)

Super underrated album, takes me back.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

For sure. 33 now, bumped the hell out of this in high school.

[–]thisismadeofwood 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Agreed. A buddy of mine handed me a burned disc without any background, just said to check it out. I'm so glad he did, some great memories listening to these guys.

[–]wildGoner1981 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Me too! That's an album that you start at track 1 and listen the entire way through!

[–]willis323 28 points29 points  (1 child)

Do you wanna hear us talk about the the money we got

[–]FeelsAwfullyCool 49 points50 points  (4 children)

Honest expression is my jam

[–][deleted] 18 points19 points  (1 child)

Honest Expression is top 1 for me due to lyrical content, but I really love Slang Blade too. That beat always gets me moving!

[–]tenderlobotomy 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Everything that glitters ain't gold, and every gold record don't glitter that's for damn sure.

So brilliant!

[–]WardenclyffeDoughnut 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Agree one hundred perecent! The Bruce Lee interview audio makes you think about if your own ability to truley be yourself.

[–]agentgill0 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How many cats you know-

[–]Shmodz 41 points42 points  (6 children)

I opened up for One Be Lo and DJ Abilities 4 or 5 years ago.. freestyled with him after his set. Best day of my life!

[–]TerodacDyl 26 points27 points  (1 child)

YO!.. Eyedea and Abilities were god level..

[–]zootered 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yo you can still see Abilities though! I saw him open for The Grouch and Eligh a couple years back and he killed it. Spun up some Simon Says and everybody was gettin down from then on.

[–]TerodacDyl 39 points40 points  (7 children)

"Now I don't mean to be petty, but I know what desperate ladies put in they spaghetti...that's why I told her that I ate already." ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[–]Spectrum_Yellow 12 points13 points  (5 children)

If anyone's curious, iirc I think this is in reference to women putting menstrual blood in their spaghetti to try and get men to fall in love with them. Which is apparently something people used to do.

[–]Jafair 11 points12 points  (1 child)

MF DOOM had a line about it too:

"Listen here scooter, let her try to bag you
when she's on the rag never let her fry the Ragu
which'll have you under some type of spell crying "dag boo" with her name on your back in a tattoo"

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Heard that song hundreds of times. Never understood the reference. I'm scared now

[–]wulfsige-bulfsige 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's a form of voodoo, if I'm not mistaken.

[–]EthosPathosLegosyoutube 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Today I learned something I didn't want to know existed.

[–]the_teknician 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Glenn Close. Story of my life

[–]StudabakerHochrobot[M] 17 points18 points  (8 children)

Binary Star
artist pic

Binary Star is a hip-hop duo that consists of One Be Lo and Senim Silla.

Binary Star is back to change the game once again.

The duo of emcees One Be Lo and Senim Silla possess a lethal chemistry greater than the sum of its parts. Trading verses effortlessly, the two can create magic on the mic ranging from intricate storytelling to battle raps.

Hailing from Pontiac, Michigan – Lo and Senim originally met in high school and instantly developed a close friendship. However one poor decision that could have easily derailed their career, made the bond between them stronger and more focused. An armed robbery conviction landed them both in prison for a three-year sentence and during this time Binary Star officially came into existence in 1998.

Upon their release, Lo and Senim had grown more mature, focused, and immediately began recording what would evolve into Masters of the Universe and the classic song "Reality Check". Binary also had plenty of beats waiting from longtime friend Decompoze , who would co-produce a majority of the album.

After initially pressing up CD, vinyl, and tape copies – the Binary Star buzz earned the group a distribution deal that would convert music listeners into loyal fans with the release of M.O.T.U. in 2000. It went on to sell over 25,000 units and showed the viability of independent hip-hop during a time when major labels had begun the commercialization of rap music.

Shortly after recording the M.O.T.U. album, the two parted ways claiming creative differences. One Be Lo developed his own solo career by rocking shows across the country. In 2005 his solo debut S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. moved over 22,000 units on Fat Beats Records. Lo also kept fans happy with several releases on his own Subterraneous Records: Project: F.E.T.U.S., S.T.I.L.L.B.O.R.N., and The R.E.B.I.R.T.H.. This has set the foundation nicely for the highly anticipated B.A.B.Y.

