Read Full Bio ↴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.
Reality Check
Binary Star Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(I have a request tonite...when you here this..that is the introduction)
scratching....(do you love pianos?)
[Tekniq]
This is how I represent I rock the mic 110 percent
It's intimate, I keeps the party moving like a imigrant
Binary Star, superstar its no coincidence
We don't get down like them clowns and the kids
I'm use to being indegent, who said its all about the Benjamin's?
I wanna fortune, I wanna make music and hit the lottery
Fortunately my music is never watery
That's how its gotta be, as far as I can see
Maybe you should grab a telescope to see my veiw its like astronomy
It aint all about economy
so the fact that these wack emcees is making G's don't bother me
Honestly, my number one policy is quality
never sell my soul is my philosophy
High velocity, lyrics like Nastradamus make a prophecy
I told you cats a long time a go it ain't no stoppin' me
I bomb your set that's not a threat its a promise
Got everybody ridin' on my wagon like the Amish
But still I never claim to be a big rap star
So no matter who you are its still Allah who act God
Better believe this, most rappers can't achieve this
I'm bad to the bone but x-rays can't even see this
See I'm strategic I letcha money talk bullshit walk
While I keep it rollin' like parapalegics
Whoever's on the microphone let it be known
You in danger, I got next(necks) like the Boston Strangler
You ain't never heard an emcee speak like this
And Rodney King ain't never felt a beat like this
Voice: (That is the Main theme)... scratching.. ( I wanna know something else)
[Senim Silla]
Get a grip on yourself cuz you ain't grippin mines
Life and times, outta lies rap guys outta line careers I finalize
collide with this seranade cyanide you apply for Silla's high
The thing that makes killa's high
Hang 'em high by the gold link necktie
And drain 'em dry into tempest eye now you ain't God
so you ain't that high wanna be aeronautic
And get swatted for actin' fly
Masterminds crafty rhymes, I'll rip from drafty lines
that chill spines like the Alpines, runnin up on some natural binds
A close encounter of the worst kind
Go ask the cats that heard I'm lyrical turpentine
Who wanna taste mine I gotta carry hill on the wasteline
God give the bassline so let the phlegm fly
I survive seven-five through the M-ine, when I forcefully Jedi
On the wooze I red-eye, heads fly bet I, sharpshoot dead-eye
Snooze crews bed bye, Mary lou flippin' I pistol pump grippin
I stompin, I semper-fi represent, temper high, signify
Walkin round ain't nothin similar
Like a Gemini, in this perimeter sublimin-ie
Cats be cut dry more why I wet guys
I be rainin precipitation 'til it's one inch your neck high
Less fly kids misguide, without an alibi
Who said you rap tight? You come unraveled by
Slice of this rap scalpel, guys quick as apple pie
I'm learned in old schools of thought and shit you baffled by
Conceptual intellectual fireslide
Silla oxide rhymes flow like a rockslide
you musta forgot I, have your ass knockneed and cockeyed
Bruised, battered, broken up, walkin, cut dipped in peroxide
Death to the Pop Fly
( I usualy don't do request numbers)... scratching..
( unless of course I have been asked to do so)...
The song "Reality Check" by Binary Star features the two members, Tekniq and Senim Silla, taking turns on the mic to deliver their views on the rap game and society at large. Tekniq opens the track with a confident assertion of his skills, rapping "This is how I represent, I rock the mic 110 percent." He goes on to criticize the emphasis on money and fame in the music industry, stating "Who said it's all about the Benjamin's? I wanna fortune, I wanna make music and hit the lottery. Fortunately my music is never watery." Throughout his verse, Tekniq emphasizes the importance of quality over material success and makes it clear that he won't compromise his values for anyone.
Senim Silla picks up where Tekniq left off, exhibiting his lyrical prowess and using intricate wordplay to convey his disdain for rappers who talk big but don't deliver. He boasts "Cats be cut dry more why I wet guys, I be rainin precipitation 'til it's one inch your neck high." Silla also references historical events and figures, comparing his skills to those of the Jedi in Star Wars and likening himself to a Gemini, representing duality and complexity. Both Tekniq and Silla stress the importance of staying true to oneself and avoiding the pitfalls of conformity and greed.
