That same year he teamed up with Detroit natives TnT and Mastamind and formed the group Natas, whose controversial debut Life After Death has been blamed for the suicide of a Tennessee youth. After another EP released in 1992 entitled Hellter Skkkelter dropped, Esham's most recognized and most controversial album 1993's KKKill the Fetus hit stores. The cover of this album depicted an unborn fetus and the title track was a song explaining why unfit, drug addicted mothers should chose abortion over birth. Esham followed up with Natas' Blaz4me and another solo Closed Casket. This was all a prelude to another controversial release, Doubelievengod. Tracks such as "Pop Pop", "Sunday School", and "Heaven" set an unprecedented mark for evilness in rap music. Esham later released his final album on RLP, Dead Flowerz. This was a transitional period into Esham's new Gothom label. Bruce Wayne/Gothom City introduced the world to the new age Esham. After this release the head nodding, trunk rattling Multikillionaire was released.
After a 2-year break, E hit the scene with the colorful Mail Dominance CD. This CD had everything from slow jams, retrospectives on lost ones, wickedness, to 50's samples. The next release is what many feel was the critically acclaimed WWW.com. In 2001, Esham released what would become his smoothest album, Tongues. Followed by Natas 6th release Godlike. Esham resume of albums includes 10 full albums, 4 EPs, 3 greatest hits compilations, and 6 releases with Natas. Not to mention working with and producing for Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ghetto E, Kool Keith, Insane Clown Posse, and the Dayton Family. From 1989 to 2005, Esham has given fans his heavy doses of Reel Life, Heavy Mental music. Esham truly revolutionized Detroit's rap sound and is a local legend.
Eminem has listed Esham as an influence, as he mentions on his debut album, The Slim Shady LP. Esham's next album, A1 Yola, was released April 19th, 2005 by Psychopathic Records. Included with the album was also a DVD with videos to every song, making Esham the first artist to make a music video for every song on an album. Towards the end of 2005 Esham could no longer be a part of Psychopathic Records. His last concert under the label was at the 5th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos. He contributed to the Soopa Villainz project and later left. The split was on bad terms according to acidrap.com. The reason, also according to acidrap.com, was that Psychopathic Records did not allow him to use the name The Unholy,The Black Devil or the group NATAS. Athough bitterness was expressed by both parties directly after the split, Esham and Psychopathic have since publicly apoligized to one another, and stated that any past grievances are water under the bridge.
On June 6, 2006 (6/6/06) Esham released the Judgement Day box set, Rap's first $100 box set, available only through the Natas website. This set includes Judgement Day Vol.1 and 2, the previously unreleased Judgement Day Vol.3 and 4, a new 6 track Esham EP, and a DVD featuring concert footage from '04. Only 1,000 have been produced.
My 9 Rhymes
Esham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never thought I'd turn into a criminal if anything
Runnin from the cops like Al Capone
Goin Rambo on them mother fuckers like Sly Stallone
Got a gat in my pants like its part of my belt
Suckers scared like butter so they start to melt
I stand silent like concrete in Detroits streets
What a rich man throws away is what a poor man eats
Told my teacher i want to be like Hitler when i grow up
When i was 7 disregarded the laws of heaven
I went to church on Sunday and i cussed out the reverand
When i was 10 i started commiting sin
Witchcraft and voodoo with needles and pins
When i became an adolescent i never learned my lesson
Puttin holes in mother fuckers with a fuckin smith and wesson
A homicidal vital recital Esham my title
I know my shit is deaf and i know you want a bite oh
But no dont do it you'll be just a carbon copy
Esham is original and everyone else is sloppy
Still i kill im sweet like Sugar Hill
Not your average everyday elemantry run of the mill
Mother fucker get it strait i dont battle thats for suckers
You wish you was down with Reel Life Product aint that right brothers
I dont bullshit no need to bullshit
You pull some shit and you'll be pullin bullets n shit
Brother think im bluffin pull me bluff and get fucked up and
Its time for me to shut up cus i really said enough
These lyrics are from Esham's song My 9 Rhymes which is a self-reflective piece where he delves into the life of a young man growing up in poverty and resorting to a life of crime. The lyrics are dark and gritty in nature, giving a glimpse of the struggles and desperation that led the singer to adopt a life of violence and crime. The song opens with the lines "born beat up and always hungry, never thought I'd turn into a criminal if anything" which highlights the lack of agency and opportunities the singer had in his life, leading him to take extreme measures.