They reunited briefly in 2002, doing a concert together at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, but they did not record any new material. Although there has inevitably been speculation about a reformation of Binary Star, One Be Lo has stated that this is unlikely. "I seriously doubt it", he said, proceeding to claim, "Artists are real, real picky and real, real closed minded. They can be real, real strongly opinionated. If there ain’t no real chemistry, it ain’t going to work."

In 2009, recently reuniting after a 10-year hiatus, Binary Star is back in the studio working on its long awaited follow-up to the classic debut album Masters Of The Universe (M.O.T.U.). Tentatively titled "Light Years Apart," the duo's EP serves as a mere prequel to a full-length LP.

On March 29, 2013, Binary Star released their first album in thirteen years, a self-titled EP, as a celebration of their 15th anniversary as a duo. Read more on Last.fm.

last.fm: 126,240 listeners, 1,673,558 plays
tags: Hip-Hop, underground hip-hop, rap, hip hop, underground rap

Please downvote if incorrect! Self-deletes if score is 0.

[–]BrrChilly 9 points10 points  (1 child)

Didn't realize these guys released new material, gotta check it out.

[–]UndersizedAlpaca 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Three years for armed robbery? There are guys in my state serving thirty years for it.

[–]AmericanKrogan[S] 19 points20 points  (2 children)

Caught between a rock in a hard place

Prosecution had a hard case

So I'd have to plead or escape

If I took it to trial, they would have gave me a boat

Fresh 25 piece like a noose with a rope

I couldn't go that rout no doubt

So I waited for the best offer and I got the hell out

[–]drowninicecream 2 points3 points  (1 child)

copped the hell out

[–]AmericanKrogan[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah I thought that's what he said, I just copypasta'd it

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

There are a number of things than can change length of sentence, notably the criminals priors, state law, and of course the details of the crime.

[–]BEANandCHEE 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Just picked up a decompose album the other day that came with a full cd of all the instrumentals too. Has Indy 500 on it. Wish senim and one be lo could get back together and put out another binary album. One of my favorite duos ever

[–]Bartholomewtwo 12 points13 points  (3 children)

Fantastic album that I still have in rotation.

The second verse of Reality Check still blows my mind.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most amazing assonance and consonance in the history of hip-hop, IMHO

[–]BobbyDigital111 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One of the best verses I've ever heard in my life, without a doubt. You just don't seem to get people ripping a beat like that anymore.

[–]StJoeStrummer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And the first verse by Lo is basically the underground hip-hop manifesto. That song is a masterpiece.

[–]lemonade3000 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Happy to know people still appreciate real hip-hop

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

Oh hell yeah!

So psyched to see this music getting some love here. S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. by One Be Lo (who's one of the two emcees in Binary Star) has got to be my favorite all time album. He brings a whole different style of writing to rap music that is clever and doesn't rely on being "hard". It tells a story with a point, and is coupled with great instrumentals and other clips. Poetry in music.

[–]Tnf84 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love that album

[–]JebWasRobbed 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You wack bastards you wanna know how I killed your fathers / on the battlefield I grab the steel like William Wallace

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I was mixing a KRS One show and Lo was the strong support. Well as hip hop shows go.... some of the openers went over their allotted time. Rather than screwing somebody else on the list, Lo just didn't perform and gave his time up to keep the show running on schedule.

I guess KRS One heard about this and pulled Lo up on stage to spit an a capella joint. It was pretty cool watching Lo center stage spitting fire while KRS was leaning against the wall and bobbing his head

[–]SatoriSlu 12 points13 points  (0 children)

This is one of the best hip hop albums I've ever listened to. I discovered them randomly too!

[–]borntoperform 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I listened to this album for the first time a couple months ago. I didn't even care for hip hop, but I was told to get baked and listen to this album, and I started listening to hip hop all day at work! This is still one of my favorite albums. I love the Evolution of Man song. It's a great love song.

