About

L.A-based Emanon (aka Exile and Aloe Blacc) began experimenting with Hip Hop when Aloe was only 16 and Exile 17, with no more than a four-track tape recorder, turntable and a microphone. They built a fan base pre-internet by selling tapes on the streets all over the CA southland, eventually reaching the world. The duo have released many underground tapes and vinyl throughout the years and to the ears of many.

Both artists also saw plenty of success in their solo careers. Blacc launched his career as a solo artist in 2003, releasing two EPs, and signing to Stones Throw Records in 2006, after label head Chris Manak (known as Peanut Butter Wolf) heard Blacc and immediately offered him a contract for the 2006 full-length album Shine Through. He is best known for his singles "I Need a Dollar", "The Man", which topped the charts in the United Kingdom, and for writing and performing vocals on Avicii's "Wake Me Up", which topped the charts in 22 countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Exile laid the foundation for new West Coast classics with Dirty Science crew-mates: collaborating with rapper Blu on 2007 studio album Below the Heavens, producing rapper Fashawn's debut solo album Boy Meets World, as well as racking up countless production credits with Snoop Dogg, Whiz Khalifa and Big Sean.

Blacc and Exile have remained friends and continued to collaborate over the years, but it wasn’t until 2017 that the combination bore fruit—dipping into Blacc’s poetic, lyrical mind, with Exile at the production helm, to bring fans a modern classic Dystopia. – Wiki & Dirty Science

“The pounding, marching rhythm of “Death Is Fair” and the heavy groove of “Night Stalker” are two standouts that underscore the pair’s wealth of experience. Impressively, the whole album sounds fresh and free of the standard, clichéd hip-hop staples…

Free of any posing or posturing, this is an intelligent hip-hop album that shines a light on the times in which we live. It offers a resilient but often bleak outlook for African-Americans residing in the U.S. today. However, like the best political rap albums there are plenty of memorable melodies and hooks—these are songs not diatribes. At times it can be a dark and uncomfortable listen but the skilful backing and Blacc’s lean, fat-free flow make this a powerful statement. In a year of political hip-hop albums from the likes of Common and A Tribe Called Quest, this is up there with the best.” – PopMatters

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