After performing for some time in the Boston underground, the duo, known at the time as God Complex, released their first single in 1996 to critical acclaim. This lead to the release of the Rebel Alliance LP, a compilation of Boston talent that featured acts such as Virtuoso, Mr. Lif, Tony Infamous and Force Five. Also at this time the two dropped the God Complex moniker becoming simply 7L & Esoteric.
Rules of Engagement
7L & Esoteric Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(scratching) One two, one two
For those who do not know, once again
For those who do not know, once again
(yo, check it yo)
(J-Live)
Aiyyo it's somethin' like a twilight zone epic
Has the world gone crazed?
Like, fatal flesh wounds when you just got grazed or
Walkin' up and point blank shot from a twelve guage
There's no respect for the rules of engagement
Producers know nothin' of arrangement
Emcees with five figure deals and never got up on the stage yet
Knowin' that they styles haven't properly aged yet
Consider these, casualties in the war between art and industry
Fought in the streets, so nobody sells out in vain
It just makes us work harder, on these dope rhymes and beats
Knowin' either side ever admits defeat
And screams treason at the first sign of retreat
It's like a never endin' struggle in this box of chocolates
It show that even though you got flavor ain't nothin' sweet
(Hook:)
For those who do not know, once again
For those who do not know, once again
(Esoteric)
Eighty nine was the time that I started catchin' wreck
I had my hair in steps with a fresh pair of sweats
They were rules to abide by, you couldn't slide by
Rappin' in tye-dye claimin' that you sci-fi
But nowadays people clap even if you're wack
No wonder everbody wants to rap
These underground cats think they're down
They don't know a damn thing
These rock dudes tryna rap cause they can't sing
You don't shoot a gun before, learnin' how to use it
Ya don't shoot ya mouth off before learnin' the music
I stay fly, the rules still apply
(Bridge: scratching of the line)
"let me tell you the reason why"
"Wanna know why, I'll tell ya why"
"Because of my vocals"
"I told y'all here they come now"
"Now let me hear my man...
(Count Bass D)
First give it up to God he the head of my life
Blessed are the peace thought makers
The freight burners the paint hoffers
The old school jungle green users
The stop cap rockers, the S-P trunk haters
Beat's so hot use a tong not my tongue it speaks impurity
Fuck Debbie, plus in blood like Carrie
They're all gonna laugh at you
I know why Donny did a swan dive off the Essex
Ya claim inspiration, but still can't play shit
Talkin' bout you workin' on a symphony
And can't even play the tympani
Walls of asbestos filled with the best dust
Power station of the connection the wizard of Oz
Mixmaster nuff weed deejay pound cake
The brick mason, prime minister V.C. Burn L
Now what is my moniker?, come late like Hanukkah
Johnny come lately, sometimes still crave-sty
Pac Man go ank-bank, stang like Cuba
More pickups than Hoover, more run than Suba
The funky dope maneuver, my field is holy
New duva, shook in Judah
Who the fuck wanna test me?
Captain Kenny Clark Gillespy, hold the vest B
We gon't throw some hands in this section
Uhh it's like that, Count Bass...
The song "Rules of Engagement" by 7L & Esoteric, features the two artists discussing the current state of the music industry and the rules or lack thereof that apply to it. J-Live reflects on how there is no longer respect for the rules of engagement in the industry, pointing out that producers do not know much about arrangement and emcees with five-figure deals haven't even gotten on stage before. He highlights the casualties of the war between art and industry, stating that even though it is a never-ending struggle, both sides never admit defeat. On the other hand, Esoteric reminisces about traditional hip hop rules, like rapping only after mastering the skill and the thought of not shooting a gun before learning how to use it. Count Bass D contributes to the song, speaking on the music industry and naming various references to different artists and their styles.
Overall, the song talks about how both mainstream and underground artists have strayed from the traditional rules of hip hop and how the meaning of real art has been lost in the industry where profit takes over. Many artists focus on being mainstream and appealing to the masses, rather than producing real music with meanings behind it. The song shows how the art of hip hop is still alive and thriving among some artists and fans, who uphold the traditional rules of hip hop and appreciate the genre for what it truly represents.
Line by Line Meaning
Aiyyo it's somethin' like a twilight zone epic
This is like an episode of the Twilight Zone, where things are unexpectedly weird and twisted.
Rookies in the hall of fame vets gettin' hazed
Newcomers in fields might be celebrated as fast as they are harshly judged and mocked by veterans.
Has the world gone crazed?
Is the world now insane?
Like fatal flesh wounds when you just got grazed or Walkin' up and point blank shot from a twelve guage
A metaphor for how the world has become so unpredictable and dangerous that even small incidents can lead to tragic endings, like getting shot or killed.
There's no respect for the rules of engagement
People are ignoring the unwritten and written rules and just acting as they please.
Producers know nothin' of arrangement
Some music producers don't understand the art of arrangement and how it enhances songs.
Emcees with five figure deals and never got up on the stage yet
Some rappers get big deals without ever performing on stage.
Knowin' that they styles haven't properly aged yet
Artists who receive big deals early in their career may not have developed their style to its full potential yet.
Consider these, casualties in the war between art and industry
These are the artists who get caught in the middle of the war between staying true to their artistic expression and succumbing to industry demands for more profitable hits.
It just makes us work harder, on these dope rhymes and beats
Adversity can inspire artists to create greater art.
Knowin' either side ever admits defeat
Neither the artists nor the industry usually admit their failures.
And screams treason at the first sign of retreat
Accusing each other of betrayal when things don't go as planned.
These underground cats think they're down
Bands who perform independent or non-mainstream music feel that they're connected to the real, raw music more than the mainstream artists.
They don't know a damn thing
They might not fully understand the art and culture they claim to be part of.
You don't shoot a gun before, learnin' how to use it
You need to understand the basics before you can be skilled at something like playing an instrument.
Ya don't shoot ya mouth off before learnin' the music
You can't be an expert in something you know little about, and bragging before learning and mastering it is just foolishness.
Now what is my moniker?, come late like Hanukkah
What is my name? I'm arriving on the scene after the celebration (late).
We gon't throw some hands in this section
We will solve this argument with our fists right here and right now.
Contributed by Asher E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.