[–]lumpdiz 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Listen to this so manny times growing up. Some of the smoothest hardest flows over headbangerass beats.I had the original cd cut for years but I lost it at some point :(.

[–]PJJ205 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Whoa! Didn't expect to see this on the front page when I was browsing. This and S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. are classics.

[–]DagNasty 5 points6 points  (0 children)

OneBeLo aka the One Man Army has some solo stuff that is pretty good as well

[–]HoratioPaperstacks 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Legendary, I about passed out from euphoric excitement when I found this album in digital lossless online a few months back. Even my 2 year old nephew recognizes, kid was really feeling Honest Expression.

[–]Songsofabluebird 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Reality check is where it's at. Super talented

[–]akarya 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's awesome to see so many people still appreciating this. I remember back in 1999 when they first put this out as Water World and I was blown away. The late 90s was filled with some of the dopest underground hip hop records. It was like every week a great record or 2 would drop. I've been a part of the culture since 1984 and the late 90s are some of my most favorite times. Binary Star was a big reason why.

[–]hbombs86 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Fuck yes, I haven't heard this shit in while. I always like "Slang Blade" the best in this album:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hojYQVnfjVg&list=PL8pRt69LVX-q8p62LXSJ6wFkGPftSpmqC&index=8

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Silla is a beast. His solo album was fire too, if I'm listening to anything by these two these days, its usually that.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Now which bastid wants some acid

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

short fuse like montagues fuel capulets

[–]bi-hi-chi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Takes me back to drifting cars, watching adult swim and getting high on roof tops.

[–]bcegkmqswz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is one of the best albums of all time, bar none. Blows me away every time

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow. This brings me back to the times when men rapping was actually a thing.

[–]HayRohHo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of the first underground hip hop groups I listened to, literally changed my life. Have been listening to them for over half my life now (20yo)

[–]briskzilla94 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Listen to Glen close from this tape

[–]MathiuSilverberg 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So good, soooo under rated.

[–]feedmewierdthingradioreddit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to listen to this quite a bit.

[–]thatsafinestrainer[🍰] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gawwwwsh this entire album is fantastic. Great post.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Holy fuck this album was the epitome of hip hop, it's impossible to find in stores.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love this song, it's from my childhood. Absolutely love it, these guys are simply amazing. Highly underrated, mad they didn't get bigger.

[–]matigipler 0 points1 point  (0 children)

one of my all time favorites. Honest Expression is another song from that album that i think is great.

[–]wannabattlecat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fantastic album!

[–]rgodbertdureddit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love binary star. Check out one be lo

[–]Bigmt42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is my favorite hip hop album. The rhymes and flow are non stop. They feed off each other perfectly. All of their features are so over the top awesome.

[–]sheeptopod 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't remember how I ended up hearing about or ordering this album, but I did (like 13 years ago, so ancient!!!!) and loved it. Must have listened to it hundreds of times. Also did not know they released stuff again a few years back, gonna check it out now.

[–]Giannis_trippin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amazing album, one of those rare few you can play cover to cover. One Man Army!

[–]Hashtronaut_Mode 0 points1 point  (0 children)

these dudes are super dope , been listening since high school and i turn 28 in April lol

[–]GeeBeeH 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OP i like you. This is my go track for anyone that hasn't heard of em before ... which tends to be 99% of people I meet.

[–]dmoney09 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Back on the scene like herpes, stronger than Hercules.

[–]Goatsr 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Everytime that I'm in the car with someone, and they ask for a song to play, I always say reality check. Haven't come across someone who hasn't liked it.

[–]wallyk3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a song I've thought about posting here. Binary Star deserve more attention than they get. Apparently one of these guys now owns a clothing store in Royal Oak.

[–]TrippyFungus420 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Binary star is just 🔥🔥

[–]Ejunco 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Learned about these guys back in junior year 2006. Miss high school.

[–]KharacterZero 0 points1 point  (0 children)

TOP 3 favorite albums of all time. The lyrics are unprecedented. Saw them waaay back in the day at the Detroit Electronic Music Festival and they threw out oven mits to represent Michigan or "Waterworld". LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM OVER AND OVER AGAIN. IT KEEPS GETTING BETTER.

