Esham – Boomin “Words From Hell” 1990

Description

Esham’s ‘Boomin Words From Hell,’ released in 1989 by Reel Life Productions, is a seminal album in the horrorcore genre of hip-hop. This cassette album, noted for its red shell and lack of barcode, represents a pioneering moment in the blending of horror-themed lyrics with hip-hop music.

The album opens with ‘Esham’s Boomin,’ setting a dark and intense tone that characterizes the entire record. Followed by ‘Word After Word’ and ‘Dream Girl,’ these tracks showcase Esham’s skill in crafting vivid and often unsettling narratives, blended with his unique, gritty beats.

‘Some Old Wicket Shit!!!’ and ‘Kissing Bandit’ continue to delve into the horrorcore style, with Esham pushing the boundaries of conventional hip-hop themes. ‘Devil’s Groove’ adds a rhythmic complexity to the album, further showcasing Esham’s innovative approach to production.

Side B of the cassette maintains the dark and eerie vibe. ‘Telling It How It Is’ and ‘Amen Another Sin’ mix provocative lyrics with haunting soundscapes. ‘My 9 Rhymes’ and ‘Pussy Ain’t Got No Face’ exhibit Esham’s talent for storytelling, while ‘Don’t Trip’ and ‘Watch ‘Cha Back’ round out the album with a warning of the dangers and realities of street life.

Esham A. Smith, who composed, engineered, produced, and performed the entire album, showcases his multifaceted skills in music production. His work on this album is a testament to his ability to create an entirely new subgenre within hip-hop.

The album was executively produced by James H. Smith and Reginald Nelton, and recorded at Side Stick Studios. Esham’s ‘Boomin Words From Hell’ stands as a landmark album, not only for its introduction of horrorcore to a wider audience but also for its raw, unfiltered portrayal of urban life. It remains a crucial piece of hip-hop history, reflecting the innovative spirit and creative depth of Esham A. Smith.