The use of violent imagery throughout the song is a reflection of the anger and frustration that the singer has felt throughout his life due to his circumstances. He talks about running from the cops, having a gun in his pants, and putting holes in people with a Smith and Wesson. The lyrics "When I was 5 my mind start to blow, told my teacher I want to be like Hitler when I grow up" are particularly poignant and show how the singer was influenced by the violent culture around him.
Overall, the lyrics of My 9 Rhymes are a representation of the hardships faced by people living in poverty and the impact of their environment on their psyche. The use of dark imagery and violent language showcases the desperation and hopelessness felt by the singer and offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of life in impoverished areas.
Line by Line Meaning
Born beat up and always hungry
I was born into poverty and suffered from hunger and physical abuse growing up.
Never thought I'd turn into a criminal if anything
Despite my hardships, I never expected to turn to a life of crime.
Runnin from the cops like Al Capone
I have had to evade the police on many occasions.
Goin Rambo on them mother fuckers like Sly Stallone
When confronted, I act aggressively and fiercely to defend myself.
Got a gat in my pants like its part of my belt
I carry a gun on me at all times for protection.
Suckers scared like butter so they start to melt
Those who oppose me become afraid and back down quickly.
I stand silent like concrete in Detroits streets
I am a strong and unyielding presence in my city, Detroit.
What a rich man throws away is what a poor man eats
Inequality leads to waste for some while others struggle to survive.
When i was 5 my mind start to blow
My young mind began to entertain dark thoughts and violent ideas.
Told my teacher i want to be like Hitler when i grow up
I expressed admiration for a genocidal dictator, revealing my dangerous mindset from an early age.
When i was 7 disregarded the laws of heaven
I began to rebel against religion and authority figures at a young age.
I went to church on Sunday and i cussed out the reverand
I had no respect for religious figures, and openly showed disdain towards them.
When i was 10 i started commiting sin
At 10 years old, I began engaging in illicit and immoral activities.
Witchcraft and voodoo with needles and pins
I experimented with dark magic and the occult arts.
When i became an adolescent i never learned my lesson
As I grew older, I failed to mature and continued to engage in criminal behavior.
Puttin holes in mother fuckers with a fuckin smith and wesson
I became increasingly violent and started using a gun to commit violent crimes.
A homicidal vital recital Esham my title
My music is often focused on themes of violence and murder.
I know my shit is deaf and i know you want a bite oh
I am aware of the appeal of my music to some listeners.
But no dont do it you'll be just a carbon copy
I discourage listeners from trying to copy or imitate my style.
Esham is original and everyone else is sloppy
I pride myself on my unique style and believe that others are inferior in comparison.
Still i kill im sweet like Sugar Hill
I am still capable of committing violent acts and see myself as a powerful figure.
Not your average everyday elemantry run of the mill
I am not an ordinary or average person, but someone who stands out and is exceptional.
Mother fucker get it strait i dont battle thats for suckers
I do not engage in rap battles or competitions, viewing them as beneath me.
You wish you was down with Reel Life Product aint that right brothers
I am proud of my affiliation with my record label, Reel Life Productions, and feel superior to those who are not part of it.
I dont bullshit no need to bullshit
I am honest and transparent, with no need to deceive or manipulate others.
You pull some shit and you'll be pullin bullets n shit
If someone tries to mess with me or my business, they will face violent retribution.
Brother think im bluffin pull me bluff and get fucked up and
I am not a person to be underestimated or taken lightly.
Its time for me to shut up cus i really said enough
I have said all I need to say, and it is time for me to stop talking.
Contributed by Cameron G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.