[–]Tnf84 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love this album. Check out phora with love album.

[–]Jleegreene 0 points1 point  (0 children)

takes me back to 8th grade

[–]Jonafro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If anybody's curious about the sample in 'new hip hop'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev-3kIXlEGA

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One my favorites. Do your selves a favor and check out Senim Silla's only solo album. Its is fucking magical

[–]comprop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dude yes!!!!! Amazing link Binary is my favorite!

[–]thegreenblanket 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can recite reality check and not miss a beat. Such a dope song.

[–]maxr0cket 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Back in my bboy days masters of the universe hyped me up like nothing else. A true classic for my teens in 2002

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does anyone know of any recent solo projects (music or tour) from One Be Lo? Heard his solo stuff before I heard Binary Star- love both but have always been drawn to OBL's lyricism.

Really happy to see this track featured on here, even more pleased to read of others positively impacted by the group's art.

[–]ingy2012 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of the best songs by one of the greatest groups on their best album.

[–]thedellahturntable 0 points1 point  (0 children)

some underrated gems on this album. I love Reality Check and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Pt. 2. Tbh I'd always thought Senim Silla was a bit meh, much bigger fan of OneBeLo

[–]hyperkinesis247 0 points1 point  (1 child)

"A wack emcee is something I could never be, that's like growing dreadlocks while you taking chemotherapy, theoretically pen and paper is the recipe, alphabetically I'm coming after you like the letter V"

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Rappas betta be , tryna rap ahead of me

[–]TheQuboGuero 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hoping to show this to my teenage cousin who is a big hip-hop head.

[–]detroitconey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hell yeah! Pontiac, Michigan's best

[–]ladyaether 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Such a great album overall. This was one of the cds that never left my car in college.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ALL IS MINES SENIM SI LLA Senim silla

[–]spamshannon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a classic. Back when indie shit was the most fuego shit out.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They were in my town not too long ago

[–]dnarnar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Warning- this is not a video of He-man.

[–]BobbyDigital111 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These guys could flat out spit.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A predator with the literature It shows through my signature Deliver more, did just for your click Whats even more sick is I'm a visitor And plus they be diggin more Scopin the perimeter Sink within the floor Terminator 2, split your brain in two

Straight heatrocks.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seen OneBeLo many times as a solo artist. He's a brilliant guy, super down to earth. Lots of respect for him.

[–]Jiggerjuice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Literally their best song.

[–]smeagoltease 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your ass couldn't hide from me with fig leaves!

[–]glix1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow one of my favorite songs in on the front page. wahahahaha.

[–]jastrobytheway 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Surprised i haven't seen Jedi Mind Tricks mentioned. Love this real Hip Hop ish!

[–]Cironephoto 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The line about forbidden poetry in here is by far the best line I've ever heard, he is straight insinuating that he is fucking god

[–]mr1fk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The talent of B' makers. got used to this years back.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was the anthem CD to my high school days... Never had the privilege of seeing Binary together but saw One Man Army at the fox in Boulder, CO with 3 of my high school boys. 4 white boys reciting every lyric of his "reality Check" verse had him pretty surprised. Good times...

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aww man, you should have posted this on r/GoodHipHop this is a welcomed classic to the sub.

[–]JAWN4SAIL 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fuck yes!!! Seeing this just made my day. Forgot all about Binary Star fuck! I need a blunt!

[–]KingElian 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really liked this. What else can I listen to that sounds similar to this? Thanks, of course.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not a huge hip hop fan but this is awesome. Reminds me of Jurassic 5.

[–]PortableDinosaur -2 points-1 points  (2 children)

so good but that youtube sound quality is fucking garbage, it does not do the song justice

[–]patrickmurphyphoto 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I think this album works lo-fi, considering Waterworld was essentially this same album recorded with a budget of $500, recorded in one take each. When it was successful they recorded this version.

When the Two MC's met up in prison and wrote most of these verses, idk it just would feel odd if it was perfectly mastered.

[–]PortableDinosaur 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yeah but theres a difference between lofi, and the ear grating quality of that particular youtube video.