Line by Line Meaning
This is how I represent I rock the mic 110 percent
Tekniq is stating he always gives his all during his performances
It's intimate, I keeps the party moving like a imigrant
Tekniq takes pride in being able to create a close and engaging atmosphere during performances, just like an immigrant bringing life to a new community
Binary Star, superstar its no coincidence
Binary Star's success is not accidental or just a coincidence
Every verse is intricate, this ain't a circus in a tent
Binary Star's lyrics are deep and well thought out, unlike the shallow performances given by some other artists
We don't get down like them clowns and the kids
Binary Star does not perform or act like other shallow and immature artists
I'm use to being indegent, who said its all about the Benjamin's?
Tekniq has experience with poverty and knows that it's not just about making money or being rich
I wanna fortune, I wanna make music and hit the lottery
While Tekniq wants to be financially stable, he still wants to make good music and have fun doing it
Fortunately my music is never watery
Tekniq is proud that his music is always deep and meaningful
That's how its gotta be, as far as I can see
Tekniq believes that great music must always be deep and meaningful
Maybe you should grab a telescope to see my veiw its like astronomy
Tekniq's view and understanding of life is very expansive and deep, just like the vastness of space
It aint all about economy
Tekniq knows that life is not just about money, wealth, and status
so the fact that these wack emcees is making G's don't bother me
Tekniq is not bothered by the fact that other artists who make shallow and meaningless music are making a lot of money
Honestly, my number one policy is quality
Tekniq's top priority is always making high-quality, meaningful music
never sell my soul is my philosophy
Tekniq will never compromise his values or identity for money or fame
High velocity, lyrics like Nastradamus make a prophecy
Tekniq's lyrics are powerful and prophetic, like the predictions made by Nostradamus
I told you cats a long time a go it ain't no stoppin' me
Tekniq has always been confident in his abilities and assured his success would come
I bomb your set that's not a threat its a promise
Tekniq will give his all and perform at his highest level during his set
Got everybody ridin' on my wagon like the Amish
Tekniq has a lot of support and people following his musical journey
But still I never claim to be a big rap star
Tekniq does not strive for fame, money, or material success
So no matter who you are its still Allah who act God
Tekniq believes that God is the ultimate authority over all things, not any human being
Better believe this, most rappers can't achieve this
Tekniq knows that most other rappers cannot reach the level of artistry that he has
I'm bad to the bone but x-rays can't even see this
Tekniq is incredibly good at what he does, but his artistry and success cannot be measured or seen through any physical means
See I'm strategic I letcha money talk bullshit walk
Tekniq knows that money does not equate to meaningful music
While I keep it rollin' like parapalegics
Tekniq will continue making amazing music, just like people with paraplegia continue to move forward and live their lives to the fullest
Whoever's on the microphone let it be known
This line serves as a warning to anyone who follows after Tekniq and Binary Star
You in danger, I got next(necks) like the Boston Strangler
Tekniq and Binary Star are the next big thing in the music industry, and anyone who tries to overtake them will inevitably fail, much like the Boston Strangler's victims
You ain't never heard an emcee speak like this
Tekniq's style and artistry cannot be compared to any other artist
And Rodney King ain't never felt a beat like this
Tekniq's beats and music are so powerful that even Rodney King, who suffered police brutality, has never felt anything like it
Get a grip on yourself cuz you ain't grippin mines
Senim Silla urges other artists to work on their own artistry and improve their craft, rather than trying to copy his style
Life and times, outta lies rap guys outta line careers I finalize
Senim Silla ends the careers of other artists who try to copy his style and lie in their music
collide with this seranade cyanide you apply for Silla's high
Collaborating with Senim Silla means stepping up to his level of artistry, which can be poisonous or dangerous to other artists who are not up for the challenge
The thing that makes killa's high
Senim Silla's artistry and creative energy are what fuel him to create amazing music
Hang 'em high by the gold link necktie
Senim Silla wants to take down other artists who do not live up to his standards through their own materialistic desires
And drain 'em dry into tempest eye now you ain't God
Senim Silla knows that other artists who claim to be above reproach and better than others are not really as powerful as they seem
so you ain't that high wanna be aeronautic
Other artists who try to fly too close to the sun and be superstars will inevitably fall
And get swatted for actin' fly
Other artists who act too confident or superior will receive a harsh lesson from Senim Silla
Masterminds crafty rhymes, I'll rip from drafty lines
Senim Silla is a master lyricist who can create amazing music even from incomplete or rough ideas
that chill spines like the Alpines, runnin up on some natural binds
Even the chilliest and isolated places on earth, like the Alpines, can be overcome by the amazing energy and passion in Senim Silla's music
A close encounter of the worst kind
People who encounter Senim Silla and his music are never the same after experiencing his amazing artistry
Go ask the cats that heard I'm lyrical turpentine
Senim Silla's music is so strong and powerful that it cleanses the impurities and falsehoods in other artists' music
Who wanna taste mine I gotta carry hill on the wasteline
Other artists who try to copy Senim Silla's music will suffer a heavy burden and uphill battle
God give the bassline so let the phlegm fly
Senim Silla believes that God is the one who guides and inspires his music, and his rhymes and music are like a release of emotions and passion
I survive seven-five through the M-ine, when I forcefully Jedi
Despite facing many challenges and obstacles, Senim Silla's amazing artistry helps him overcome them and come out stronger, like a Jedi using the Force
On the wooze I red-eye, heads fly bet I, sharpshoot dead-eye
Senim Silla's music is incredibly powerful and intense, able to captivate and energize his audience, like a sharpshooter taking out targets with incredible precision
Snooze crews bed bye, Mary lou flippin' I pistol pump grippin
Other artists who are boring or unoriginal will lose their audience as they fall asleep during shows, while Senim Silla is always energetic and intense, like someone holding a loaded gun
I stompin, I semper-fi represent, temper high, signify
Senim Silla is always passionate and intense when it comes to his music, always representing and being true to his identity
Walkin round ain't nothin similar, like a Gemini
Senim Silla's artistry and originality are unparalleled and cannot be compared to any other artist or anyone else, like a Gemini, represented by the constellation of the twins
in this perimeter sublimin-ie
Senim Silla represents and dominates the music scene, always hiding his true artistry and identity below the surface
Cats be cut dry more why I wet guys
Other artists may be dry and forgettable, while Senim Silla's music is always full of life and intensity
I be rainin precipitation 'til it's one inch your neck high
Senim Silla's music is so intense and passionate that it can overwhelm or drown someone, like a rainstorm causing a flood
Less fly kids misguide, without an alibi
Other artists who lack originality or creativity will soon lose their audience and relevance, without any excuse or explanation
Who said you rap tight? You come unraveled by
Other artists who claim to be as good as or better than Senim Silla are quickly exposed or discredited by his amazing artistry
Slice of this rap scalpel, guys quick as apple pie
Senim Silla's lyrics and music are sharp and intense, able to cut through and expose falsehoods and fakes in the industry, as quickly and easily as one can slice a piece of apple pie
I'm learned in old schools of thought and shit you baffled by
Senim Silla has a deep understanding and knowledge of the history and roots of music, which other artists may find confusing or overwhelming
Conceptual intellectual fireslide
Senim Silla's artistry and lyrics are incredibly creative and intellectual, like a fiery explosion of passion and ideas
Silla oxide rhymes flow like a rockslide
Like a rockslide, Senim Silla's lyrics and music are intense and unstoppable, overwhelming everything in their path
you musta forgot I, have your ass knockneed and cockeyed
Senim Silla's artistry and power are so intense that other artists may forget or underestimate him, only to be knocked down and confused by his music
Bruised, battered, broken up, walkin, cut dipped in peroxide
Like someone who has been in a physical fight, other artists who face Senim Silla's music may end up bruised, battered, and broken, needing medical attention and care
Death to the Pop Fly
Senim Silla's music is incredibly creative and innovative, destroying the shallow and meaningless music of pop that dominates the industry
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SCOTT DEMOTT, JOHN CHARLES EDNEY, MATTHEW THOMAS MESCHERY, GEOFFREY H TURNEY, BRADY WILMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vikkie
music like this makes me wonder how many other undergroud gems I'm missing out on
vin ny
seriously!
KarlJC1411
Feel that
4 7
True man
Vikkie
If anybody knows such song, by all means, feel free to share!
Ed
ressurection by common
the sixth sense by common
war by little brother
pete rock and cl smooth return of the mecca, whole album. want more?
Sanjay Ramzan
Every so often i come back to this song. It grounds me. That's what good music/hip hop does. It reminds you of who you are. The perfect combination of lyrics and melody. The beat hits you emotionally, the lyrics sparking your mindspace. It's perfection. Hip Hop is new spiritual for those of us who hear the sounds of its beauty. We come together at the altar to pay homage to dopeness.
One to all my homies world wide.
Peace fam.
Brent Wold
Amen! Real hip hop is my therapy. I sincerely have a deep love and appreciation for it's beauty and tranquility. It's a huge part of who I am and I wouldn't be the same person with out.
Daniel Borscheid
peace
Dyslexic Mudkip
i didnt know fake hip hop existed